Anyone who owns a pet will tell you that they’re more than just a pet. They’re a member of the family. When you’re settling into a new home, you want to make sure that your four-legged companions are just as comfortable as you are. At Lafferty Communities, we welcome all members of your family with open arms, furry or otherwise. Read on for our tips on how to create space in your new place for your pet to feel truly at home.
Give Them Their Own Room
Not sure what to do with that extra bedroom? You could turn it into a craft room or a second guest room, sure — or, you could turn it into your pet’s dedicated space, and give them their own room to lounge in. In addition to making your pet feel like the most pampered pup in the neighborhood, having a separate room for their sleeping, eating and playing needs keeps the pet-related clutter and mess out of more communal spaces, such as your living room. You don’t need to get fancy with it. All your buddy needs is a comfy bed or crate, food and water bowls (bonus points if you opt to personalize them) and their favorite toys. You can get creative with some dog-themed decor, too, such as wall hangings or fun throw pillows.
Try a Pet Nook
As much as your pet would love its own space, our four-legged friends love being close to the action of the household. To keep them a little closer to the rest of the family, consider turning a corner of the house into a dedicated pet nook. They’re fairly easy to put together, and they can go anywhere in the house without adding too much clutter to a room. Why not turn that understairs cabinet into a cozy resting place for your best friend? Or, simply find a corner of the family room to set up a plushy bed — and of course, keep their toys close by.
Utilize Pet Gates
When you move into your stunning new home, you’ll want to preserve it as much as you can. To that end, consider utilizing pet gates to stop your mischievous furry friends from getting into trouble in certain areas of the house. This keeps your home safe, and your pets safe — there’s less of a chance they’ll get into something they shouldn’t if you can keep them contained in one section of the house.
Opt for Dog-Friendly Decor
One of the best parts of moving into a new home is decorating it to match your personal taste and style. You can finally bring all those Pinterest boards to life! But, before you head to your nearest HomeGoods, Hobby Lobby, local boutique or online shop, make sure you plan to pick up decor pieces that won’t accidentally harm your pet. If you want to get houseplants, for example, make sure they’re non-toxic for animals. Some beautiful, pet-safe plant options include spider plants, sword ferns, African violets, Calatheas, parlor plants and radiator plants. When considering other decor, you might want to go for choices that are more sturdy, such as wall-mounted art or heavier statement pieces that won’t fall and shatter as easily.
Pick Somewhere with Plenty of Space to Play
Your four-legged companion is sure to be happier if you are able to find a home where they will have plenty of yard space and places to run around. To really elevate their backyard experience, you can get your pet an outdoor bed for lounging around on sunny days. In addition to ample yard space, you also want to look for properties that are surrounded by beautiful natural scenery, so your daily walks are a new adventure every time. Luckily, many Lafferty Communities homes offer expansive backyards that your pet will love and are situated near rolling hillsides, large lakes and more. It’s a win-win!
Not Just a Home — Your Home
Lafferty Communities is proud to offer homeowners the chance to live in homes they will truly love living in, and that extends to every member of your family. Explore our different options and find the Lafferty home that is perfect for both you and your furry friend.