Five Must-Haves for Every Pet Lover
Ask any animal owner about their beloved pets, and you’re very likely to step into a conversation that sounds as though someone is speaking about their children. At least that’s the case when I’m asked about my dogs. They ARE my children; They’re just a bit furrier than other kids. I’m proud of them, and I’ll do whatever it takes to protect them and ensure they feel safe, loved, and happy.
Having spent a great deal of time around other animal-lovers, I know I’m not alone in this.
Our pets are our family members, and we treat them as such. So, for anyone looking to shower their pets with the newest and greatest at-home pet products and features, below are five ingenious solutions that are absolute must-haves.
1- High-tech doggie door
Sure, doggies doors have been around for ages, but during that time they’ve evolved to offer tech-minded features that work perfectly in any smart home.
There are a multitude of options to choose from, but some of the more popular models include security doors that can only be activated by your pet. Some models can be synced with your pets microchip, which recognizes when your pet approaches, yet remains closed when other animals try to enter. Other doors offer collar attachments that serve the same purpose if your pet isn’t microchipped (read here why microchipping is so important). Some owners may prefer to set a schedule for their pets potty breaks, and with timer-programmable doors, that’s also an option. And while we think of doors being primarily for the dogs, there are great choices for our adventurous feline friends as well. Curious about the options? Learn more here.
2- Pet Shower
Every pet lover out there can relate to the joys/fears/horrors of bath time; Some pets love their time in the water, and others absolutely abhor it. Thankfully, there’s a new feature being being offered in many new high-end homes, and one that can be added to existing homes with relative ease: pet showers. These washing stations are typically located in the garage or mud room, and offer an easy solution to a sometimes tricky problem. They provide an easy-to-access space, with shower controls that are just the right height and location for washing even our most bath-averse furry friends.
3- Pet Cam
Arguably the worst part of owning a pet, is the time we have to spend away from them while at work. The solution? A pet cam that allows owners to not only watch their pet while away, but interact by dispensing treats. Furbo is one of the more popular options in this category and even features two-way communication and bark notices, so an owner can be pinged if their dog is distressed and barking.
4- Under-stairs Bed
Every pet deserves a perfect spot to call their own, and under-stair nooks/beds/crates offer the ideal solution. Many homes have wasted space below the stairway, so creating a place for our furry family members to relax is a great way to make use of a tricky spot. The possibilities are endless, so let your imagination run wild!
5- Feeding Station
And finally, when dinner time comes around, where do our pets enjoy their feast? Why not incorporate a built-in feeding station? This can easily be located in the kitchen, mudroom, or even laundry room, and they help keep the floor tidy by offering a designated space for the water and food bowl, even between meals. This “ani-meal” spot can be made even more convenient with a built-in water-bowl-filler (think an over-oven pot-filler, but for the water bowl), reducing the chances of spilled water between the sink and feeding spot.
When it comes to our pets, the possibilities to shower them with love, treats, and special offerings is endless. I hope you find these ideas helpful, and if you have a great solution that I’ve missed, send it my way. I’m a farm-raised animal-lover through-and-through, so I’m always looking for more interesting ideas to incorporate myself, and pass along to friends and clients.
Our little family: David [the human], Bandit [puggle mix], and Grady [golden doodle], and me, Joshua Baumgardner (a friendly animal-enthusiast and DC/VA licensed Realtor with TTR Sotheby’s International Realty).
