Since the university towns are booming and housing is being built at the same time, it’s a good idea to consider some things that make homes more pet-friendly.
Recently, Bob Wallsmith Jr., the 2022 president of the Santa Barbara Association of Realtors, published a piece in a local independent newspaper on the subject. According to a 2021 survey from the National Association of Realtors, forty-three percent of pet owners say they will walk their pets. 68% of pet owners surveyed by Realtor.com say they would pass up a perfect home that doesn’t meet their pet’s needs.
Below, in the order I ordered them, are Wallsmith’s recommendations.
The upper landing is to build in a pet bathing station. Especially if a person has large dogs that need to run in all seasons in all weathers, this is completely reasonable. In our climate, a man cave, in the shed, or in the garage, which includes hot water, will do well.
Second, Wallsmith recommends pet-resistant flooring. I’m a little disappointed in that perfect description. I say pet resistant flooring. Basically, there is no carpet because it holds pet waste and nowadays people don’t like carpeting. “Think tile, hardwood, terrazzo, cement or laminate,” he writes. The bad news is that all those choices can be uncomfortable for older, arthritic dogs who don’t have traction and protection.
The next tip is to consider built-in pet beds. Basically, these can be built in many places in the house. The problem with anything built-in is that it costs a lot when it needs to be replaced.
Built-in pet doors come next. A bright, spacious room especially for waiting family or furniture or antiques. Even a normal door in the same room can be built as a pocket door.
Outdoor ramps are built for the physically challenged with a slope of no more than 1:12. This also applies to infirm pets. They can also prevent back and knee injuries in some species. Ramps can increase a home’s resale value to another market segment when you decide to leave.
An enclosed cat enclosure is another option. For most of the year, the climate here allows the cat to have a private and connected structure.
A cat park can help a cat enjoy the outdoors without the risk of predators, disease, or cars.
Next, he recommends built-in pet doors. Again, brilliant. Built-in construction is more durable and can be made to any size. Additionally, they can be built to include home security in the absence of humans.
Finally, Wallsmith recommends fencing in the backyard. Amen our brother. A fenced yard offers several obvious advantages. Remember that fences make for good neighborhood relations.
I will add two tips. I suggest you consider kitty trails in our common areas, we have a cat owner guide here. Well built, they can look like decorative shelves.
Pet widows in fences. These are low-level holes in the fence with metal hardware for windows. Although it does not prevent disease.
Pet toilet. These are deep holes on the ground covered with a plastic container and a low-level foot-operated lid that one person can mow safely. It functions as a small outhouse and comes in various sizes. Over time, the perforated tank allows the waste to decompose and flow into the surrounding soil.
A warning though. I have not checked with local code agencies to determine the legality of dog pit toilets.
Powell is the public information officer for the Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine, where he provides this column as a community service. Email cpowell@vetmed.wsu.edu for questions or concerns.
