By Patricia L. Garcia
As an owner of four dogs, I am challenged daily with battling dog hair and keeping those pups clean and smelling like something other than, um, dogs. Regular trips to the groomer are out of the question because of the price, so I bathe them in our tub. Bath time is not fun for any of us: they hate being wet so they slosh water everywhere, my back ends up hurting and afterward, they desperately roll around on the carpet trying to get their smell back.
As more American households increasingly include a pet — in 2012, 62 percent of American households included at least one pet — home builders and designers are increasingly including features in new homes that cater to pet owners’ lifestyles. One of the most recent trends seen in new homes in the few last years is the inclusion of pet washing stations, making it easier to keep pets — and new homes — staying fresh.
In honor of National Pet Month — that’s May — I’m happy to share with all of you pet owners (as well as all of you future pet owners and future new home-new pet owners) five pet washing stations that will save your back and make bath time more enjoyable for both you and your pet:
Fancy Paws
This pet washing station, which appears above, featured in the Pinehurst model by Standard Pacific in Austin, Texas, shows that bathing areas for pets can be stylish and functional. The walls are stylishly tiled and a showerhead makes it easy to clean pups in the hardest to reach places.
What I appreciate about this pet washing station is that the showerhead is situated high enough to prevent knocking your pet’s head and you have plenty of space to let your four-legged friend dry off (also known as shaking off, thereby getting everything in the vicinity wet).
Southern Charm
A pet washing station in the garage of the 2013 Southern Living Showcase Home in Lago Vista, Texas, is a smart idea for any pet owner. Silverton Custom Homes, which built the home, wanted to ensure that if the homeowner did have a pet, bathing them would be easy with this pet washing station. The station’s height helps with any back issues, while a faucet with a pull-down spray makes it convenient to get just the right temperature and still get to hard-to-reach spots.
A Bath Space of Their Own
I’m sure every pet dreams of its own space where it can simply rest or get some energy out. This pet washing station featured by A Very Engaging Year blog, is more than any pet could ever dream of: not only is there a spacious shower equipped with a removable showerhead, but there’s plenty of storage space for pet treats, toys and clothes, if that’s their thing. A pet bed and pet bowl bench is the perfect touch that really tells Fido that this is their space.
Think Big
Why only think of a pet washing station, when you can go the whole mile? Like the last pet washing station, we appreciate that this station is paired with a space for your pet to relax.
Hopefully they’ll relate the nearby shower stall with all things good if their bed is just around the corner, like in this dog room designed by Stanton Homes. White ceramic tile makes clean-up easy for all involved and a built-in dog house provides sanctuary for any dog that needs time after a bath to forgive their owner for the hardship they just went through.
Keep It Simple
This simple design by Studio M Inc. is as basic as any built-in pet washing station could get. Have an open hallway? Simply have that wall tiled up and have your builder include a drain and a water faucet. Just a few simple changes to a hallway makes an easy space devoted to pet cleaning. And, as a bonus, if the room is located anywhere near your back door, then it’s easy to spray off muddy paws to prevent a mess around the rest of the home. A large window gives your pet something to look at during bath time and you have plenty of space to move around.
We know you love your pets, but sometimes those furry friends get a little smelly. Help keep them and your new home as clean as can be with a space that both you and your pet can appreciate.
How to Keep Pests Out of Your New Home