7 Tips For a Pet-Friendly Home

AUSTIN, TX – Austin is known as one of the most pet-friendly cities in the nation. Local homeowners love their fur babies and are getting creative when it comes to making their pets feel cozy inside. Rather than keeping your pets outdoors, many owners are adjusting their living spaces with their pets’ needs in mind. These 7 tips for a pet-friendly home will help create a welcoming environment for your pets, preventing clutter, ware, and damage to your home.

1. CHOOSE HARD SURFACE FLOORING

Ditch the carpet and opt for hardwood flooring. Carpet can be a pain to have when housing a pet, especially in their early training years. Dirty paws will have you constantly cleansing along with the occasional accident and vomit. Carpet also carries odors that can be hard to get rid of.

2. USE STAIN RESISTANT FABRIC 

Consider your fabric choice when picking out furniture. Materials like Crypton are nearly indestructible, synthetic fabrics that are resistant to stains, smells, bacteria and muddy paws.

3. SET UP A SPECIAL AREA

Set up a comfortable space in the corner of your living room, complete with a bed, blanket, and toys. This gives your pup a place to relax while relieving your sofa of pet hair.

4. PUT WASHABLE FABRICS ON THE BED

Protect your bedspread from pet hair and accidents. Use washable bedding such as duvet covers and cotton bedsheets for easy clean-up. Use colors that match your pet to hide any hairs.

5. ADD A DOGGY DOOR 

Installing a dog door in your home makes life easier for pets and owners. Instead of having to let your pet in and out, you can relax and while they show themselves outside. Many dog doors also come with lockable panels to prevent your pet from unnecessarily coming in and out.

6. PETSCAPE THE YARD

If you let your pets out into the yard, make sure it’s secure and safe. Check the perimeter fencing to determine if you need to build or add structures to prevent escapes. Identify toxic plants in your landscape. Some such plants are azaleas, some ferns and ivies, daffodils, and daylilies. Consider organic gardening, insecticides and fertilizers were among the ASPCA’s top 10 pet poisons.

7. BUY STYLISH TOYS

Say goodbye to constantly hiding your dog’s toys in the corner when company comes over. Prevent your home from looking cluttered by purchasing a mix of stylish toys and treats that match your home interior.