DESIGNING WITH PETS IN MIND
There are a lot of elements to consider for having a pet on board. The bigger the dog, the bigger the mess can be. Planning for pets in the beginning process of your build will ensure you have enough space for them and their safety.
THINGS TO CONSIDER
Whether you already have a pet, or you are considering getting one further down the road, it is best to add the space into your design early on.
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Untreated wood:
Fur sticks to untreated wood like a magnet. It can get caught in the grain of plywood, and in knots of solid wood. Adding a clear finish to your raw materials will prevent this. -
Paint:
Not everyone likes the look of a glossy surface, but there is a reason most kitchens are painted in high gloss: it is much easier to clean. If you plan on having pets, know that messes and dirt are more likely. Using gloss or semi gloss on all your cabinets will make a difference in their upkeep. -
Floor:
Water proof your floor. Water proof your sub floor too. Animals track in mud, spill water, and can make a mess. Knowing your floor will not warp will save you a headache later. -
Baseboard/gaps in materials. Dirt and hair easily collect in small spaces. Consider how you will fill gaps in materials. Baseboard, trim, and spaces between build ins.
DOGS IN YOUR DESIGN
Dogs can take up a lot of space and it can be easy to forget all the small details of what you need to make their life as comfortable as you can.
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The bigger the dog, the bigger the mess. Having accessible towels near the door to clean muddy paws/wet dogs can help a ton with keeping your space clean. Leash/Collar/Harness storage should also be easily accessible from the entrance.
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Food storage: How often do you plan on being remote/in the middle of nowhere? The longer you are away from civilization, the bigger your food storage needs to be. Gamma makes great air tight containers in all different sizes that can fit inside cabinets.
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Poop. Nobody wants to park on BLM land and find dog poop all over the place. Thinking about where you store the refuse when you pack out is important for keeping your home stink free and keeping public land as beautiful as when you got there.
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Safety Gate/Barriers: Does your dog like to follow you everywhere? Rush out the door after you? Installing a retractable baby gate can help with quick errands/keeping your door open while keeping your pup safe in the vehicle. It is multifunctional and takes up minimal space
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This might sound obvious but food and water bowl location and accessibility. Consider if they will spill when driving up or down steep inclines and if you will need to empty the water bowl while driving/traveling.
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Dogs can take up a lot of space, making it easy to forget all the small details of what you need to make their life as comfortable as you can.
-
The bigger the dog, the bigger the mess. Having accessible towels near the door to clean muddy paws/wet dogs can help a ton with keeping your space clean. Leash/Collar/Harness storage should also be easily accessible from the entrance.
-
Food storage: How often do you plan on being remote/in the middle of nowhere? The longer you are away from civilization, the bigger your food storage needs to be. Gamma makes great air tight containers in all different sizes that can fit inside cabinets.
-
Poop. Nobody wants to park on BLM land and find dog poop all over the place. Thinking about where you store the refuse when you pack out is important for keeping your home stink free and keeping public land as beautiful as when you got there.
-
Safety Gate/Barriers: Does your dog like to follow you everywhere? Rush out the door after you? Installing a retractable baby gate can help with quick errands/keeping your door open while keeping your pup safe in the vehicle. It can be handy for quite a few reasons and takes up minimal space
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This might sound obvious but food and water bowl. Placement and ease of use, as well as if they will spill when driving up or down steep inclines.
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