Pet-Friendly Home Designs That Will Keep Your Furry Friends Happy
January 30, 2025
7 min read
When we first brought home my dog, Bailey, a lovable ball of energy with a wagging tail that never seemed to stop, I had no idea how much our home would need to adjust. Between her zoomies across the living room and her habit of claiming my favorite spot on the couch, it quickly became clear—our home wasn’t just ours anymore; it was hers too.
A stylish and functional home is hard enough to pull off, but when you've got pets? It’s next-level challenging. Every wag, meow, chirp, or scurry adds joy to your life but also brings certain needs that shouldn’t be ignored in your home’s design. Lucky for you, I’ve been in the trenches figuring it all out, and I’m here to share how I created spaces that worked for Bailey—and for the rest of us too.
This isn’t just about pet-proofing; it’s about making a home that’s as cozy and practical for your furry companion as it is beautiful and stylish for you. And trust me, it can be done.
Understanding Your Pet’s Unique Needs
It’s no secret—our homes are shaped by the ones we share them with, and pets are no exception. Seventy percent of U.S. households now own a pet, as revealed by a study from the American Pet Products Association (APPA).
And with that many people welcoming furry (or feathered!) friends into their lives, it’s no wonder there’s a growing demand for pet-friendly features like durable flooring, built-in feeding stations, and cozy designated spaces.
For me, it didn’t take long to discover that pet-friendly design isn’t a one-size-fits-all kind of deal. Just like people, every animal’s needs are unique—it all depends on their size, personality, and even their age.
1. For Dogs: Big Movers and Shakers
Dogs are social animals and need space to roam—especially if they’ve got energy to burn like Bailey. If you have an extra active pup, look at your layout with fresh eyes. Do they have enough room to chase a toy down the hall or do their hilarious "I’m so excited to see you!" spins?
If you’ve got a larger breed, maybe that yard gets an upgrade. For smaller or senior dogs, comfort is key, and a cushy spot in a quieter area can make all the difference.
Here’s what worked for us with Bailey—her “nook.” We carved out an alcove under the staircase (small dogs dream of cozy spaces like this!), where we layered some soft blankets, a bed, and even a basket of toys. It’s her space to chill out when everything gets too exciting.
2. Cats Love Heights (and Hiding Spots)
Cats, on the other hand, worship high perches and secret hideaways—qualities that can make them both sneaky and adorable. When we started designing our home with my sister’s two cats in mind, the verdict was clear—get creative vertically.
Cat shelves, window perches, and even a tall cat tree gave them a kingdom to oversee their human “subjects” from above. Bonus? They leave furniture alone when they’ve got their own climbing zone. Well... most of the time.
A "Daily Check-in" for Your Cats’ Space Needs: Think of your cat's favorite spots to snooze or scratch. Could you add a perch by their go-to window or tuck a small cat hammock into a corner?
3. Smaller Critters & Feathered Friends
Not all pets roam the house freely, but that doesn't mean they don’t need thoughtful design. When my niece moved in briefly with her guinea pigs (I didn’t realize the squeals could be so endearing!), we realized their little enclosure wasn’t enough on its own. Supervised "floor time" became a thing, and we baby-proofed a section of the living room just for them.
Birds, meanwhile, thrive with space and stimulation. A roomy, strategically placed cage and a rotation of new toys helped my best friend's parakeet stay happy and entertained. And don’t forget about the fish—keeping their tanks properly maintained and displayed beautifully makes all the difference.
4. Your Pet’s Life Stage Matters
This hit home hard for us when Bailey started to slow down with age. What once worked for her didn’t anymore; stairs became a challenge, and we swapped out her springy bed for one with orthopedic support. Puppies, kittens, and older pets each have unique needs, so consider these when designing spaces for them.
Daily Check-in: Think about your pet’s current stage in life. Have they been struggling with mobility or needing a little more mental stimulation?
