At some point or another, most people have considered getting a pet. And why not? They’re cute, cuddly companions. Kids love them, they’re fun to play with, and they provide endless entertainment. But they’re also a lot of work, and not every home is equipped to handle a new dog or cat or hamster. Read on for our top tips on making your home as pet-friendly as possible!

Avoid wood furniture- Wood is a magnet for pets; they love to chew it! Try to use metal or plastic when possible. Nothing is more frustrating than looking down and seeing teeth marks on a chair leg. You can also use sprays or other deterring liquids to keep pets away from your furniture. 

Frequently Groom- By bathing and brushing your pet often, you can lower the amount of hair they shed around the house. The more you reduce shedding, the less there is to vacuum up and the less dirt they track into the house. It’s also worth looking into hypoallergenic breeds that shed less.

Choose Your Paint Wisely- Your paint choice matters! If you use a full gloss paint, it will attract pet hair and you’ll see it on every wall and corner. Try a semi-gloss or satin paint to minimize the hair on the walls. It seems like a small choice early on, but the difference is huge over time.

Flooring- Perhaps the most crucial tip on our list, the choice of durable flooring will make the biggest impact on your home. Carpet traps odors, shows stains, and collects hair. Pets can scratch up hardwood with their nails and teeth, so choosing a flooring like LVP or rigid core planks will help downplay any markings.

Fabrics Matter- Velvet, corduroy, and chenille attract pet hair and can make blanket, pillows, and furniture hard to clean. Movie night gets a little awkward when you pass over a blanket completely covered with hair. Instead of constantly vacuuming and washing your fabrics, stick with slick fabrics likes leather or something synthetic.

Pets can be a source of joy and a source of stress. Minimize your pet woes by following these tips! If you need to make bigger changes and are ready for a remodel, reach out! We're here to help.