Nine chances out of ten, you are not going to find that perfect pet friendly home. Most likely, it is going to be your job to make it perfect for your pet and workable for yourself. There is a lot to consider when you have a furry, fuzzy friend as housemates.  It can make life sheer torture trying to keep it clean if you do not use your head a little and plan accordingly. First off, if you are a true romantic and adore the ultra long, beautiful, sheer, chiffon, draping across, and down, to the floor of your windows, forget about it! It will drive you insane trying to keep the pup from standing up at the windowsill to see who is out there. You will be picking that curtain rod up off the floor and trying to get the muddy paw prints off it incessantly. You will wind up in the loony bin. The cat is going to have a field day with those sharp claws. It will literally drive you mad. The aggravation of trying to maintain them will be unbearable. Let it go. Get some nice valance window treatments that cover the tops of the windows and dress it up with a beautiful roller shade. Shades attract less dirt and dust, and are easier to clean with a big feather duster.

White carpeting is certainly not an option. In fact, without it would be the best. Remove all carpets in areas that your pet frequents. Shedding, dander, dirt, and dust collect in the fibers and set up a very unhealthy situation for you and your four-legged friend. Mold and bacteria build up in pet accident areas and the smell is enough to gag a maggot. You may become immune to the odor, but it is there, and it will hit guests right in the face as they enter your home. Invest in hard flooring in vinyl, or laminate.

Cleanup is easy and thorough. Bamboo is a great choice these days because it is also staining resistant. If you opt for hard wood, that will work if you put several layers of polyurethane on it to protect the wood from water damage. Use rugs on top of the wood, especially where pet’s favorite lounging areas are. Those can be picked up easily and thrown in the washer and dryer as often as necessary. Throw rugs will also protect the floor from scratches. Another great tip is to try to get glass or metal legs on furniture in contrast to wood. Cats love to scratch and dogs just love peeing on a wooden leg.

Never choose a flat paint for the walls. It is next to impossible to clean. For couches and chairs use upholstery that is synthetic and stain resistant. Forget the velvet. It is a magnet for the hair.

Considering what your pet’s normal habits are, will help you keep a cleaner, more orderly environment in your home. Your pets will love you for it, and you will not miss all the extra work. A peaceful, happy, pet friendly home is possible with a little common sense.