Essential Features for a Pet-Friendly Home
Pet-friendly doesn’t mean giving up your dream of a beautiful home. It just means tweaking things to make life easier for you and them.
1. Easy-to-Clean Floors and Furniture
Here’s my golden rule for pet messes after Bailey’s muddy-paw parade through the living room—whatever you can’t clean easily? Out it goes. Hardwood, laminate, or tile flooring saved my sanity. Plush carpets? Not so much. And slipcovers for couches? Game-changing.
2. Pet-Safe Plants
True confession—I'm a plant lady. But did you know many gorgeous houseplants could be toxic to curious pets? The beautiful monstera in my living room had to find a new home after Bailey nibbled it one day. Research what’s safe for your crew, or stick with pet-friendly options like spider plants, parlor palms, and herbs.
3. Secure Outdoor Spaces
If you’ve got backyard access, make it a haven for your fur babies. We fenced in our yard for Bailey, added some shaded areas for her to cool off during summer, and made sure every plant out there was dog-safe.
Daily Check-in: Take a walk through your yard or balcony. Is there anything risky your pet could chew, dig into, or squeeze through?
4. Creating Dedicated Pet Zones
Bailey loves to snooze in our family room, so we set her up with a colorful dog bed that complements our decor and a toy bin tucked into a corner. Whether it’s a room, a corner, or just a sunny window ledge, dedicated spaces are like a sanctuary for your pets.
Room-by-Room Guide for Pet-Friendly Vibes
1. Kitchen
Bailey always seems to think the kitchen is a buffet for her! To keep her safe, we store food in lidded containers and even built a pull-out drawer for her kibble. Bonus? It blends in with our cabinetry.
2. Living Room
This is play-central, so I’ve learned to keep fragile items up high and opt for furniture that can take some claws and paws. A washable area rug now defines the space and holds up to everything life throws at it (or, in Bailey’s case, drags across it).
3. Bedroom
After a few chaotic nights of Bailey deciding she’d just hop right onto the bed like she owned the place, I caved and got her a plush bed of her own—and she adores it! If your bedroom is their sleeping zone, make it cozy but also consider noise control.
4. Bathroom
Maybe the most underrated place for thoughtful pet design! Adding a detachable shower head and mats for traction made bath-time much easier on Bailey (and saved my back from all the bending!).
Creative (and Fun!) Design Ideas
Here’s where things got fun—and functional—in our home!
- Pet doors and gates don’t have to scream "utilitarian." We found a sleek, custom-made pet gate that keeps Bailey out of the kitchen during dinner prep but blends right into the decor.
- Built-in feeding stations save floor space and keep things looking tidy. Ours pulls out like a drawer from the bottom of our kitchen island.
- Hidden litter boxes in furniture? Genius. One of my friends swears their side table/litter box combo is the ultimate game-changer.
Daily Check-in: Could your home use a clever pet design upgrade, like a custom gate or hidden feeding station? Think of one feature you could tweak this week.
Balancing Style and Function
I get it—you want your home to look fantastic and feel liveable for everyone. My advice? Go for durable, pet-friendly materials that still look chic. When choosing furniture, I looked for scratch-resistant finishes for Bailey-proofing, and trust me, it doesn’t feel like a compromise anymore.
I’ve also learned to embrace pet-related decor. Bailey’s feeding station matches our kitchen’s earthy tones, and her toys stay organized in a woven basket that I hardly notice anymore.
And remember: home design doesn’t happen overnight. You’ll tweak things as you go, adjusting for what works best.
Make Your Home the Place All Pets Dream Of!
Designing a space with your furry (or feathered!) friend in mind might seem like a big project, but in the end, it’s so worth it. When you find that blend of style and functionality, your home will feel like a sanctuary—where every wag, purr, or chirp adds to the joy of being there.
Take a deep breath, look at your space, and start small. From adding little pet zones to swapping out that scratch-prone rug, every step gets you closer to harmony between human and pet life.
Because when your home feels good for them, it feels amazing for you too. Go ahead—create your dream home!
