Your Pet Deserves a Treat

Moving to a new home or modeling the one you’re in means finding room for the entire family. When your family includes the furry variety, think about more than just a corner to toss that doggy bed. Make your home truly welcoming for all members of the household by installing a doggy spa or pet room.

We know our pets help keep us happy, grounded, and healthy; but the constant upkeep of cleaning up fur, scrubbing up muddy paw prints, and wiping all that hair out of the tub after giving your furry friend a bath might just wear you out. Savvy designers and renovation experts can add a pet-friendly area to handle some of the mess so that your time together cuddling and playing takes precedence over the cleaning and vacuuming.

Transform a mudroom

Install a pet entry in the wall or door into the mudroom. Keep a mat in front of the entryway to collect the worst of the mud, and debris Fido brings in. For feline friends, install the pet door in a window above a counter top—so long as the outdoor approach is accessible to your pet. Place a warm (but washable) pet bed near the entry so your dog or cat can snuggle while drying from a trip through the mud puddles. Removable pet doors made to install alongside sliding glass doors work best for patio entries.

Since pets might get even muddier than humans, consider turning part of your mudroom into a pet shower. Install a portable pet-wash enclosure—available from pet stores and online retailers—near an existing sink or faucet, or go all the way and create the pet spa of your (and their) dreams with a custom-built shower enclosure. You can create your own custom one with a standard utility shower pan and subway-style tiled walls. If your mudroom finishes are higher-end, opt for decorative tile that matches the theme. Complete your design with removable decorative paw prints or a repeating pet-patterned wallpaper for a stunning look.

Easy care appliances

Combine the dedicated pet space with a laundry room for even easier cleanup. For homes with multiple pets, consider designating a heavy-duty washer/dryer combo just for your pets. That way, pet hair won’t transfer onto the rest of the family laundry. Take care to wipe the washer tub regularly and clean the dryer filter after every load.

If you’re planning to sell soon, removable pet doors and portable tubs let you easily and quickly return the room to its original use. Your real estate professional can help you determine if a permanent doggy spa or pet shower increases the sale value of your home.