4 important Tips For Creating a Pet-Friendly Home

If you live in one of the 82.5 million households in the United States that owns a pet, I’ve got four important tips to share with you on creating a pet-friendly home. It’s a fact: 68% of American households own a pet or two (or three…) and pet owners’ spending is likely to reach almost $60 billion this year. As a dog lover and rescuer myself, I know the challenges of keeping your furry friends happy and healthy. Here are four tips to share with your decorator for creating a pet-friendly home:
1. Think easy to clean
Think easy to clean floors such as in tile or vinyl. If you have area rugs, be sure to use pads underneath to prevent them from sliding out from under your pet.
2. Reduce dirt
By brushing and washing your pet regularly, you can keep the dirt and shedding to a minimum. Here’s another idea: only allow your pet in certain areas of your home to keep dirt (and mischief) down to a minimum.
3. Pet Proof
Just like you would do for a human toddler, make sure your home is pet-proof, with cabinet locks and trash-can and toilet-bowl lid latches. Keep electrical cords tidy and put anything that’s breakable out of reach. Last year, the Animal Poison Control Center reported nearly 180,000 cases of pets exposed to possible poisons. Make sure you are familiar with pet toxins — from medication, plants, and people food, to cleaning products, pesticides and fertilizers.
4. A place to call their own
Every family member needs a place to call their own. That applies to pets as well. I’m talking about a cozy bed or maybe a crate where they can curl up and feel safe. The good news is that today you don’t have to compromise style to accommodate your beloved pet. In fact, it’s easy because nowadays there’s so much to choose — from stylish scratching posts and handsome cabinets to store food and toys, to high-end pet beds or even extreme dog houses.
There are fashionable pet product designs perfect for every home, where you can make sure your pet has all the creature comforts it will need without creating obtrusive headaches. Check out my website and then give me a call at 805.886.9378 or email me at Cristal@montecito-estate.com. I will be happy to discuss ways you can create a pet-friendly home.