Pets add a little spice to many lives. As responsible pet-owners, it is our job to maintain a pet-friendly environment for these creatures that place their trust in us. Just as a child can be elegant and child-friendly, it can also be elegant and pet-friendly. Here are a few tips to help you create a pet-friendly environment:   

Entrances – Entrance floors should be easy to clean – both inside the door and outside the door. Use hard floors around entrances to make cleanup easier. It is a good idea to place mats both inside and outside the entranceways to catch dirt from your pet’s paws before it gets into the house. 

Floors – The floors in your home should be pet-friendly. Ceramic or wood flooring with under-floor heating is the most compatible flooring for pets. This type of flooring is easier to clean and less likely to “hold” pet odors. 

Furniture – Furniture should be pet-friendly and easy to clean. Metal and glass furniture are the best furniture choices for homes that have pets. Wood furniture is often used as scratching posts and is easily scratched by both dog and cat paws. You should also avoid using floor-length curtains. Instead choose window blinds or shorter-paneled curtains to avoid your pet. Be sure to use protective covers on expensive and fabric furniture. A good idea is to have two inexpensive sets of furniture covers so that you can quickly change the covers if you are expecting guests. This will help to eliminate pet hairs from clinging to your guests’ clothes. 

Territory – Formal rooms should be off-limits to pets. Gates or doors that can be closed are a great way to keep your pets out of off-limit areas. In turn, you should have areas of your home that are declared “pet-zones”, where the pets are allowed to roam freely. Feeding bowls, litter boxes, and pet beds should be placed in an area that is easy to clean and easily accessible to the pet. 

Pet Furnishings – If you wish to creative a stylish environment in your home, don’t be afraid to splurge for stylish pet furniture. You can find pet beds to match almost any décor and food bowls that are pretty and add to your décor rather than detract from it. Make your pet-zone a special place for your pet and decorate as lavishly as the rest of your house. 

Having a pet as a part of your stylish household is possible. Remember to keep an emergency cleaning kit readily available for those little “accidents” that are bound to happen from time to time. Creating a pet-friendly home is much like creating a child-friendly home. Choose colors that are darker shades and remember that busy patterns help hide stains that are inevitable with either a child or a pet in the house. Expensive knick-knacks and art pieces should be kept out of reach of pets as well. Be sure that floor areas are free of cords and cables that could pose a danger for your pet. Bathing and brushing pets regularly will help to cut down on loose hair throughout the house. You can create a stylish and pet-friendly home by keeping in mind the safety and comfort of your pet, as well as your guests.