What About Your Pets?
Renovations are all about creating the perfect space for you and your family. But what about your pets? Did you know that there are a number of possibilities to consider when factoring in your four-legged family members.
According to a 2012 survey of Canadians conducted by Ipsos-Forward, 36% of homes have at least one dog, while 37% of households have at least one cat. There are an estimated 7.9 million cats living in Canadian homes and an estimated 6.6 million dogs.
More and more homeowners are adding the needs of their family dog or cat to the list of remodeling considerations. Where once a doggy door was the pinnacle in pet pampering, you can now include dog-washing stations and other custom pet features in your renovation plans.
Pet Friendly Features
Bathing stations are becoming more popular for dog owners who venture out daily in the rain or snow to give Fido his playtime, often returning home with a soggy, muddy (and sometimes smelly) dog. Washing stations can be constructed with a variety of materials and come with a hand-held shower nozzle that can make washing and rinsing your dog easy on the back and pocketbook, limiting trips to the groomer. These installations can also double as an extra area for other household clean-up jobs.
Other pet-friendly features can include custom spaces and cabinetry to accommodate kitty litter boxes, pet food, pet supplies and toys, feeding stations, pet beds and crates, pet pocket doors, as well as venting to do away with those inevitable pet odours.
If you have a dog, you will want to give some thought to the type of flooring to be installed as some materials like ceramic and concrete are more durable than hardwood, which can show scratches and general wear and tear.
Living with a pet can be a rewarding and happy experience. Providing your pet with all their creature comforts can create a more harmonious environment for both you and your furry friend and make your renovation a truly family affair.
John Popp