Whether they are cuddling up with you on the couch or on the lookout for neighborhood squirrels and rabbits out of the window, your fur babies are an intricate part of the family. While you share a special sort of love and devotion, let’s face it – both people and pets need alone time. Want to set up a special place for these special members of your family? Read on to find out how…

Choose the best spot

Pet rooms provide calming environments that can help your dog or cat feel more secure and at ease. They take different forms depending on their location. You can design one in a guest bedroom or a corner of your living room, depending on your available space. Dogs and cats also have different needs during every stage of their lives. What you put in your pet room and how you choose to decorate it will have a lot to do with your unique animal and your style.

Where should a dog’s room be?

Think about your available space. Choose a room that’s cool during hotter months to prevent double-coated dogs from overheating. Features like ceiling fans help with air circulation, while windows with a view of the yard can keep them entertained when you’re away.

• Spare Bedrooms. They offer plenty of space and also provide puppies and older dogs their own spot to hide when you have guests.
• Entryways. Any place close to an entrance, such as a mudroom or front foyer, provides quick access to the outdoors and storage space for leashes, harnesses, collars, treats and other walking supplies.
• Living Room Corner. Devoting a part of your living room to your dog may require some adjustments, but it allows your pet to join in on family fun or take a break while giving them the run of the house.

Where should a cat’s room be?

Felines are independent creatures who enjoy romping around at night, chasing small toys and snoozing in sunlight. When creating your cat room, think about your cat’s behavior as you choose a location. You know your cat the best, but here are some ideas if you are betwixt and between.

• Enclosed Patio or Sunroom. Cats prefer warm sunlit perches near windows to stretch out for an afternoon nap or watch the local wildlife. An enclosed porch with cozy patio furniture is ideal, especially if you have more than one cat.
• Nooks, Closets and Corners. Cats also like to curl up in quiet places. In smaller spaces like a studio apartment, cozy nooks beneath staircases, spare closets and empty corners are easy to convert into feline-friendly hideaways.
• Home Office. Try designating part of your home office as a cat room by filling it with fun toys and climbable towers to keep your pet entertained.

What should be in a pet room?

Once you decide on the best spot, you can start filling it with the essentials. Toys and towers spring to mind. Of course, as you make your choices, keep your pet’s safety and playtime habits in mind. When designing your pet’s space, choose furnishings and decor that are sturdy and safe for animals.

Just like nesting habits, there is a world of difference between the canines and the felines…

A dog’s life is all about tasty treats, fun toys, leashes, and keeping guard at the window. Those accoutrements need a storage space. Use wall-mounted shelves and credenzas with doors to keep cleaning supplies, flea treatments, grooming kits and treats securely tucked away. Coat racks or hall trees organize leashes, harnesses, and totes. Is your pet especially clumsy or rambunctious? Consider larger, pieces like bookcases or room dividers to stash their stuff.  Look for items and products that serve a dual purpose. For example, decorative accents like baskets in varying sizes let pups grab their favorite toys and keep fresh towels ready for bath day. Sharing a home office space with your pet? Consider using an empty file cabinet to organize all their stuff.

Cats are inquisitive. They take advantage of all available space, so multi-functional furniture is a must. Remember to include pet beds, storage for cat toys and supplies, creative play options and an appropriate spot for the litter box. Opt for pieces that store their toys and treats efficiently while also giving them a comfy spot to nap. Tall cabinets with doors or a small bookcase are simple additions that provide vertical storage for your cat supplies without taking up too much room. Storage ottomans double as bins for toys or blankets as well as stylish cat sofas, while a storage bench placed under a window provides kittens room to observe the world.

Things to remember

Every pet deserves a cozy spot to rest at night. While comfort is crucial, you should also look for durable pet beds that stand up to claws, teeth and the occasional accident. Search for quality beds with features that work with your individual animal’s needs.

Don’t be shy decorating your pet room. Use accent pieces that reflect your companion’s personality and coordinate with your interior design style. Whether you’re a dog or a cat person, wall decor offers plenty of adorable accents to mark your pet’s designated spot and fill up empty vertical space. Throw some art on the wall that reflects the mood of the room. Better yet, commission your own fur baby’s portrait.

When decorating your pet room, protecting your flooring is crucial. Durable area rugs with bold patterns easily cover stains and claw marks. Dark-colored fabrics mask dirt, while lighter hues hide stray hairs and tufts of fur.

Worried about odors? Consider using an outdoor rug indoors. These mildew-resistant textiles are often low-pile and help deter unsavory sights and smells. Place a pet-friendly small rug near entrances and beds to keep your floor clean. These durable carpets are soft and easy to wash in case of accidents, too. Round rugs are ideal for using beneath bowls to catch stray kibbles or water spills. In cat rooms, shag rugs offer an easy way to add texture and visual appeal to the space while providing a cozy naptime destination.

And now you are on your way to creating the perfect room for your pup or kitten. If you have fish? That’s easy – bowls are easy to move around the house and aquariums are very self-contained…