How to Create a Pet-Friendly Home: Safety, Comfort & Cleanliness

Figuring out how to create a pet-friendly home doesn’t have to feel like a big project. Most of the time, it comes down to small changes that make life easier for you and safer for your pets. Maybe you live with a cat who squeezes into every corner, or a dog who sheds the moment you tidy up. Either way, a few simple tweaks can calm the chaos. This guide walks you through easy steps to help you build a home that stays cosy, practical and simple to keep clean.

Make Your Home Safe for Pets

A safe home with dogs or cats starts with removing things that can quietly cause harm. You don’t have to strip the house back. You just make it harder for curious paws, teeth and noses to get into trouble.

Remove Common Pet Hazards

Start with the items that cause most problems when chewed, swallowed or knocked over.

• Cleaning products and detergents: Store bleach, sprays, laundry pods and disinfectants in high or closed cupboards that pets can’t nudge open.
• Human medicines and vitamins: Keep tablets in their containers and off bedside tables or counters. Even small amounts can be harmful.
• Toxic foods: Chocolate, xylitol (in sugar-free gum and sweets), grapes and raisins, onions and alcohol are all risky for cats and dogs. Keep snacks in sealed jars or cupboards and clear plates away promptly.
• DIY and garden products: Paints, solvents, fertilisers and weed killers are safest in a locked shed or on high shelving.

A few simple habits help:

• Use bins with tight lids so pets can’t pull out leftovers or packaging.
• Pick up string, thread, batteries, hair ties and small toys.
• Keep bags zipped and hung up instead of left on the floor.

If you’re unsure about an item, store it as you would around a toddler—well out of reach.

Secure Wires and Cables

Many pets love to chew. Cables look like great toys, and that’s where the danger is. Chewed wires can shock, burn or cause fires.

You can make things safer by:

• Hiding cables behind furniture, along skirting boards or inside trunking.
• Using protective covers or sleeving on any wires that must stay exposed.
• Unplugging unused items so nothing dangles at ground level.
• Providing chew toys to give your pet a safe alternative.

Focus on low outlets, TV stands, desks and places where your pet already likes to sit or play.

Choose Pet-Safe Plants

Houseplants and gardens brighten a home, but many common plants can upset a pet’s stomach or cause more serious issues if eaten.

Some higher-risk plants include:

• All lilies
• Daffodils
• Yew and foxglove
• Philodendron and peace lily

Make your plant choices safer by:

• Identifying every plant in your home and garden.
• Avoiding high-risk species altogether if your pet likes to nibble.
• Placing mildly irritating plants in high or hanging positions.
• Sweeping up fallen leaves and petals.

Keep Outdoor Areas Secure

A secure garden lets your pet explore without you hovering.

Look at:

• Fencing and gates: Check for gaps, loose panels and broken latches. Think about fence height if your dog jumps.
• Tools and chemicals: Keep fertilisers, weed killers, sharp tools and fuels in a locked shed or a high cupboard.
• Borders and plants: Avoid toxic plants where your pet roams. Keep bulbs, berries and compost heaps out of reach.
• Water and access points: Fence off ponds if needed and block narrow gaps that lead to other gardens.

These steps give you more confidence when you leave the back door open on warmer days.

Use Pet Gates to Create Safe Zones

Pet gates are a simple way to give pets safe spaces while protecting areas you don’t want them in.

They work well for:

• Blocking stairs for older pets or young ones still finding their balance.
• Keeping pets out of kitchens, utility rooms or children’s rooms unless supervised.
• Separating feeding spaces to avoid food stealing or stress.

When choosing a gate:

• Check the bar spacing.
• Look at the height.
• Decide between pressure-fit (easy to move) or screw-fit (more secure).

Make gated areas positive by adding a bed, water, a chew or a favourite toy.

Choose Durable, Easy-to-Clean Materials

Once hazards are sorted, the next step to create a pet-friendly home is choosing materials that can keep up with muddy paws, claws and everyday mess. These choices save time and keep your home looking good.

Pick Pet-Friendly Flooring

Flooring takes the most hits in a pet home. You want something that handles scratches, spills and daily traffic.

