Designing and building a new home is an exciting journey. For pet owners, it’s a chance to create a living space that’s not only functional and beautiful but also safe and comfortable for your furry family members. After all, over 66% of American households have pets, and 97% consider pets to be part of the family.

Whether you have a dog, cat, or even a rabbit, designing a pet-friendly home requires thoughtful planning to ensure your pet has the space to thrive while keeping your luxury home stylish and functional.

Ready to start? These eight pet-friendly features will help you design and build a pet-friendly, new-construction home.

1. A pet feeding area
2. A pet grooming area
3. Pet-friendly flooring
4. Convenient pet access
5. Plan for pet zones
6. Pet hair solution: a central vac
7. Pet-friendly ventilation
8. Indoor and outdoor pet safety

1. Design a Pet Feeding Area

One place to start when designing your new home is to think about where your pet will eat. Pets have unique dining habits: some like to eat when you eat, and others are private diners. That’s why it’s helpful to create a feeding station that fits your pet’s needs. This can be in your kitchen, mud room, or a couple of different areas, such as the kitchen and lower-level rec room.

Wherever you create a dining space for Fido or Fluffy, remember that he or she will leave behind crumbs and splashes. Curbing the mess and organizing the supplies is easy with the following built-in features:

• Consider inconspicuous food and water bowls. Did you know there are pet bowl drawers that pull out for feeding and disappear when not in use? You can also build pet bowls into a lower-level shelf in your kitchen island or breakfast nook shelving unit. The key is to keep them out of the walkways so they aren’t kicked and spilled. Some homeowners also install a feeding-area faucet to refill water bowls.
• Design a hidden storage area. Invest in closed cabinetry or shelving units to keep food and dangerous items (dog shampoo, cleaning supplies) out of reach. A walk-in pantry, butler’s pantry, or utility room storage unit with doors ensures pets cannot get in and keeps pet food bags and treats from taking up unwanted space.

2. Add a Pet Grooming & Bathing Station

Let’s be honest — bathing a dog is not easy. It can be like a tsunami, drenching your bathroom and you and leaving behind a filthy tub, shower, and floor. But you don’t have to deal with a stressful pet spa day anymore! When you build a house, choose from one of many pet washing station options, even if you don’t have a pet yet. They are functional and can add value. If you design a walk-in bathing station into your mudroom, utility room, or garage, which can double as a muddy boot wash or post-gardening rinse area, you’ll have no regrets!

• An easy-access shower stall with a handheld shower fixture is a great solution for dogs of all sizes to fit inside with or without you.
• Hooks in the shower stall will hold up your pup’s leash so you have both hands to work with.
• A drop-down surface or eye-level shelf will keep you and your smaller pets comfortable during bathing.
• This room is also a great place to groom your pet. Be sure to add a sink, some electrical outlets for trimmers and blow dryers, and cabinets to store supplies.

3. Focus on Pet-Friendly Flooring

Regardless of size, pets can be tough on your home’s floors, but with the right materials, you can keep your new home pet-friendly, in great condition, and stylish.

• Select durable flooring. Scratch-resistant and easy-to-clean flooring like porcelain or luxury vinyl tile (LVT) are the best choices. LVT is the most durable and functional flooring for homes with pets. Porcelain tile and LVT are perfect for handling spills, wet furry feet, mud, and pet hair while still looking great for a long time.
• Do you want some carpeted areas? If you prefer carpet, choose stain-resistant varieties, water-resistant pads, and low-pile options that are easier to vacuum and won’t trap as much pet hair.
• Consider cushioned areas for paw comfort. For pets who spend a lot of time on the floor, such as dogs or older cats, add rugs or mats with non-slip pads underneath to provide stability and cushion their paws and joints.

4. Create Pet-Friendly Entrances & Access

No more “pet flaps” that literally FLAP! Built-in pet doors have come a long way with “smart” technology to help your pet get in and out while also keeping out the unintended. When designing your new home:

• Add an energy-efficient, motorized pet door. Decide where your pet will most likely go outside and add a technology-driven pet door that allows you to monitor your pet’s outdoor habits, no matter where you are.
• Consider a built-in pet ramp or sloped area at the exit rather than a big step to help elderly or small pets navigate without your help, making your home more accessible and convenient.

