Pets are more than just animal companions, they're our friends, children, and beloved members of the family. The best way to make your pet look and feel their best is when you have the right home environment.

We've put together a list of home features that every pet owner should have in their home.

1. Fenced Yard

Fences can be both the final touch to a lush landscape and a handy enclosing feature to keep your pets safe. 

If you have a dog, it will keep him or her from running after a stray squirrel and disappearing from sight. As the old saying goes, fences make good neighbours, especially if the people in your area aren't quite as keen on canines as you are.

If you have a cat, a fenced yard will help keep any neighbourhood felines from wandering close to your home and causing confrontations with your kitty. 

2. Sealed Off Crawl Spaces

Whether it's the area under a deck, veranda, or the crawl space beneath your home, these enclosed, tight areas can be quite tempting to explore for pets. Latticework or a decorative border can be an attractive way to seal off these areas that can pose a danger to your pets.

3. Window Screens

Nothing beats having the windows open on a warm day to let in a stream of fresh air, but remember that your pet might get tempted to make a run for it when you're not looking. Window screens are also a great way to ensure that insects and items like dandelion fluff stay out of your home, too.

4. The Right Flooring

Carpeting can be wonderful when it's done right, but it can also cause difficulties for pet guardians. Carpeting can also be difficult to clean, whether it's accidental messes or a build-up of pet fur.

For dogs, linoleum, laminate, tile, or other durable flooring is best as it will resist the damage that their toenails can cause. Make sure that any throw rugs or area carpets are made of resistant fabric that's easy to clean.

5. Hidey Holes

Depending on the way your home was built, you might find alcoves, nooks, and crannies. These little out-of-the-way spaces are perfect for cats who love nothing more than a quiet place to curl up for a nap. Little nooks and alcoves are also great for storing pet supplies like toys, food bowls, and litter boxes.

6. Low Beams

Birds are experts at finding high up places, but so are cats. If you have exposed beams high up close to the ceiling, these will be magnets for animals that can reach them. Look for a home with interior beams low enough that your pet won't be hurt if they accidentally fall off them or miss a poorly-timed jump.

7. Exterior Spigots

Many homes come with this handy feature, allowing you to connect a hose to get water outdoors. On a hot day, an exterior spigot is a great way to give your dog a refreshing drink, and they can also be used to spray off a naughty dog who's too dirty to come inside. 

Look for exterior spigots that have their own drain so you don't wind up flooding your driveway or yard with excess water.

8. Pet Doors

Some of today's modern homes have these built-in, but the good news is they're pretty easy to install. Pet doors are little flaps in exterior doors that are too small to admit unwanted humans in. A good pet door is easy to close when you want to keep Fido or Mittens indoors. 

Note: Some pet suppliers now sell high-tech pet doors that can be opened or closed remotely. Other models pair with pet collars to only let authorized animals use the door.

9. Doghouse

Even if your home doesn't come with a doghouse, look for a good spot in the yard where you can put one. Some dog owners like to keep their canines outside full-time during good weather, but even if it's only used as a temporary shelter, a quality doghouse lets your canine enjoy the great outdoors while being protected from the elements. This is especially nice to prevent being overheated in the summer months.

10. Custom Features

Although usually available upon request, when you choose a great Edmonton home builder, they can incorporate some really cool pet-friendly custom features in your home. Things like built-in cat tunnels or walkways built up high on the wall, alcoves for aquariums, or wall-mounted tubes for hamsters and gerbils, will make your abode all the more comfortable for your pets. 

11. Mobility Features

Cats can generally negotiate even the steepest staircases, but dogs often have special mobility needs, especially as they age. Some dog owners might be better off with single-storey homes with no staircases at all, while others can do well with short staircases built at a less steep angle (you can even save money by downsizing your home this way!). 

Another good idea is to look and see whether you can easily install a "baby gate" to keep your dog from wandering into unwanted rooms and areas like staircases, bathrooms, laundry rooms, basements, or children's rooms.

12. Reptile Features

If you're among the minority of pet owners with a beloved snake, lizard, or other cold-blooded creature, make sure you have the right set-up to keep them happy. Ensure that the wiring in the home can handle the load of heat lamps or other equipment and that there's a good place for their enclosure where you can maintain control over the air temperature.

No one knows the abilities and needs of your pet better than you do. Choosing to build your new residence is all about new home personalization, so before buying a home or before settling on a plan with your builder, ensure that your new home has everything it needs to keep your beloved animal companions safe, comfortable, healthy, and happy.

Photo credits: mother and child with cat, dogs taking bath, German shepherd