Pets are a part of the family too. Builder magazine featured an article on Visbeen Architects showcasing four plan ideas with pet-friendly details to amaze cat and dog owners alike.
Dining Area Just for Fido or Fluffy
A mud room right off the kitchen offers a great opportunity to serve as a pet dining area as well. It gives your pet their own special place out of sight, yet close enough to not feel left out. One floor plan idea from Visbeen Architects featured a cabinet with a bottom drawer that slightly pulls out enough to have food and water bowls. The drawer can be pushed back in when needed.
All Essential Mud Room
Mud rooms connecting the garage to the home can also be a great place to keep the daily necessities for your pet. Have a cabinet with hooks and shelves to store leashes, dog-walking supplies, food, pet carrier and other essentials. This will not only allow easy access to leashes as you take your dog for a walk, but will also provide you with organization to simplify your life. Another nice feature is a bench to sit down and prepare for outdoor exercise with Fido.
No More Muddy Paws
Whether its dirt, mud, or sand, having a shower area just inside the entrance to the mud room can provide an ideal place to wash those dirty paws and keep your floors clean.
Hideaways
Pet area containment can leave you with kennels and baby gates which stand out in your home. Instead, create hideaways to corral your canine. Coat closets at the rear entrance to your home can be a great place for a built-in kennel. Another hideaway to consider is installing pocket doors in various areas which just pull-out when needed.