How to Make Your Home More Pet-Friendly

Pet owners will do just about anything for their four-legged friends. From pricey doggie daycares to pampered “pawdicures” (yep, that’s a thing), keeping our furballs happy and healthy is a high priority for many. In addition to these little luxuries, pet owners moving to a new home may also need to design their house to accommodate their animals. This is especially true if you 1) refuse to stick your dog in the backyard; 2) have an animal that sheds like crazy; and 3) can’t find the time to properly train them (that’s me!).

As the owner of a hyperactive, mischief-making poodle, I can tell you that creating a home that is both stylish and pet-proof isn’t always easy. However, with the right planning and materials, it can be done. For starters, focus on pet-friendly furniture, avoid white materials and invest in a quality vacuum to remove pet hair. Don’t forget to also pet proof your house with baby gates, fences and other necessary add-ons.

Need more tips? Here are five ways to make your new home a pet-friendly paradise for you and your pooch.

Invest in pet-friendly furniture

I cannot stress this enough: stain-resistant fabric is the way to go when it comes to purchasing upholstered or slipcovered furniture. Those sharing their couches and chairs with animals should be wary of more than just pet hair and dander. Stinky odors and unwelcome stains can also seep into certain fabrics, making your Sunday night lounging an unpleasant (and stinky) experience. When purchasing pet-friendly furniture, be sure to avoid velvets, silk and tweed – as these are vulnerable to stains and scratches. Instead, opt for furniture outfitted in synthetic microfiber, leather and “outdoor” fabrics, such as Sunbrella. Keep in mind that most furniture companies will tell you which fabrics are stain-resistant. It’s also a good idea to avoid light colors when picking a couch, as stains are likely to show up on white or beige furniture.

Buy trash cans with lids

Does your dog tend to get into the trash? Unless you want kleenex, old food and other trash constantly strewn across your floor, I suggest trading out your short wastebaskets for tall trash cans with lids. Low-lying trash cans should especially be avoided in your pantry, kitchen and bathrooms. When choosing a trash can, be sure to pick one that is both durable and secure. If possible, stash your trash can in a closed off pantry or behind a kitchen cabinet to prevent your pet from knocking it over.

Move medications and vitamins to a safe place

The last thing you want happening is for your sweet furball to get into your medications or vitamins. Many, if not most, of these pills can be deadly for animals. If you keep your meds and vitamins in your kitchen pantry or bathroom, be sure to place them on a shelf up high. The same goes for toxic foods. Unfortunately, our pups can’t handle many human foods. Everyday fare in the kitchen, such as grapes, chocolate, raisins, nuts and avocados, can be especially poisonous for dogs and must be kept out of reach.

Install screens in your windows

Have cats? If you plan on opening those windows during the summertime, I strongly advise installing window screens. Over the years, hundreds of cats have fallen victim to “high-rise syndrome,” a recent phenomenon of cats falling out of high-rise buildings and two story windows, according to WebMD . Unfortunately, this can cause serious injuries and even death in cats. To keep Fluffy safe, install screens on upstairs windows as soon as you move into your new home.

Opt for tile flooring instead of carpet

If you have a pet at home, you can forget about carpet. Unfortunately, many carpet materials aren’t durable enough to withstand stains and damage from pets. Not to mention, carpet is notorious for absorbing nasty odors. For these reasons, I suggest investing in either porcelain tile or ceramic tile flooring, which are both highly resistant to stains and scratches. If you decide to use rugs in your home, aim to purchase ones that are washable and are specified as having “indoor/outdoor” materials. Avoid thickly woven sisal and jute rugs as both dogs and cats will inevitably scratch these up and ruin them.

Other tips for moving with pets

Besides pet-proofing your home, here are a few other ways to make your dog or cat’s move as pawsitive as possible.

• Pack a moving day bag for your pet. This should include poop bags, necessary medications, favorite toys, bones and chew toys, leash, kitty litter and scooper, crate, blanket, water bowls and food.
• Bring a durable pet carrier for traveling.
• If flying, contact your airline to reserve your pet’s spot on the plane. You may need to pay an additional pet fee as well.
• Stock up on bottled water to keep your pet hydrated on moving day.
• Research your new city’s pet rules and regulations.
• Make sure your pet’s tag ID information is correct. Also, double-check that your name and contact information is up-to-date.
• Collect all pet health records, including proof of rabies vaccination and any other vaccinations required in your new city.
• If you’re able to drop your pet at a doggie daycare or board them temporarily while you move, I highly recommend doing so. Not only will this help keep your pet’s stress level low, but it will also keep them safe on moving day.
• Take your dog for a walk around the new home. This way, he can smell all the new smells and get a sense for his new neighborhood.
• Research and find a new veterinarian after you move.

Ready to move?

Need one less thing to worry about? If you’re moving to a new home, try hiring the right professionals for the job. Fortunately, Moving.com’s extensive network of reputable and reliable movers makes it easy to find and book the best moving company for your relocation. All moving companies in our network are licensed and insured, so you can rest assured that your move (and your furball’s belongings) will be in good hands. Best of luck and happy moving!