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FALL HOME IMPROVEMENT GUIDE | WENATCHEE WORLD 2020
Pet Friendly Home Design It may seem like petfriendly home design is a narrow field, limited to doggie-doors and jump-proof fences, but this couldn’t be further from the truth. Petfriendly home design is becoming increasingly popular –– and there are all sorts of products and Pinterest boards to prove it. In fact, according to a 2017 survey conducted by the National Association of Realtors, nearly half of all pet owners have completed a pet-related home renovation project. “Dogs [and other pets] are inside more and [seen as] family members now,” said Jennifer Larsen, coowner of Firehouse Pet Shop. While durable floors, new fences, and dog-doors
are the most popular petrelated renovations, there are all kinds of options for someone who wants to take their pet into account during the renovation process. “In a lot of new homes, people are putting in their own self-wash, like a raised tub or shower pan, in their bathroom or mudroom,” said Larsen. Other renovations include built-in feeding stations in the kitchen, designated dog-runs in the back yard, and enclosed patios so your cats can get some sun. Installing an outdoor outlet is also a good idea, adds Firehouse co-owner, Allen Larsen, so that you will have a place to plug in a heated water bowl during the winter.
Pet-friendly home design isn’t limited to fullscale home renovations, of course. There are a multitude of products on the market that are made to match your existing design while making your home a bit homier for the pets living in it. “There are doggie doors for your slider,” said Larsen. “You just put a section into your slider so you’re not damaging any walls or doors, and it has the doggie door in it.” Other products are even more creative. There are end-tables with litter-boxes hidden inside, small “catios” that can be attached to windows, and dog beds that are made to look like posh sofas.
