You’re planning to renovate your home. The decisions you make will impact your living space, and, if you have pets, theirs as well. You love your pets like family and want to give them their own special space to eat, sleep, and relax. Equally, you want your home to look attractive. Is that even possible, you ask. As a matter of fact, it is possible to have a beautiful space that is also pet-friendly. There are some things to consider when incorporating a special space for your pet.

Where your pet sleeps, for example, will be determined by the size and layout of your home. If you crate your dog at night, a built-in crate in the laundry room or kitchen might be a possibility. You could also simply provide a sleeping nook for your pet, perhaps under the stairs. A low kitchen cabinet could be converted into a sleeping or feeding alcove. An unused closet or room might become a “bedroom” for your kitty to retreat to when you have company.

Another thing to consider is storage. Where will you keep your pet’s food, medicine, toys, and other pet care items? A drawer or cabinet might be a possibility. Don’t overlook vertical space if your home is small. Hooks on walls can hold a leash or wet towels.

Pet-Friendly Trends for Home Renovations

As the number of households with pets increases, new trends find their way into home design. One such trend is mudrooms. They’re not only a great place to leave muddy boots or wet coats; they can also serve as sleeping nooks under benches. Decorate with a pretty pet bed or cushion. Another trend is feeding stations or pet sleeping nooks built into kitchen islands. If your pet needs to be near you, he or she is not underfoot. A cat “highway” can consist of shelves above eye level and to give your feline a way to move about freely. Fluffy can perch and explore without getting on the kitchen counters.

How to Keep Your Pet Healthy at Home

While these built-in spaces should make your pet happy, keeping them healthy is also important. The way to accomplish that is to provide good nutrition, exercise, annual visits to the vet, and “pet-proofing” your home. For your pet’s nutritional needs, buy good-quality food. Your vet can offer suggestions on what to choose. Always provide your pets with clean, fresh water. Changing it each day is the best way to ensure it stays fresh or purchase a pet water fountain. Your pet needs exercise to prevent weight gain and to help them sleep and work off excess energy. Playing with your pet not only gives them exercise, but keeps them from getting bored.

Annual checkups at the vet will keep your pet healthy and may catch any potential disease, such as cancer. If you’re on a tight budget, consider pet insurance. There are a number of pet insurance companies to pick from. Most pet insurance provides coverage for accidents, illness, diagnostic tests, and more.

Lastly, “pet-proofing” your home will ensure your pets not only stay healthy, but safe. This means making sure your puppy or kitten can’t chew on any electrical cords within easy reach. Secure any dangerous chemicals such as cleaning products or off-limits foods like chocolate or raisins. Perhaps add an on-ramp or cat condo to make it easier for an older cat to reach a favorite perch.

These are just a few of the multitudes of ideas for including pet spaces in your renovated home. You don’t even have to spend a lot of money to provide your beloved fur babies their own space to eat or chill out. You’re only limited by your imagination.