5. Plan for Pet Zones

One of the most important aspects of designing a pet-friendly dream home is making a space that caters to your pets’ needs. For instance, if you have a dog:

• Create a designated pet area, such as a mudroom or pet nook, where they can rest in a comfortable temperature and be surrounded by creature comforts like toys, beds, and their crate for sleeping.
  
• You can also incorporate a built-in pet gate or half-door instead of using a baby gate. These gates and doors can be customized to your home’s interior design and allow your pet to be part of the family without completely closing them off from your presence.

• Install shelves or a cat tree by a large window for them to climb and perch.
• Keep odors under control and offer privacy in a quiet, out-of-the-way litter-box room. Litter boxes can also be hidden in faux furniture and silk potted plants to remain inconspicuous.

6. Install a Central Vacuum Cleaner

Central vacuum cleaner systems are incredibly convenient even without a pet. But when dealing with pet hair all over the house, a central vac is the fastest, easiest, and possibly the cleanest way to keep your home fur-free. A central vacuum system with multiple outlets throughout the home makes cleaning up pet hair and everything else nearly effortless.

7. Get Pet-Friendly Ventilation for the Best Air Quality

• Consider adding an air purifier to your home to reduce pet dander and hair in the air. You can also add a UV light to your furnace to reduce germs getting through the ductwork or purchase stand-alone purifiers for the common areas and bedrooms. This will help you and your pets breathe more easily.
  
• Ensure your home has plenty of natural ventilation by opening windows and doors for airflow, especially in areas where pets spend a lot of time. This keeps the air fresh and prevents odors. High-quality windows also allow for extra light and greater energy efficiency.
  
• Be mindful of the cleaning products you use. Choose natural, non-toxic cleaning supplies rather than harmful chemicals to keep everyone safe.

8. Pet Safety Features

Indoor Pet Safety Features

Indoor pet-proofing and safety are essential when designing a pet-friendly home, especially if you have a curious kitten, an energetic puppy, or any pet prone to chewing.

• Invest in closed cabinetry or shelving units to keep food, cleaning products, and other dangerous items out of reach. For added safety, opt for trash bins with secure lids that pets can’t easily open.
  
• Cover or hide electrical outlets and cords. You can use protective cable covers to prevent pets from chewing on cords.
• Secure windows and balconies. If you live in a multi-story home, make sure windows and balconies are pet-safe with stronger screens, shatterproof glass, window guards, and closely spaced railings or solid glass barriers.
• During construction, opt for non-toxic paints, finishes, and materials that won’t harm your pets. This is especially important for cats and dogs who may be inclined to chew. Also, choose paint that is easily washable.

Outdoor Pet Safety Features

Outdoor pet safety and security are often forgotten when designing and building a dream home.

• Avoid toxic plants and select low-maintenance, pet-friendly greenery that can withstand a dog’s paws or a cat’s curiosity.
  
• Grass, designated walkways, ground covers, and non-toxic shrubs can make your outdoor area beautiful and pet-safe.
• A dedicated dog run or play area with a secure fence is perfect for keeping dogs entertained and exercised. Ensure the fence is high enough and deep enough to prevent escape.

Build a Pet-Friendly Home

When building a new construction home, a little extra planning can create a haven for you, your family, and your furry companions. And don’t skimp on the details — too often, new homes are built without a pet-friendly balance of functionality, safety, and style, much to the owners’ regret. By incorporating thoughtful features, such as pet-specific zones, durable flooring, pet exits, and pet-safe spaces, you can create a home you and your pets will love for a lifetime.

Contact CMS Homes in Troy, Missouri, to Build a Pet-friendly Home

When you’re ready to build a pet-friendly luxury home in the greater Lincoln County area of Missouri, contact CMS Homes. Our no-pressure design consultations and transparent estimates are free. We look forward to meeting you soon!