Pet-Friendly Home Upgrades for Your Furry Friends

Your home was designed with humans in mind, but some occupants may be four-legged and furry. To make your space comfy and functional for everyone, you may need to make a few pet-friendly changes.

From simple upgrades to major modifications, here are a few pet-approved home improvement ideas.

Home Upgrades for Cats

With these upgrades, your cats will have their very own space to claim — but we can’t guarantee they’ll stop stealing your seat.

Catio (Cat Patio)

If your indoor-only cat is desperate to get outside, a cat patio is the perfect way to safely give them a taste of the outdoors. These screened-in enclosures offer felines a front-row seat to all the action they usually watch through the window — without posing a threat to wildlife.

Catios come in all shapes and sizes and can be freestanding or attached to a window for easy access. You can build your own structure for a chance to practice your carpentry skills or buy a pre-built catio. No matter which option you choose, make sure your cat has places to perch, access to water, and a litter box nearby.

With a Stick Up Cam, you can use Live View to supervise your cat while they watch birds and squirrels. If you need your cat to come inside, you can ask them using Two-Way Talk (or lure them inside with the sound of an opening can). If your cat will have nighttime access to their catio, a motion-activated light from Ring can also give them extra visibility while they roam.

Cat Shelves

From the top of your refrigerator to the highest shelf on your bookcase, cats will always find high places to perch — and they’ll knock over anything in their way to get there.

With cat shelves, you can give pets a way to climb high with a safe, unobstructed path to the top. There are plenty of off-the-shelf options, from wall-mounted steps to cat hammocks, but you can also create custom cat furniture to fit your home. Just make sure your cat furniture is mounted securely with plenty of clearance to roam safely.

Home Upgrades for Dogs

These upgrades can help your very good boy or girl live their best doggy life.

Dog-Wash Station

A dog wash station can be a game-changer if you struggle to get your muddy dog into the bath without tracking dirt through the house. As soon as you enter the mudroom, walk-in basement, garage, or laundry room, your furry friend can step or walk into their wash station for a quick shower — which means they’ll be squeaky clean when they trot into your living space.

Since a built-in washing station requires tiling and plumbing, it’s the perfect project to tackle during an existing renovation. Prefabricated dog wash stations can also eliminate the need for tiling if you don’t mind a utilitarian look. Don’t have an available spot for a dedicated dog-wash station? Your contractor may be able to transform an area with existing plumbing, like a laundry sink, into your dog bath.

If you’re not looking for a major renovation, consider adding a handheld showerhead to existing showers or baths. While it may not be as convenient as having a dog-wash station as soon as you step inside, a handheld showerhead will make it easier to target dirty spots and wash hard-to-reach areas.

Doggy Door

Your energetic pup loves to roam outdoors, which means they’re constantly barking at the door to be let out. With a doggy door, you can give them the freedom to come and go for potty breaks and backyard patrolling.

If you’re not comfortable giving your dog unlimited access to the great outdoors, go for an option you can lock during bad weather or times when you’re away. Smart models can also use your dog’s microchip or a special collar to detect when your furry friend is near, so it only unlocks when necessary. Plus, you can grant or restrict access from your phone, allowing you to lock up if you learn that a storm is coming.

Fenced-In Yard

Your yard is the perfect place for your dog to stretch their legs, run around, and get the stimulation they need. But if you have to keep them on a leash or watch closely while they roam, it may be time for a backyard upgrade.

A tall, escape-proof fence can keep your rambunctious doggo safe and contained while they run laps, bark at squirrels, and play fetch. Plus, a fenced-in yard provides more privacy while you lounge on the patio or host dinner parties — so it’s a win-win for you and your dog.

If your fence has a gate, consider installing an Outdoor Contact Sensor and connecting it to Ring Alarm. When your system is armed, your Base Station will sound if the gate opens while your dog is playing outside. You can also get digital notifications with a Ring Protect subscription, sold separately, so you’re in the know no matter where you are.¹

For an easy way to check in on your pup when they’re outside alone, install outdoor cameras from Ring. From Live View, you can see what they’re up to in real time and even use Two-Way Talk to say hello.

Looking for more ways to turn your yard into a fun and safe space for dogs? Check out our dog-friendly landscaping ideas.

Upgrades for Any Furry Friend

Dogs and cats alike can benefit from these simple yet high-impact home upgrades.

Pet Nook

Pets need alone time, too — and with a pet nook, you can help your dog or cat get some peace and quiet in a space designed just for them.

Whether you have an entire room available or a small cove under the staircase, any quiet place can become a pet nook. Add comfy bedding and blankets that your pets can lounge or snooze on. If you need a safe place for your pets to stay while you’re hosting guests or tackling a project, consider installing a gate or door if the space doesn’t already have one.

Want to keep an eye on your peaceful pets while they take an afternoon nap? Put an Indoor Cam or Stick Up Cam in the pet nook, so you can check in on Live View while at work or in another room. Using Two-Way Talk, you can also say hello to your furry companion and tell them you’ll be home soon.

Motion-Activated Lighting

In the evening, middle of the night, or early morning, your pets may need extra light when they head outside. With motion-activated Spotlights and Floodlights, your pets can activate powerful LEDs just by walking into their catio or out into the yard. With a Ring Bridge, sold separately, you can also set all your Ring lighting to turn on if one device gets activated. That means your pet can light up the entire yard by walking past one light.

Check out Ring for Pets today to see how even more Ring products, from Pet Tag to video doorbells, can help make your home more pet-friendly.

¹ Ring Alarm and all Ring Alarm accessories require a subscription for in-app features and digital notifications, including digital arming / disarming and integration with other Ring, Echo, Alexa, and third party products. Subscription sold separately. View ring.com/protect-plans for pricing and details

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