If you’re someone who has pets, chances are that you would probably be devastated if something bad were to happen to them. To help you protect the well-being of your pets as well as avoid incurring unnecessary costs, it is crucial for you to take certain things into consideration when designing your home. In this post, we take a closer look at some important design considerations for a pet-friendly home.
Flooring and Surfaces
For starters, it is crucial for you to take the flooring and surfaces in your home into consideration when you’re designing it. Your pets will likely spend a sizeable amount of time walking around the house and having pet-friendly flooring, such as vinyl, that is resistant to scratches, stains, and accidents can be beneficial for both you and your pets.
Furniture and Upholstery
As a homeowner, the last thing you would probably want is the furniture and upholstery you spend large amounts of money on to be damaged by your pets. Thus, to prevent this from happening, consider investing in pet-friendly furniture. You can consider opting for fabrics resistant to pet hair and stains or furniture with removable covers that enable you to wash them easily.
Designated Pet Spaces
You can also consider having certain designated pet spaces which are set aside for your pets. This can give them a clear area to relax and help minimise their effect on your main furniture and living spaces. A designated space for pets doesn’t have to be a large room or area but can simply be a small nook or corner where you place a small pet bed or cushion. You can also incorporate pet-sized furniture or toys for your pets in this area.
Safety Considerations
Apart from practical and design considerations, there are also some safety considerations that you might want to take into account to protect the health, safety and well-being of your pets. One of the most common hazards posed to pets in a household is loose electrical cords and uncovered outlets. Adventurous or playful pets might end up playing with these electrical elements, which might cause them electric shocks or even be the source of electric fires.
Additionally, toxic plants and substances, such as medicines that are within easy reach of your pets, may also pose a danger to them. If they accidentally ingest these substances or plants, they might suffer injury to their health. Thus, ensure that these are always placed out of reach of your pets as far as possible.
Let Us Help Your Design Your Custom Home
If you are looking to design a custom home in Melbourne or the surrounding areas, Australian Heritage Homes can help. We are a team of expert building contractors with decades of industry experience that we will use to help you build a safe haven for you and your pets. Contact us today for more information!