Pet-friendly features for dogs are a popular trend among today’s homebuyers. The number of buyers interested in home features that help their furry family members feel more comfortable is growing. Just like humans, pets want a place to call their own. It doesn’t necessarily need to be a room, but a place where you can put a bed or carrier that is designated just for them.
Here are four popular ‘barkitecture’ trends:
- Dog washing stations. These often resemble pet-sized showers and can be in a laundry or mudroom. These make it easy to clean muddy paws after a walk or give pets a quick bath.
- Hidden feeding areas. Buyers are prioritizing hidden food and watering stations for their pets to ensure feeding is organized, sanitary, and convenient. They can be incorporated into kitchen islands and usually include a pot-filler faucet for water bowls.
- Under-the-counter fridges. Homebuyers who like to keep their pet’s food fresh often look for a separate discreet refrigerator. Small fridges located under a counter or hidden in a kitchen cabinet are popular locations.
- Hand showers. A hand shower and attachments for existing tubs and showers are inexpensive ways to help buyers create an environment for pampering pets.
It is also important for pet parents to ensure that their home is not just a safe space for themselves, but also for their pets. A designated space in your home for a pet and their supplies will help a pet feel comfortable. Leaving your pets without preparing them can cause anxiety and psychological distress. They could even attempt to get outside and hurt themselves in the process.
Be careful of chewing hazards. Nothing is off limits to a dog looking to play or chew until they are adequately trained. It is important to survey your space for any items that could be dangerous, like wires and electrical cords. Safely cover all cords, especially if introducing a puppy to the house, as they will be teething and go right for the wires. If you have children, it’s important to remind them to put their stuff away because whatever is on the floor will ultimately end up in your pet’s mouth.
No matter how much planning and prevention you do in your home to keep your pets safe, accidents do happen! It is important to have the phone number and location of a 24-hour urgent care veterinary hospital at the ready. Anytime someone else is with your pet, make sure they have the information as well.
They say home is where the heart is, but it’s really where the pet is! By following these tips, you can create a loving, happy, safe space for your dog or cat no matter where you call home.
If you are looking for a new furry family member, visit Hearts United for Animals, the largest no-kill shelter in Nebraska that Core Bank has partnered with.