Good options include:

• Luxury vinyl (LVP/LVT): Tough, water-resistant and simple to mop.
• Laminate: Look for water-resistant types with a strong surface layer.
• Ceramic or porcelain tile: Scratch-resistant and great for messy zones.

Add washable rugs for comfort and noise control. Choose low-pile, non-slip options that fit in your washing machine.

If you prefer carpet:

• Choose low-pile, stain-resistant
• Use doormats to catch grit and mud before it spreads.

Use Strong, Scratch-Resistant Upholstery

Sofas and chairs get regular contact from claws, fur and muddy paws. Fabric choice makes a big difference.

Reliable options include:

• Microfiber: Tightly woven, resistant to snagging and easy to clean.
• Leather: Wipes clean and doesn’t trap fur, though it can show scratches.
• Canvas, denim and performance fabrics: Durable and built to handle heavy use.

General tips:

• Avoid loose-weave fabrics like chenille or open linen; claws catch easily.
• Choose mid-tone colours or small patterns to hide fur and marks.
• Pick removable, washable covers whenever possible.

Add Washable Finishes for Easy Care

Washable finishes keep daily cleaning simple and stop small messes turning into big jobs.

For walls and woodwork:

• Use satin or semi-gloss paint in high-traffic areas since they handle wiping better than flat finishes.
• Choose washable, stain-resistant paints for skirting boards and lower walls.

For textiles:

• Pick machine-washable curtains, cushion covers and throws.
• Use beds and crate pads with removable covers for higher-temperature washes.
• Add washable mats under food bowls.

For furniture:

• Choose wipe-clean finishes on storage units or side tables in pet areas.
• Add small protective pads to windowsills and low shelves where pets sit.

These small choices make everyday cleaning quicker, especially on wet or muddy days.

Create Special Spaces for Your Pets

Next, give your pets spots that feel like theirs. Clear, predictable spaces help them relax, cope with noise and feel more secure day to day.

Set Up a Cozy Nook for Rest

Most pets like a quiet place where they can switch off. A good rest area is:

• Away from busy routes, not right by the front door, kitchen bin or main hallway.
• Warm but not too hot. Avoid direct sun all day or right next to a radiator.
• Easy to reach. Older pets should not need stairs to get to their bed.

You can use:

• A soft bed or mat that supports their joints.
• A blanket or cover to give a “den” feel, especially for dogs that like to hide and snooze.
• A crate or covered bed, left open, for pets that enjoy a cave-like space.

Try to keep the same spot for sleeping so your pet knows where to go when they want a break or when the house feels busy.

Add Vertical Space for Climbing and Play

Many pets, especially cats, feel safer when they can get up high. Vertical space gives them more choice and helps reduce stress and boredom.

You can add height with:

• Cat trees or towers with multiple levels.
• Window perches so they can watch the world go by.
• Strong shelves or wall steps, fixed securely, that lead to higher resting spots.

For multi-pet homes, extra levels give animals room to pass each other and choose their distance. That can lower tension and reduce squabbles over one single bed or chair.

Make sure any tall furniture is fixed to the wall so it cannot tip if a pet jumps or climbs.

Design Feeding and Play Areas That Stay Clean

Food and play can both get messy, but a bit of planning keeps things under control.

For feeding areas:

• Use non-slip bowls on a mat so they don’t slide around.
• Choose mats that you can wipe or put in the wash.
• Keep water bowls away from food dishes if your pet prefers more space.
• Place bowls away from doorways so pets can eat in peace.

For play zones:

• Store toys in a basket, crate or low box so you can clear the floor quickly.
• Rotate toys so your pet doesn’t get bored and so fewer things lie around at once.
• Keep chew toys and noisy toys in one spot so you know where they are.

If you have more than one pet, set up more than one feeding station. That helps avoid pushing, guarding and food stealing around a single bowl.

Improve Comfort and Daily Living

A pet-friendly home is not just about safety and materials. Daily comfort matters too. Fresh air, light, clear storage and a simple routine all help your pet feel settled and help you stay on top of things.

