Around 66% of American households own a pet, all of which are family members who deserve their own special place in the kitchen. If your dog slides across slippery floors and knocks over water bowls, creating a kitchen space that works can make things a lot more comfortable and far less work.
We spend so much time in our kitchens with our furry friends that it’s important that the space considers their needs alongside ours. Your pet’s comfort and safety should always be front of mind, and your kitchen can be a dangerous place if it isn’t well-planned. The good news is it’s super easy to make your space better for everyone.
Treats for all
Your kitchen is likely full of little treats for you, so it’s important to also have some for your pets. Treats are essential tools for building a positive relationship, and having them readily available in your kitchen creates an environment where your pet feels valued and understood.
Install a dedicated treat drawer or cabinet at waist height (out of reach of curious paws) and make your own dog treats to save money and ensure your pet stays healthy. Mason jars or airtight containers that match your kitchen aesthetic keep treats fresh while looking intentional rather than cluttered, and you can even use small pull-out organizers specifically for different types of treats.
Pro tip: The location of your treat storage should make sense within your daily routine. When treats are easy to grab, you’re more likely to reinforce good behavior in the moment.
Planning a pet-friendly kitchen layout
Creating distinct zones that keep your pet comfortable while maintaining the kitchen’s primary function as a cooking space is your goal. The ideal setup includes a quiet retreat for your pet that’s connected to, but separate from, the main cooking area. You can transform unused corner spaces with built-in beds, giving pets a sense of belonging without putting them underfoot during meal prep.
Traffic flow is crucial – you’ll want wide pathways between islands and counters to prevent accidents when your pet decides to follow you around (because they always do). Consider placing food and water stations in a recessed area or along a less-traveled wall, keeping them away from major walkways and cooking zones to avoid any tripping issues.
Creating a safe kitchen environment for our pets goes
Our furry friends don’t understand that a hot stove or sharp knife could hurt them, so countertops need to be a pet-free zone. Not just for cleanliness but because that’s where potential dangers lurk.
Keep those cleaning supplies, sharp utensils, and toxic foods (like chocolate or onions) in upper cabinets or behind childproof locks. Consider magnetic knife strips mounted high on the wall or knife blocks tucked far back on counters. For cleaning products, install a dedicated locked cabinet and opt for eco-friendly and sustainable cleaning methods and products, as they are much safer for animals.
Appliance safety is also an important consideration that requires a little attention. Induction cooktops are fantastic for pet homes since they don’t stay hot to the touch. Stove knob covers that are meant for toddlers also work great for preventing curious pets from accidentally turning on the gas!
Strategic bin placement
You really don’t want to walk into your kitchen and find garbage scattered across the floor. Modern kitchen design solves the pet-versus-trash-bin battle. Today’s integrated bin solutions can be completely concealed within your cabinetry, making them virtually invisible and, more importantly, inaccessible to curious pets. Clever pull-out systems that tuck neatly into lower cabinets, with secure closing mechanisms, will always beat even the smartest of dogs.
Think about installing a dual-bin system – one for recyclables and another for general waste – built right into your cabinetry. This prevents those middle-of-the-night trash raids. Cabinet-height bins with soft-close mechanisms are also particularly effective for larger dogs who’ve mastered the art of nudging open regular bins.
Need some work done around your house?
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