4 Pet Essentials You Need in Your Custom-Built Home

Are you wondering how to make your new home more suited to your pet’s needs? All pet owners can agree, they are more than just a furry companion, they’re an integral part of the family! When building a custom home, you want it to fit the demands of your lifestyle, and your furry friends are an everyday aspect of that lifestyle. Here are five ways you can assimilate their must-haves into your floorplan without sacrificing your new home’s aesthetic.

1) Luxury Vinyl Plank - The Durable Flooring You’re Looking For

If you're a pet owner, you know the struggle—scratched hardwood floors, torn-up carpet, and constant worry about stains and damage from your furry friends. Traditional flooring like real hardwood or carpet often can’t stand up to the daily wear and tear of paws racing through the house.

That’s where luxury vinyl plank flooring comes in as a top pet-friendly flooring solution. Designed for durability, this flooring is scratch-resistant, waterproof, and easy to clean—perfect for busy households with pets. You can even install radiant heating systems beneath the planks to keep your floors warm and cozy during colder months.

What makes luxury vinyl even more ideal for pets is its textured, slip-resistant surface. Many options feature embossed finishes that improve traction, reducing the risk of slips and falls for your dogs as they dash through the home.

However, not all luxury vinyl is durable enough to withstand the craziness of pets. At Jones & Jones, we have taken the time to test and select the best product for our clients. our favorite brand is RigidMax, ensuring our customers get the absolute best. With its blend of style, strength, and safety, this product offers the perfect balance for pet lovers who want both reliability and aesthetics.

2) Built-In Stations - The Stylish Solution to a Mealtime Mess

Tired of messy pet feeding areas cluttering up your kitchen? Crumbs, water stains, and scattered bowls can quickly become an eyesore and a tripping hazard, no matter how often you clean. Fortunately, a growing home design trend is offering a smart and stylish solution: built-in pet feeding stations.

These custom feeding areas are designed to blend seamlessly into your kitchen or mudroom, often featuring built-in food and water bowls, hidden storage for pet food, and even integrated features like pot filler faucets for easy water refills. Popular configurations include slide-out drawers, compartments behind cabinet doors, or even dedicated nooks at the end of a kitchen island.

For pet owners who enjoy outdoor living, outdoor built-in feeding stations are also an option, ideal for patios or backyard spaces. This innovative design not only keeps your kitchen tidy but also creates a more hygienic and organized feeding experience for your furry companions.

Whether you want to reduce mess, improve aesthetics, or simply keep your pet supplies within easy reach, a built-in feeding station is a smart addition to any modern home.

3) Custom Dog Shower - Never Dread Bath Time Again

If you’ve ever tried bathing your dog in your home’s regular bathtub, you know it can turn into a splash zone, with sore knees, wet floors, and a very uncooperative pup. A dedicated dog shower might sound like a luxury, but for pet owners, it’s a game-changer. Here’s how to design a practical, mess-minimizing dog shower that works for both you and your furry friend.

A walk-in setup makes the bathing process much smoother, especially for large or senior dogs who may struggle with steps or being lifted. Not only does this keep your pup comfortable, but it also reduces strain on your back. Raised baths will save your knees and lower back by letting you wash your dog at waist level. No more crouching or awkward angles.

Safety is key during bath time, and wet paws and slick tile can spell trouble. No-slip mats provide traction for your dog and help prevent accidents, keeping everyone safe and steady while scrubbing.

While a dog shower is hugely beneficial, you must be sure to place it in an area that you are okay with getting dirty water all over. Even with high walls, showering a dog is not an easy task, especially if yours loves to shake off halfway through. To help with splash control, plexiglass screens are an option to prevent splatter. They maintain visibility while shielding your floors and walls from getting soaked. Bonus: they’re easy to clean.

With thoughtful planning, bath time can become something you and your dog actually tolerate (maybe even enjoy). While building your new home, these tips will help keep the mess manageable and your pup squeaky clean.

4) Transform Unused Spaces into Cozy Pet Nooks

Looking to give your furry friend a dedicated space without sacrificing your home's design? In designing your new floor plan, you can repurpose what would be a spare closet or even a cozy bay window into a custom pet nook that fits seamlessly into your home’s layout. Many homeowners are also designing custom pet nooks in unused spaces, like under staircases or within built-in cabinetry, to maximize every square foot.

For added comfort, consider installing heated flooring to keep your pets warm during colder months. To create a truly peaceful retreat, incorporate sound-dampening materials such as acoustic panels and thick rugs, helping to minimize noise and stress. Just make sure the area is positioned away from high-traffic zones to give your pets a quiet, undisturbed space to relax and recharge.

Your home is their home too, so why not make it more suited to your furry friend’s needs? These helpful additions will provide you piece of mind and seamlessly integrate your pet’s must-haves into your new forever home. They get pampered and you get to sleep soundly at night knowing they’re safe, clean, and comfortable.