Architects and home builders aren’t just building for humans anymore – they are taking household pets into account when imagining the perfect new home.
According to the American Veterinary Association, 45.5% of households in the United States own a dog, while 32.1% own a cat. Pet-oriented spaces are no longer an afterthought, but the focus of intentional design.
“Both pets and their owners enjoy a more seamless, comfortable experience when style and functionality come together,” says Carissa Dalske, general manager and director of pupscale living at The Residences at The Bellevue, a rental building in Philadelphia that caters to pets.
These trending products and design features are pawsome for pets and owners too.
Sleek Pet Doors
Pet doors are convenient, but traditional, guillotine-style door openings are unsightly and potentially unsafe. The Pawport, a smart pet door with a host of customizable features, offers a solution in a stylish way.
Thanks to motion-activated sensors “pets can go inside and outside as they please, safely, without the security risks associated with standard dog doors,” says Martin Diamond, Pawport CEO. Multiple pets can use the same door with individual details for access, via a smart collar.
With a designer-grade look, rounded edges and colored lights, these pet doors fit seamlessly in windows, doors or walls, demonstrating how the right approach to pet-friendly design adds dimension to the aesthetic. They can also be retrofitted over existing pet doors.
“Customizations include three sizes and 16 designer finishes, allowing Pawport to blend beautifully into existing home decors, elevating living spaces everywhere,” says Diamond.
Pet-Friendly Laundry Room
“A laundry room corner or mudroom can easily be transformed into a mini spa with a raised washing station, waterproof flooring, a shelf for grooming supplies and treats, and a bin of toys,” says Dalske.
In the laundry room, a pet-friendly washer and dryer is a must, with functions to eliminate odors, stains, and manage pet hair. Make sure to get large capacity machines, so you can easily wash dog beds, toys, blankets and slipcovers as soon as the mess happens.
Dining in Style
Fido doesn’t officially have a seat at the family table, but he can still dine in style, thanks to concealed pet feeding solutions. Feeding stations are built right into kitchen cabinetry or in pull-out drawers, at the appropriate height for your pet. Or, kitchen islands feature flip-down cabinets, with a feeding platform inside. A walk-in pantry is a good spot for a built-in feeding station too, so that you can store food easily, and tidily.
Barkitecture Inspiration
Convert a spare bedroom or flex room into a luxe pet room with thoughtful decor.
“The key is to complement your existing décor while making the space more pet-friendly and fun. Think washable rugs, custom pet beds, playful wallpaper, or unique toy baskets. These elements feel natural without compromising functionality. You can also add personality with touches like a framed pet portrait, customized details, or leash hooks shaped like paws or bones,” says Dalske.
For smaller spaces, Dalske suggests using vertical space for storage, or for climbing areas, which cats love.
Zen Den
Is your dog sensitive to thunder and wind? Create a safe space for them to ride out the storm. A dog den can be in any cozy space, from a corner of a closet to a dedicated, covered crate. Ideally, you would have room for both of you, so that you can comfort them until the storm has passed.
Converting unused space under a staircase for your dog is a good option too, because it is snug. It is a feature that new homebuilders are incorporating more frequently.
The key is to make the dog den soundproof, so extra insulation and soundproof tiles and flooring are helpful. The den should be windowless. Style it with plush blankets and dog beds, and a white noise machine or a TV can distract your dog from the sounds and vibrations of the storm.
