Modern Australian
Men's Weekly

.

Building a Home? Tips to Ensure it is Pet-Friendly

  • Written by NewsServices.com

Pets are so much more than animals. Our pets are a part of the family and when we decide it is time to build a home, we need to consider our pets. After all, our pets live in our homes with us and we went to make them a priority, they are more important than a possession. When you plan a home where you and your pets will live, you need to consider what their needs are. Will they be safe from the road, how will they react to visitors? Here are some great tips to make certain that your home is pet-friendly:

Inspect the Area on All Fours

This is the view that your pet will have and the level at which they will see things. You should inspect every area that your pet has access to, whether they will climb up on something or jump up on it. There are some hazards to watch for including

  • Items that can choke or strangle your pet, items that can suffocate them or electrocute them. If you have any cords on your window treatments, you may want to shorten them or put them out of reach of pets.

  • Never leave food or medication out where a pet can get to it. Keep pets out of your food trash by getting rid of it on a daily basis. You can keep trash odours low by using baking soda and adding a lid that fits tightly. Pets that get into garbage can chew things that can then become dangerous or choking hazards. Certain foods can be toxic to pets such as grapes, gum, nutmeg, chocolate.

  • Only have indoor plants that are safe for pets. Certain plants are toxic for pets so you need to ensure the plant will not harm your pet before you bring it into the house.

  • Are you storing cleaning products or other hazardous/poisonous items under a cupboard? A latch can keep the cupboard closed and your pet safe.

  • Make sure your pet cannot access the garage where they could access poisonous items such as antifreeze. Latch and store these products high above any area that your pet can get to.

  • Keep the toilet lid closed to prevent your pet from drinking out of the bowl or if you have a smaller pet, preventing the chance it could drown.

  • Keep windows closed so that cats cannot access them and fall out by accident. Screens should be safe and secured so they do not pop out. Bars on windows are not safe for keeping cats in, they can get through the bars and outside where they may accidentally fall from a high area.

Make a Space for Your Pet That is Their Own

When you get a kitten or a puppy, they will look for a space to call their own. You want to keep them safe, so you should select a spot and set it up for them with a cozy bed, a bowl of fresh water and toys that are safe for them to play with. If your pet receives adequate exercise, it is less likely to get into trouble and will sleep through the night without barking or whining.

Place a litter box away from areas where you feed your pet. You want that area to be private but not too far away or your pet will not feel comfortable using a litter box or a training pad. If your puppy is too active and will not settle, you should consider crate training him.

Install Flooring or Carpets that are Safe for Paws

When you install flooring, you want it to be something that is easy to clean since your pet will be walking all over it. It should also be a produce that will take heavy traffic and still look good. You might want to cover your furniture to keep it new and safe as well. Carpet is not really a great choice for pet owners, but if you need to install it, choose a colour that is close to your pet’s colour to hide the hair. If you have a large dog, you should consider hard, non-porous flooring materials.

Groom Your Pet Regularly

When you build your own home, consider installing a special grooming area for your pet. You will save a lot of money by not having to take your pet to the groomer and you will spend much less time cleaning your home. You can use this special area to trim nails, brush hair and wash your pet. Use a vacuum cleaner designed for pet hair and clean it regularly to keep it in good working order.

Landscape the Yard to Make it Pet Friendly

Pets that have the run of the yard will need to be contained. You will need to install a fence, or an invisible fence) and find out which plants are safe for your pets before you plant them. Some plants are toxic to pets and it is a good idea to find out what those are before you do any planting. Consider installing an outdoor pet shelter to keep them out of the sun and rain. You can install a special automatic watering device so that your pet always has access to fresh water.

Install a Pet Door

Pet doors are much higher tech than they used to be. Your pet can be fitted with a collar that only allows them to go in or out of the door so you will be able to keep out other random animals such as possums and rodents.

Pets are a part of our family, and we need to include them in our thoughts when we design and build a home where we will reside as a family. Always consider your pets and how long they will be living with you in your home. A home is a place where you can relax, and you want your pet to be able to relax and fell safe there as well.

What Does Breastfeeding Feel Like? A Guide for New Moms

Frequently, numerous new mothers wonder, "What does breastfeeding feel like?" The feeling is different for each individual - a few describe it as a ...

Best Nail Care Routine for Frequent Nail Polish Wearers

For many people, nail polish is more than a beauty statement – it’s part of their everyday routine. Whether you love bold colours, chic neutrals...

Reinventing Research: How E-Libraries Are Changing Education Forever

A New Chapter for Learning For centuries libraries stood as temples of knowledge filled with shelves that smelled of dust and paper. Today the same...