Keep Good Ventilation and Natural Light

Fresh air and daylight support both human and animal health. Good ventilation helps reduce smells, moisture and airborne irritants such as dust and dander.

You can:

• Open windows when it’s safe to do so, using secure latches or restrictors if pets might push at them.
• Use extractor fans in kitchens and bathrooms to clear steam and strong smells.
• Avoid smoking indoors; smoke can irritate pets’ lungs as well as yours.
• Keep at least one bright, calm spot where your pet can lie in natural light, but make sure they can move away if they get warm.

If you use candles, wax melts or strong sprays, keep them to a minimum and never place them where pets can reach or knock them over.

Store Pet Toys and Supplies Smartly

Pet gear builds up fast. Simple storage makes your home feel calmer and helps you find what you need.

You might:

• Keep daily items(lead, harness, poo bags, towels) in a basket or hooks by the door you use for walks.
• Use a lidded box or crate for toys in the living room so you can tidy quickly when guests arrive.
• Store grooming tools, spare bedding and bulk food in a cupboard or utility area.

Follow a Simple Daily Routine

Most pets feel more secure when they have a rough idea of what happens when. A routine doesn’t have to be strict; it just needs to be steady.

You can:

• Feed at similar times each morning and evening.
• Build in regular toilet breaks and walks for dogs.
• Set aside short daily slots for play, training or grooming.
• Keep a basic order to bedtime, such as last toilet trip, then water check, then lights down.

A steady pattern helps pets cope better with visitors, noise and small changes in your day. It also makes it easier for you to notice shifts in behaviour, appetite or toilet habits, which can be early signs of a health issue.

Keep Your Pet-Friendly Home Clean with Smart Robot Vacuums

Even in a well-trained home, pets drop hair, crumbs and muddy paw prints everywhere. You can stay on top of it with a broom and hoover, but that usually means cleaning every day.

A smart robot vacuum can quietly pick up the boring, repeat jobs in the background, so you spend less time chasing tumbleweeds of fur and more time actually enjoying your pets.

The eufy models below all handle pet hair well, but each one suits a slightly different type of home and routine.

eufy E28

The eufy E28 a 3-in-1 device: a robot vacuum, a hard-floor mop, and a portable deep cleaner in one unit, so you can tackle carpets, hard floors and fabric surfaces without swapping between separate machines.

For everyday floor care, the robot uses powerful suction and a HydroJet™ mopping system.

• The mop is scrubbed 360 times per minute and pushed down with about 1.5 kg of pressure, which helps lift dried marks and muddy paw prints rather than just wiping over them.
• At the same time, up to 20,000 Pa of suction pulls dust and pet hair out of carpets and gaps in the floor, which is useful if your dog favours a particular rug or hallway spot.

Need more targeted cleaning on stairs, pet beds, fabric crates, car mats or small patches of carpet? Just lift the portable deep cleaner off the dock.

It reveals a compact hose with a trigger, brush and spray nozzle, much like a small upholstery cleaner. Press the trigger to spray the water-solution mix, then move the nozzle back and forth to loosen the mark while the suction pulls up the dirty water.

Because it stays docked, pre-filled and charged, you can handle muddy paw prints, pet accidents and everyday spills without setting up a separate machine. A self-cleaning feature also flushes the hose after each use.

The all-in-one base washes and dries the mop pads and stores dust in a sealed bag, which cuts down contact with dander and keeps used water and hair out of sight.

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eufy X10 Pro Omni

The eufy X10 Pro Omni is built for strong everyday cleaning with minimal input from you. It’s a good match for homes with a mix of carpets, hard floors and scattered pet toys.

Key strengths:

• 8,000 Pa suction for carpets that collect embedded hair.
• Dual rotating mops(around 180 RPM) for lifting paw prints and dried spots.
• Auto mop lift on carpets to avoid wetting rugs.
• See™ obstacle avoidance to recognise and move around wires, shoes and toys.
• Omni station washes and dries mop pads and empties dust into a sealed bag.

Choose this one if you want strong carpet cleaning and fully automated mopping with little upkeep.

