When I first brought Luna, my mischievous Labrador puppy, home, I was utterly unprepared. Sure, I had the basics: a food bowl, a leash, and what I thought were “indestructible” toys. (Spoiler: nothing is indestructible to a determined puppy.) But within a week, she’d chewed through my couch cushion, turned my shoes into chew toys, and discovered a previously hidden stash of snacks I didn’t even remember buying. Clearly, I needed a crash course in making my home pet-friendly.
If you’re diving into the world of pet ownership or just want to level up your space for your furry friend, take it from me: the process can be fun, rewarding, and a little chaotic. Here are my best pet-friendly home tips, complete with stories from the trenches.
Essential Pet-Friendly Home Tips for a Safe and Happy Space
Step 1: Think Like Your Pet (Yes, Really)
The first thing I learned as a pet owner is that pets are tiny detectives. They will find every flaw in your home setup and exploit it. Case in point: Luna somehow discovered a loose thread on my throw blanket and decided it would be the perfect thing to unravel during a Zoom meeting.
To truly pet-proof your home, you’ve got to think like them. I got down on Luna’s level (literally—I crawled around on my hands and knees) to spot potential hazards. Turns out, there was a lot to fix:
- Electrical cords: Chew magnets. I wrapped mine in cord protectors and moved some out of reach entirely.
- Houseplants: I had no idea some were toxic to pets. Goodbye, peace lily; hello, spider plant.
- Small objects: Earrings, hair ties, and anything that could double as a choking hazard went straight into drawers or storage bins.
Pro tip: Pets are like toddlers. If it’s within reach and looks vaguely interesting, it’s fair game.
Step 2: Create a Dedicated Home Pet-friendly Zone
One of the best pet-friendly home tips I can give you is to establish a special space just for your pet. At first, Luna claimed random spots around the house—under the dining table, next to the couch, and, once, in my laundry basket. (She looked so proud, I didn’t have the heart to scold her.)
I eventually set up a cozy corner just for her. Here’s what worked:
- A comfy, washable dog bed. (The washable part is key—trust me.)
- A basket of her favorite toys.
- A sturdy water bowl that doesn’t slide across the floor.
Now, whenever she’s feeling playful or needs a nap, she knows exactly where to go. For cats, consider adding vertical spaces like shelves or perches; they’ll love having their own little kingdom.
Step 3: Choose Pet-Friendly Furniture and Flooring
Here’s a hard truth: pets and fancy furniture don’t always mix. When Luna decided my beige couch was the perfect place to practice digging, I knew I needed a change.
I swapped out my delicate upholstery for more durable, pet-friendly options:
- Microfiber or leather: Both are easier to clean and less likely to hold onto fur.
- Slipcovers: These have been lifesavers. If Luna has a muddy-paw moment, I just throw the cover in the wash.
Flooring matters too. I used to have a shag rug that was, in hindsight, a terrible idea. After one too many accidents, I upgraded to a low-pile, machine-washable rug that looks great and stands up to Luna’s antics.
Luna is obsessed with her food. In the beginning, I just left her bag of kibble in the corner of the kitchen. Big mistake. One day, I came home to find the bag ripped open and Luna looking like she’d just won the lottery.
Now, her food stays in an airtight container with a secure lid. It keeps the kibble fresh and prevents any unauthorized snacking. For her water bowl, I upgraded to a spill-proof design because she used to nudge it around like a hockey puck.
Step 5: Embrace the Toy Chaos (But Keep It Contained)
If your pet is anything like Luna, they’ll accumulate toys faster than you can keep track. Squeaky toys, ropes, plushies—our living room was starting to look like a daycare.
My solution? A stylish toy basket. Luna actually loves digging through it to find her favorite toy, and I love that the mess is (mostly) contained. Win-win.
Step 6: Go the Extra Mile with Plants and Decor
I love plants, but after a quick Google search, I realized that many of my favorites weren’t safe for pets. I replaced them with pet-friendly options like:
- Spider plants
- Boston ferns
- Calathea
For the ones I couldn’t part with, I moved them to higher shelves or hung them from the ceiling. Bonus: the hanging planters make my home feel extra chic.
When it comes to decor, avoid anything fragile or tempting to chew. Luna once turned a decorative throw pillow into confetti—it was cute, but also kind of tragic.
Step 7: Plan for Messes (Because They Will Happen)
Pets are messy. It’s just a fact. Luna has tracked mud across the floor, drooled on my couch, and, on one memorable occasion, knocked over an entire cup of coffee.
Here’s how I stay (somewhat) ahead of the chaos:
- A high-powered vacuum for fur. (I use it daily, and my rugs still thank me.)
- Pet-safe cleaning sprays for accidents.
- A lint roller in every room.
You can’t prevent every mess, but being prepared makes it way less stressful.
Step 8: Outdoor Space = Extra Freedom
If you have a backyard, balcony, or patio, don’t forget to make it home pet friendly too. For me, that meant checking the yard for any gaps in the fence where Luna might escape and making sure none of the outdoor plants were toxic.
If you’re in an apartment, consider a small patch of artificial turf on the balcony—it’s a lifesaver for quick potty breaks.
Step 9: Celebrate the Little Wins
There’s nothing quite like seeing your pet happy in the home you’ve created for them. Luna now spends her afternoons napping in her pet zone, playing with her toys, and—on special days—enjoying a peanut butter treat in her spill-proof bowl.
Making your home pet-friendly doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Start small, adapt as you go, and don’t forget to laugh at the ridiculous moments (because there will be plenty).
Final Thoughts on Making Your Home pet-friendly
At the end of the day, creating a pet-friendly home is all about balance. Sure, you might sacrifice a fancy rug or move a few plants, but the trade-off is so worth it. Luna has turned my once “perfect” house into a lived-in home filled with joy, laughter, and a lot of wagging tails.
Training your puppy on a leash is just one part of the puzzle. A pet-friendly home helps create a safe, comfortable space for your pup to thrive. Check out our tips for making your perfect home pet-friendly
So, take these pet-friendly home tips and make them your own. Your furry friend will thank you—and your home will feel like the coziest, happiest place on earth. 🐾