Psychologists Explore Gestalt Vs Schema Therapy for PTSD Treatment

Recent research has revealed that in 2022, 1 in 9 Australians experienced post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). For some, this can significantly im...

Beyond Sunscreen: Building a Sun-Smart Culture in Modern Australia

Australia’s sun-soaked lifestyle is a defining part of its national identity. From beaches and sports fields to weekend barbecues and bushwalks, t...

What is Power BI & Why Should Your Business Use It?

In today's data-driven world, businesses are constantly searching for ways to gain a competitive edge. One tool that has emerged as a game-changer i...

From Service to Strength: How Aussie Veterans Are Rebuilding Their Lives with Everyday Support

Life after military service can bring new challenges. From physical limitations to mental health hurdles, many Australian veterans find everyday hou...

The Best Times of Year to Buy a Caravan

If you're shopping for caravans for sale, timing matters almost as much as the layout and features you desire. The calendar shapes price, stock and ...

The Growing Demand for Smart Living Through Home Automation

Technology has reshaped how we communicate, work, and travel—but now, it’s also changing the way we live at home. The rise of home automation i...

Beyond Clicks and Likes: Why Many Small Businesses in Australia Still Aren’t Leveraging Digital Marketing in 2025

Introduction In 2025, online marketing has become the driving force behind business growth for companies of all sizes. Yet, despite its proven effect...

Lighting Shop Perth: Your Comprehensive Guide to Choosing the Right Lighting Solutions

Lighting is a fundamental element in defining the ambiance, functionality, and aesthetic appeal of any space. Whether you are renovating your home, ...

Private Booze Cruisers – The New Must-Have Toy for Cashed Up Millennials

Did you hear that your 30s are the new 20s? We’ve finally rocked up that adult money and now it’s time to play with it. I was going for a walk ...

Grinding & Jaw Soreness: Signs You Might Need Night Guards and How We Protect Enamel

Waking with a tight jaw, tender muscles, or a dull temple headache is more than a bad night’s sleep. Many Australians grind or clench their teeth ...

Circular Interior Design: Furnishing with Salvaged & Reclaimed Materials

Circular interior design is gradually making its way from niche circles into mainstream Australian homes. At its core, this approach revolves around...

Invisible Braces vs Traditional Braces: Which Is Best for Adults?

Straightening teeth as an adult is common in Australia, and the options are better than ever. The two main choices are clear aligners, also called i...

Smoking, Vaping, and Healing: How Nicotine Affects Sockets and What you can do About it

Nicotine and oral surgery are a poor mix. After an wisdom teeth removal in Sydney, your body needs a stable blood clot and steady blood flow to rebu...

Titanium and Bone: How Dental Implants Become Part of the Jaw

Dental implants replace missing teeth by anchoring a metal fixture in the jaw and fitting a crown on top. Their success rests on a biological event ...

Do Wisdom Teeth Really Make You Wiser? Debunking Old Beliefs

Wisdom teeth are among the most discussed teeth in dentistry, not because of their function but because of the myths that surround them. The name it...

LIFE STYLE

What Does Breastfeeding Feel Like? A Guide for New Moms

Frequently, numerous new mothers wonder, "What does breastfeeding feel like?" The feeling is different for each individual - a few describe it as a soft pulling sensation, some as a...

Reinventing Research: How E-Libraries Are Changing Education Forever

A New Chapter for Learning For centuries libraries stood as temples of knowledge filled with shelves that smelled of dust and paper. Today the same spirit of discovery has moved online...

Beyond Sunscreen: Building a Sun-Smart Culture in Modern Australia

Australia’s sun-soaked lifestyle is a defining part of its national identity. From beaches and sports fields to weekend barbecues and bushwalks, the outdoors is woven into everyday life. However, this...

From Service to Strength: How Aussie Veterans Are Rebuilding Their Lives with Everyday Support

Life after military service can bring new challenges. From physical limitations to mental health hurdles, many Australian veterans find everyday household tasks difficult to manage on their own. For those...

The Growing Demand for Smart Living Through Home Automation

Technology has reshaped how we communicate, work, and travel—but now, it’s also changing the way we live at home. The rise of home automation is making everyday tasks more convenient, secure...

Lighting Shop Perth: Your Comprehensive Guide to Choosing the Right Lighting Solutions

Lighting is a fundamental element in defining the ambiance, functionality, and aesthetic appeal of any space. Whether you are renovating your home, outfitting a commercial building, or designing an outdoor...