29 Apr How to Live in a Tiny Home with a Pet
Are you thinking about downsizing and wondering if you can bring your 4-legged babies with you? Yes, absolutely!
Your beloved pets are family, so don’t let that hold you back if you want to downsize to a Tiny House. There’s actually no possible way I would do it unless I knew I could bring my babies with me. But the good news is it can be done with some thoughtful planning. So let’s get to it!
Here are some tips to ensure a harmonious coexistence between your tiny abode and your beloved pets.
Considerations for Living with Pets in a Tiny House
Living with pets in a tiny house can present some unique challenges that pet owners need to consider. The most obvious challenge is the limited space available in a tiny house. Pets, especially larger ones, need room to move around, play, and feel comfortable. Additionally, pets may require privacy at times, such as when they need to use the litter box or when they want to sleep.
One way to address these challenges – you can use multi-functional furniture that serves multiple purposes. For example, a bed that doubles as a storage area or a bench that also serves as a feeding station for pets. Creating designated pet areas, such as a nook for a pet bed or a built-in litter box area, can also help to maximize space and make pets feel more comfortable.
Space Optimization
● Pet-Friendly Layout: When designing your tiny home, consider your pets’ needs. Create cozy nooks for them to rest, play, and observe their surroundings.
● Vertical Space: Utilize vertical space for cat shelves, climbing structures, and doggy steps. Cats love to perch up high, and dogs appreciate steps to reach elevated spots.
Pet-Friendly Furniture
● Stain-Resistant Fabrics: Choose furniture with stain-resistant fabrics. Pets can be messy, and easy-to-clean materials are essential.
● Hidden Storage: Opt for furniture with built-in storage compartments. These serve dual purposes: seating for humans and hiding spots for pet toys or supplies.
Pet Safety
- Secure Windows and Doors: Ensure that windows and doors are secure to prevent curious pets from escaping.
- Using baby gatesor screens to create barriers between pets and dangerous areas like stairs or the kitchen can prevent injury. It’s also important to secure doors and windows with latches or locks to prevent pets from escaping. Investing in a microchip or GPS collar for pets can also provide added security in case of escape.
Outdoor Space
● Pet-Friendly Yard: If your tiny home is stationary, create a pet-friendly outdoor space. Install a small fenced area where your pets can play safely.
● Portable Enclosures: For mobile tiny homes, consider portable enclosures or harnesses for outdoor excursions.
Pet Supplies
● Compact Feeding Stations: Set up compact feeding stations with collapsible bowls. Store pet food in airtight containers to save space.
● Foldable Beds: Invest in foldable pet beds that can be tucked away when not in use.
Get a good Vacuum or Skip the carpeting
You can skip carpeting depending on the type of pet you have. Short-haired pets probably would not make it necessary for you to skip carpeting. However, if you have long-haired animals or pets that love to bound around, it will be good if you skip carpeting and choose hard flooring instead. Durable hard flooring material can stand up to the wear and tear that your pets might cause. Plus, they’re pretty easier to clean. Then you would only need a dust mop or Swiffer.
Place the Bowls in the Right Spot
Some pets can get a bit (or overly) sloppy when they eat or drink. They can even leave a puddle around the bowl, and for sure, you don’t want that on your floor or carpet. A good hiding spot to consider is placing the bowls on the floor of your shower stall. This will help your pet establish a feed area and also develop good eating habits.
Potty Solutions
● Litter Boxes for Cats: If you have cats, choose space-saving litter boxes. Some designs fit neatly into corners.
● Dog Potty Pads: For dogs, use indoor potty pads or train them to use a designated outdoor spot.
Regular Exercise and Mental Stimulation
- Daily Walks: Even in a tiny home, dogs need regular walks for exercise and mental stimulation.
- Interactive Toys: Provide toys that engage your pets’ minds. Puzzle feeders and treat-dispensing toys are great options.
The not so great news here is that not all pets, especially dogs, are right for Tiny house living – if your sweet baby barks at every noise they hear or gets anxious on car rides, then they might not be ready to live in a tiny house on wheels.
Research Pet Policies before Moving
You’re probably going to move around if your tiny house is on wheels. The policies change depending on where you park. For example, some state parks in the USA do not allow pets. That being said, it’s essential to know if the park where you plan to stay at accepts dogs.
If you’re not sure about the campground’s policy regarding pets, it’s best to call them and talk about the concerns and questions you have.
Give your dog his/her own space
There should be a spot in your tiny home that’s solely for your pup. Place their favorite dog toys and blanket on that spot. This gives them a sense of comfort in their new area.
Remember, tiny house living with pets requires thoughtful planning and creative solutions. Adapt your space to accommodate their needs, and enjoy the companionship of your furry friends in your cozy home!
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