(Image from Deposit Photos)

Are you a pet owner who wants to make your home as pet-friendly as possible? If so, you're in luck! You can do many simple things to create a haven for your furry friend. Keep reading to learn more.

Personalize Indoor and Outdoor Spaces

If you want your home to be a true haven for your pet, consider dedicating spaces both inside and outside to them. Inside, provide your pet with a bed that is their own, and give them a crate where they can retreat from the humans. Whatever it is, make sure it's something they can always call their own.

Basic Supplies You Need for Indoor Dogs and Cats:

● Bed

● Crate

● Food and Water Dishes

● Access to Safe Toys

● Litterbox (one box per cat, plus an extra)

● Secure Climbing and Sleep Places (for cats)

Similarly, outside, ensure your pet has easy access to a place to relieve themselves and safe places for them to explore. When temperatures are too uncomfortable for you to hang out in the yard (too hot or too cold), the same is true for your pet and it's time to bring them inside the house or a temperature-controlled shelter.

Basic Supplies You Need for Outdoor Dogs and Cats:

● Bed or Bedding (an elevated one provides great insulation in warm weather)

● Shade

● Food Dish

● Temperature-Controlled Water Dish (to prevent water from freezing)

● Fenced-in Area to Explore

● Access to Safe Toys

How to Safely Let an Indoor Cat Explore Outside

Studies show that indoor cats live longer, but that doesn't mean your cat won't love slipping out the backdoor any chance they get! If you're interested in letting your feline friends explore the great outdoors, you can build or purchase a "catio" to place outside for safe, supervised play. A catio can be as simple as your trampoline with a net around it, or a pop-up, screened tent you might bring with you to watch your kid's soccer games in the shade.

Catnip Plant (Image from Deposit Photos)

Plants That Are Toxic to Pets

Indoors and out, you may have some plants that bring color, texture, and beauty to your space. But, some plants aren't safe for our pets. When landscaping your yard, consult with professionals about vegetation and materials that are toxic or unsafe for your pets. For example, if you love daffodils but don't want your dog to take a bite, consider planting them in an area off-limits to your pet, such as the front yard.

Indoors, you can't do much to keep a curious cat away from potted plants, so avoid keeping toxic varieties inside. If you have a dog, make sure plants are out of reach to avoid tummy troubles due to accidental ingestion.

Landscaping for Pets

Did you know that while some plants are toxic to our pets, there are others that can help deter pests such as fleas to help keep your pet itch-free? If you want a dog-friendly backyard, consider these ideas:

Limit Grass

Dogs can quickly ruin your grass with digging, urination, and rough playtime. As an alternative, you could install grass alternatives such as moss, silver carpet, or creeping time.

Give Them a View

Put a window in your fence if your dog is friendly and likes to watch the world go by.

Repel Fleas:

● Catnip

● Marigold

● Rosemary

● Sage

Secure the Water Features

Protect your pet with proper fencing and covers around and on your pools, ponds, or other water features. ensure they have access to their own water at all times. If they love to swim, put a kiddie pool in the yard and supervise them while they splash and cool off.

Repair Damaged Concrete or Walkways

Whether you have a historic home with uneven pathways or a new home with concrete that’s been disrupted by tree growth, you might have some areas that could use repair. To make your outdoor spaces a safe place to play, head off for a walk, or lounge around with your pet, be sure to have cracks and bumps repaired.

If you’re looking to clean a brick pathway to clear it of debris or vegetation growth, the experts at Abstract Masonry have tips on their blog HERE. Many methods are pet-safe!

Help Them Look and Feel Their Best

When it comes to pet care, one factor that should not be overlooked is grooming. Providing pets with regular grooming, whether you opt for an at-home service or line up appointments with your vet, is essential to good pet health and hygiene. Some dogs feel less nervous about grooming when the service comes to your home, which is why mobile groomers like Furry Land are so popular. They take some of the stress out of the appointment because your pet doesn't have to wait in the vet lobby for their bath or nail trim.

(Image from Deposit Photos)

The Importance of Grooming

Regular teeth cleanings, bathing, and nail trims can promote a healthy coat of fur, reduce parasites, and keep your pet pal's feet in good condition.

Moreover, if you're able to DIY grooming, it offers a great way for pet owners to connect with their fur babies and develop a close bond as well as build trust.

Make Time for Your Pet

Daily bonding helps reduce anxious or mischievous behavior in pets, ultimately making them (and you!) happier. To keep up with the pet-owner relationship while you are away for work or school, there are plenty of options to have your furry friend cared for during the day.

Look into doggy daycare in your area and consider enrolling your pup for socialization while you're gone. Or, you can hire a dog walking to take Fido on a walk to break up their alone time at home. For both cats and dogs, interactive puzzle toys or motion-sensor toys can encourage some physical activity in your absence. However, it's important to still make time for your pet in person as none of these things can replace you.

Having a pet is a big responsibility that requires a lot of commitment. However, it can be a rewarding experience for both of you if you’re willing to put in the effort necessary. Hopefully these tips help you create a haven for your furry family members at home, whether they spend most of their time indoors or out.