Responsible pet owner considers their dogs as family members. The U.S. has become a highly pet-centric nation nowadays with about 4 in 10 houses with pets. When building a house, why not choose a floor plan layout that works for you as well as your dogs? In fact, any home built in such a way is more valuable in the market as the majority of the renters or home buyers look for houses where their pets can lead a comfortable life and if that is not the case then it is a deal breaker. By designing a pet-friendly home, you will not just be making the stay of your pets comfortable but also add more value to the property.

Recently I bought a new house which I had to renovate based on my requirements, keeping in mind the golden retriever puppies in Montana that I had welcomed into my family recently. The house was planned in such a way that all life stages of the dogs were considered 

Based on my experience, here are a few layout planning tips we have shared below that will make your pooch really happy.

1. Room to Roam:

The floor plan should be designed such that the flow of the home is natural and open. Too many twists and turns are not preferable, especially with a pet inside the home. An open floor space is ideal when you live with furry friends as it gives them more space to move around the house.

2. Design a Mudroom:

As soon as the dog enters the home, you do not want them roaming the house with their muddy paws. Hence, a mudroom in the foyer area is a must where you can clean the dog completely before giving it access to your house to ensure it does not get dirty with its muddy claws.

3. Add Dog Gates Where Required:

You would like to keep off-limits for the dog in a few areas of the home. Installing a dog gate in those entrances makes it easy. You can plan and design it so that it integrates with the home design and does not look out of place. Installing a barrier at the bottom of the staircase or the kitchen entry can be done to ensure your dog does not enter these areas without your permission. Also, you can plan on adding a dog gate at the house's entryway so that when you open the door, the dog does not escape outside.

4. Plan a Cabinet at the Entryway to Store Pet Essentials:

When you take the dog outside, you will need access to the leash, harness, pooper scooper, etc. A cabinet dedicated to those can make accessing these essentials easier and also, once used, you can easily store it away out of sight, keeping the entryway look mess-free.

5. Design a Pet Area:

Not every guest that comes into the house will be comfortable around your dogs. You need to plan a pet area where the dogs can go when you need uninterrupted time. This can be an entire room or an area that is blocked by the dog gates where the dogs can be restricted until you let them go. Keep space to place the water bowl and a toy basket in the restricted space. 

6. Chose Material Wisely:

Choosing the right flooring is a major decision in itself, but when you have pets, it becomes more important to make the right choice. Using wooden flooring means recipes of scratches and also your dogs will slip frequently, which may cause joint injuries. If your dog is allowed access to most of the home, try to carpet most areas as it is the best floor for their joint health. Yet again, maintaining carpet can be tough and you will have to vacuum it frequently. This can be a choice in the bedrooms and in the living area. Go for a low-pile carpet that is easier to clean. You will want to invest in a vacuum cleaner if you choose to carpet. 

Tiles are a great option, as maintaining them is easy, and it does not get easily scratched as well. Mopping the tiles, especially when there is a young puppy at home, is so much easier than cleaning spills on carpets. You can choose tiles for the kitchen and high-traffic areas in the home. You should place your dog's food and water bowl in an area where there is tiling as this area is going to get messy for sure. It is very easy to clean when the floor is tiled.

7. Don't Overlook the Outside:

With pets at home, planning a well-designed outdoor area for their play is a must which helps them calm down when they are tired later in the day. Fencing cannot be avoided as your pet is going to be outdoors and the most well-behaved dog may also not be able to resist all distractions. Also, it is safer for the dog too, as no one can lure the dog out of the house. The fence should not just be high but also deep enough so the dogs can't dig below the fence. Keep the grass shortened at all times so that it is easy to clean to avoid any injuries. An enclosed space for the dog outside is a must that should have water available all the time.

You can plan on adding a dog passage in the door for the backyard if you let your dog independently go outside and pee when needed. Make a shed to store away gardening tools that can be dangerous for the dogs.

The Bottom Line:

A home is designed and planned for the entire family members that should include your furry friend, too. This not only makes their lives comfortable, but you also will not struggle as much. When a home is planned as per the people living inside, it only makes the lives of each family member better.