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eufy Robot Vacuum E20

The eufy Robot Vacuum E20 is a good choice if you like the idea of a robot but still want a powerful handheld for stairs, the car and soft furnishings. The same core unit can work as a robot vacuum, a stick vacuum and a handheld, so you cover floors, corners, steps and pet beds with one system.

• In robot mode, the E20 offers up to 8,000 Pa of suction for floor cleaning.
• Switch to handheld and it can reach around 30,000 Pa, which is useful when you want to deep-clean carpets, cat trees, fabric crates, upholstery or car mats where grit and hair collect.
• A five-stage AeroTurbo™ filtration system is designed to capture up to 7% of particles down to 0.3 microns, including fine dust, dander and pollen, which can help if you’re sensitive to allergens.

Triple-laser obstacle avoidance and LiDAR mapping help the robot move around bowls, toys and table legs, and it’s rated to clean roughly 139 m² on a single 2.5-hour charge.

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eufy Robot Vacuum Omni S2

The eufy Robot Vacuum Omni S2 is the flagship option and is aimed at deep cleaning and hygiene as much as everyday dust.

• The robot is rated at up to 30,000 Pa of suction and designed to keep that power for up to 90 days without clogging, thanks to cyclone separation in the base.
• It’s also built to handle thick rugs with fibres up to about 5 cm, so it suits homes with plush carpets or deep-pile runners where fur tends to burrow in.
• On hard floors, the HydroJet™ Mopping System 2.0 uses ozonated water to wash the mop and clean the surface, and it’s TÜV Rheinland-certified to remove up to 99.99% of germs.

The 12-in-1 UniClean™ station handles the messy parts: it empties dust, washes and dries the mop, manages fresh and dirty water and keeps suction performance stable over time.

If you want the strongest suction and the most automated maintenance, the S2 is the premium choice to consider.

Conclusion

Learning how to create a pet-friendly home is mostly about small, steady choices that make life easier for you and safer for your pets. When you remove hazards, pick durable materials and set up spaces that support rest and play, your home becomes calmer and more comfortable. Add good ventilation, simple routines and smart tools like robot vacuums, and daily cleaning feels far less demanding. With the right setup, your home can stay welcoming, practical and genuinely pet-friendly, every single day.

FAQs

How to design a pet-friendly home?

Designing a pet-friendly home starts with safety and comfort. Remove hazards, secure wires, and choose pet-safe plants. Use durable, easy-to-clean flooring and fabrics, and add washable finishes to walls. Create dedicated spaces for your pets, including cosy resting areas, play zones, and feeding stations. Ensure your home has good ventilation, natural light, and organised storage for toys and supplies. Simple routines and smart cleaning tools, like a robot vacuum, make daily life easier for both you and your pets.

What flooring is best for a pet-friendly home?

For most homes with pets, luxury vinyl (LVT) flooring is often the best all-round choice: it’s waterproof, scratch-resistant, and simple to clean, while still looking like wood or stone. Laminate, engineered wood, and certain porcelain or ceramic tiles can also work well if they’re textured for grip and properly sealed against spills. Carpets tend to trap hair and odours, so keep them to low-traffic or pet-free rooms if possible.

How do I make my home safe for pets?

To make your home safe for pets, remove poisons, sharp objects, and small items they might swallow. Keep cleaning products, medications, and harmful foods out of reach. Secure wires with covers or place them high, and check outdoor spaces for broken fences or unsafe plants. Use pet gates to create safe zones in the house and provide shelter if pets are outdoors. Regularly inspect your home to remove hazards, ensuring your pets can explore freely without risk.

Is it possible to have a clean house with pets?

Yes, it’s absolutely possible to keep a clean house with pets, but it does take good routine and smart tools. Choose easy-clean flooring like vinyl or laminate, and washable throws or covers on sofas. Regular grooming, pet-friendly cleaning products, and dealing with messes as they happen make the biggest difference. Daily vacuuming—easily handled by a robot vacuum—helps manage shedding, while quick mopping controls dirt and odours. Weekly deep cleaning, such as washing pet bedding and toys, keeps everything fresh and your home feeling comfortable.