
Pets aren’t just animals but an integral part of families that nurture them.
Sometimes, these furry and scaly companions sit under the table for dinner, follow you into the kitchen for a quick snack or even nap next to the dishwasher.
At Kitchen décor, we receive many prospects with a significant consideration for pets. They ask us if we can design a pet-friendly kitchen.
However, is it possible to have a pet-friendly kitchen? Of course, yes!
If you’ve been looking to design a kitchen but that also allows you to accommodate your pet in it, you’ve come to the right place.
Let’s discuss some pet-friendly kitchen ideas and smart tips for animal lovers.
Key Takeaways
- Design a pet zone
- Choose pet-safe materials
- Use durable flooring
- Ensure secure storage
- Prioritize safety
- Style while ensuring functionality
1. Create a Designated Feeding Space
Pets too deserve a private coffee corner or breakfast nook.
While doing so, identify a secluded place that doesn’t block the pathway or doesn’t interfere with your cooking workflow.
Furthermore, consider creating a built-in feeding station. It can include a pull-out drawer with food and water bowls to keep things organized and reduce spillage.
Next, use a lower cabinet or draw to stash treats, leashes, toys and food.
You can walk the extra mile, taking your pet love to the next level with comfy bed space under an island or in the unused toe-kick space to let your pet relax while you cook.
2. Choose Pet-Proof Flooring
You love your pet’s messy paws, don’t you? But over a while they can spoil your kitchen’s look. This is where choosing the right flooring comes into the picture.
So, at the outset, look for a durable flooring.
Hardwood is a stunning option in this regard. However, you cannot help the scratches and water damage it is prone to over a period. Instead, look for more resilient options like tile, luxury vinyl plank or polished concrete.
These materials can endure the daily wear and tear of pet traffic.
Besides, you can clean them easily.
Furthermore, the flooring texture matters. Smooth floors are easy to clean. However, pets can feel slippery on them. Thus, look for textured surfaces that provide better traction and prevent accidental slips and slides, particularly when pets rush to welcome someone!
3. Ventilation and Odor Control
Pet odors can be annoying, no matter how lovely your pet is.
Thus, ensure your kitchen is well-ventilated to release those odors and keep your cooking space fresh. A couple of tips in this regard can include;
- Installing a premium chimney or range hood
- Using natural and pet-friendly air purifiers like indoor plants to keep the kitchen environment fresh
4. Pet-Safe Materials
Your pets may lick something inevitably or try to gulp that dropped piece of bread. While you cannot help that every time, you must use non-toxic and easy to clean materials.
For instance, for countertops, you can use quartz that’s antibacterial, non-porous and low-maintenance. On the other hand, when it comes to paints and finishes, use low-VOC paints and sealants to avoid harmful residues or fumes. Furthermore, while planning cabinetry, use materials that don’t chip easily. Laminate can be a great option in this regard.
5. Accessible Water Sources
Hydration is as essential for your pet as it is to you. Thus, consider having an accessible water source the pet can easily access. For example, you can have a pet-friendly water dispenser low to the ground to enable your pets straightforward and quick access.
6. Secure Cooking Areas
Apply locks on your stove knobs or touch controls to prevent those curious paws from activating them. Additionally, you can consider installing a safety gate to keep pets away from the cooking space, particularly while you are cooking.
7. Pet Beds
If your pet loves spending time with you when you are in the kitchen, incorporate a designated place for them to rest. You can have a built-in pet bed under a window or a corner with a cushion and their favorite toy.
8. Personalize the Kitchen Space!
Your pet won’t ask you to personalize your kitchen for it but why not be a little more caring and add some flair to the kitchen?
Accordingly, you can add custom tile murals with paw prints, use stylish feeding bowls aligned with your overall kitchen décor or both.
Looking for Personalized Pet-Friendly Design Ideas?
Consider Kitchen décor. We are modular kitchen design experts with 25+ years of experience, serving 18500+ customers. Our experts customize every square foot of your kitchen space, ensuring personalization to the highest possible extent.
We also extend our expertise to catering to highly specific requirements like pet-friendly kitchens to make your culinary space a welcoming and cozy place for your beloved pet.
Want to explore more and discuss your specific needs and vision with us? Visit our experience centers in Karve Road, Kothrud, Kalewadi,and SB Road.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you work out a small pet-friendly kitchen design for me?
Yes. The kitchen’s size doesn’t matter. We do what’s possible to make your compact kitchen a pet-friendly one.
Are dogs allowed in kitchens?
Usually, allowing does in the kitchen isn’t recommended, particularly when you are preparing, handling or storing food. It is because dogs carry bacteria that can contaminate the kitchen. Besides, dogs can interfere with food preparation process. Chances are they might lick or chew on food or some equipment while the food is cooking.
How to prevent pets from entering cabinets?
You can install childproof locks on lower cabinets to prevent pets from accessing areas used to store sharp objects or cleaning products.