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How to Create a Pet-Friendly Home: 5 Simple Tips for Pet Owners
Our pets have an impressive ability to find the one thing in the house they probably shouldn’t be getting into.
A loose cord? Interesting. An open cabinet? Must investigate. A brand-new rug? Obviously the perfect place for a nap.
Creating a pet-friendly home doesn’t mean sacrificing your style or completely redesigning your space. A few thoughtful changes can help make your home safer, more comfortable and easier to maintain for both you and your pets.
Here are five places to start.
1. Pet-Proof Your Home From Their Point of View
One of the easiest ways to spot potential hazards is to look at your home from your pet’s level.
Check for loose electrical cords, small objects that could be swallowed, sharp edges and items that might be tempting to chew.
Pay particular attention to areas your pet can access when you’re not around.
For puppies, kittens and especially curious pets, you may need to secure cords, move breakable objects and keep small household items out of reach.
2. Check Your Houseplants
Plants can make a home feel beautiful and inviting, but some common indoor and outdoor plants can be dangerous to pets.
And what’s safe for one type of animal isn’t necessarily safe for another.
Before bringing a new plant into your home—or if you’re unsure about something already growing in your house or yard—check whether it’s considered toxic for your particular pet.
The ASPCA maintains a searchable database of plants that can be a useful starting point:
ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants Database
If you believe your pet has eaten something potentially toxic, contact your veterinarian or an appropriate animal poison-control service rather than relying solely on an online plant list.
3. Secure Cabinets, Food and Household Products
Pets are surprisingly talented problem-solvers when food is involved.
Take another look at cabinets and storage areas containing cleaning products, medications, food or other potentially harmful household items.
Depending on your pet, cabinet latches or gates may be useful for limiting access to certain spaces.
Trash cans also deserve attention. A secure or inaccessible garbage container can prevent a determined pet from getting into food scraps, packaging or other items they shouldn’t eat.
The same goes for human medications and certain foods: store them somewhere your pet can’t reach rather than assuming a countertop is high enough.
4. Choose Materials That Make Life With Pets Easier
A pet-friendly home should work for the humans living there, too.
When you’re replacing furniture, rugs or flooring, consider how easy the material will be to clean and maintain.
Washable rugs, removable cushion covers and durable upholstery can make everyday pet ownership considerably easier.
You’ll also want to think about your individual pet. A material that works beautifully in a home with one older dog may not be the best choice for a household with two energetic puppies or a cat who considers the sofa a scratching post.
There’s no single “best” pet-friendly material. Choose finishes that make sense for your home and your animals.
5. Give Your Pet a Space of Their Own
Pets appreciate having comfortable spaces just as much as we do.
Depending on the animal, that might mean a dog bed in a quiet corner, a crate, a cat perch near a window or a designated area with favorite toys and blankets.
Try to keep their space away from heavily traveled areas when possible so they have somewhere to settle without constantly being disturbed.
For pets that spend time outside, regularly check fences, gates and other boundaries for gaps or damage.
The best setup is the one that fits your pet’s individual habits and needs.
What About Pets When You’re Selling Your Home?
Selling a home when you have pets requires a little extra planning.
Before photography and showings, remove excess pet supplies, clean pet areas thoroughly and repair any visible damage such as scratched doors or trim.
You’ll also need a safe plan for your pets during showings and open houses.
This isn’t about hiding the fact that pets live in the home. It’s about allowing buyers to focus on the property itself while keeping your animals safe and comfortable during what can be a disruptive process.
If you’re preparing to sell a home in San Jose, Willow Glen, Cambrian, Almaden or the surrounding area, I can help you develop a showing and preparation plan that works for your property—including the four-legged members of the household.
Michelle Elliott
Coldwell Banker Realty
408-839-7915
DRE #01777533
GET YOUR FREE HOME SELLING BOOK
About the Author – Michelle Elliott
With over 20 years of experience navigating the fast-paced Silicon Valley market, I provide a strategic, results-driven approach to residential real estate. My career is built on a foundation of deep local expertise and a relentless commitment to my clients’ success, resulting in over $235 million in lifetime sales volume and a consistent ranking in the top 3% of agents in Santa Clara County and top 2% at Coldwell Banker. My expertise has been featured on KTVU Fox 2, Real Producers and the Willow Glen Resident. She is also the co-host of the San Jose Podcast “Say What You Want About Real Estate”
A Hyper-Local Expert with Global Reach
I specialize in San Jose, in the neighborhoods of Willow Glen (95125 & 95124) Cambrian Park and Almaden, Downtown San Jose/Japantown (95112) markets. As a certified Luxury Property Specialist with Coldwell Banker Realty, I combine high-end marketing strategies with granular neighborhood knowledge to help my clients achieve premium results.
The “Tiger” at the Negotiating Table
My clients have characterized me as a “tiger” at the negotiating table who remains “sweet and patient” with my clients throughout the process. I pride myself on being a fierce advocate for my buyers and sellers, ensuring the best possible terms in every transaction, and I strive to be the best Realtor in 95125! This balance, drive, and tenacity have earned me consistent 5-star ratings across Google, Zillow, Realtor.com, and Yelp.
Michelle Elliott
Michelle@michelleelliottrealtor.com
1712 Meridian Ave, Ste C, San Jose, CA
DRE 01777533
