Renting with Pets: An Interview with the Founder of Unmentionable Pets

Kim Concepcion is the Founder of Unmentionable Pets, a service that helps landlords and prospective tenants to resolve pet-related issues.

What does Unmentionable Pets do, and what is the meaning of your name?

 Unmentionable Pets shares information, resources, and personal stories focusing on housing issues faced by pet owners. My background in Property Management and Residential Real Estate gives me unique insight into what landlords want and need, and the goal of Unmentionable Pets is to create win-wins within the housing space.

The name comes from my own experiences. Often, renters do not want to “mention” that they have 3 cats, or a large dog, or even a reptile to potential landlords. This can later cause more issues for both parties. I thought the name would encompass many different situations in pet ownership (not just certain breeds or multiples), so we ran with it. We help pet owners, landlords, and the public in general with resources and options for facing a pet housing situation.

How did you come up with the idea for this service?

As a Realtor, over the last 10 years, the pattern would happen over and over, and over again. I would get a call, the person on the other end would be looking for a rental, and the first question they would ask me was: “Do you know if the landlord will take pet XYZ?” 

It would be a game of phone tag or outright no options to try and help place them in a rental. Many of them would just not say anything and call another agent pretending they did not have pets. I did not want that to be the reality. I created Unmentionable Pets to help share information with pet owners, and share resources with landlords about risk/reward options. We focus on how to get to a middle ground and support responsible pet ownership while paying attention to the landlord’s ROI (Return On Investment) and risk assessment from a business perspective.

My goal is also to help pet owners become homeowners and future landlords! With good fiscal choices, this helps to create more win-wins in the marketplace!

Have you ever had trouble finding pet-friendly housing? If so, how was the situation resolved?

Yes, I personally have had issues finding a home!

My husband is in the military, and most base housing has a list of banned dogs. However, my husband has wanted a pitbull-type dog since the day I met him. I always said no — not because of the dogs, but because we had to move a lot, and it was already hard to find something suitable for our family.

I didn’t want the added stress of having a pet that would be difficult to fit in that equation. So, our solution was that we knew we had to buy a home. From then on, we would be homeowners so that we did not have to let a landlord decide if the risk was worth it. That was 2009, and we have owned a home since then!

Do you have advice for property managers who are "on the fence" about no-pets (or breed restrictive) policies?

In my mind, it comes down to a few principles: communication, education, and willingness to serve responsible pet owners. 

The first is communication: Be willing to talk about why you would or would not like pet "XYZ" in your unit. Is there something you do not know? Is there more history or a compensation that can make it a win-win? Ask the questions and be willing to have a conversation.

No-pet policies, as well as weight and breed restrictions, are a major reason why pets are surrendered to shelters.

Real-life people and people on paper can be quite different: they might be as good as their resumé, or not. And many landlords are just following their routine – but they forget about the most important thing in the rental market: occupancy.

There is a huge cost to turn a unit year after year. If someone discloses a pet, put things in place to protect your investment. Good communication allows you to make these decisions, so let potential tenants be open and explanatory about their habits, plans, and lifestyle.

Education: Let’s be real! Pets represent a risk. There are good and bad pet parents out there, and their attitude can be decisive. But also, renting a home is always a risk! There are good and bad tenants, pet owners or not!

Know your options. Assess the risk/reward in each situation. What can be done to limit risk and protect your property? LOTS – over the last 3 years alone, more insurance carriers have put out low-cost options.

I have found, in my experience, that the owners who do not disclose their pets tend to cause the most financial damage to a property – physically and by not paying their rent on time. Good pet parents are really that: parents, taking care of their pets. They are grateful for a stable place to call home. Make sure this is the renter you are getting. Check references, check employment, do an internet search! Invest upfront to gather information so that you can make the decision that is most profitable in the long run.

You can protect your investment as well as offer a pet family a place to live. The more you encourage and fact-check potential renters, the more they are prepared and ready if they need to rent again.

Willingness: Like-energy people tend to find each other. I often see people who own pets themselves become great landlords to other pet owners. This keeps pets with their families and out of rescues/shelters. Is that not the goal, to keep pets with the families that love them?

Maybe this willingness to help others is how I was raised, but the other side of me says to rental communities and landlords: THIS CAN BE VERY PROFITABLE! More and more people are getting pets instead of growing their families. Therefore, they're typically taking proper care of their animals and have a stable income to make things right if something were to happen! See that as an opportunity to grow your real estate portfolio. 

Also, the innovators and successful people of most industries follow a plan, assess risk, but also break into new ground. You can stay status quo, but others will take advantage of this market and grow much faster.

Ask yourself:

-What are your goals?

-What is your timeline?

-What is the property rental history?

Everyone has a risk tolerance – find yours and see if there are win-wins to be had!  

What tips would you offer to people who are looking for pet-friendly rental housing?

The first one is to please be a good pet parent. Your actions will impact the landlord and indirectly hurt or help the next tenant! Everything is connected and you do make a difference. 

Do your own due diligence. Local laws, optional insurance – you must protect the landlord. Ask your vet, trainer, or pet-sitter for a formal recommendation. Be honest and upfront with as much detail as you can provide the landlord. The more information you give them, the better a decision they can make. 

Respect if they are not interested. It is their investment, and the fact is, right now, landlords have a lot of options. So, if it is a no, thank them and move on.   

Lastly, ask your network. Do you know anyone with pets like yours? Know any trusted agents to help? You might be surprised, if you just ask a few people, what options might be out there that you have not thought about. Or, of course, contact us and we'll be happy to help!

What is your service area, and how can people get more information? For those outside of your service area, do you have online resources?

Our team has the most knowledge of Hampton Roads Area of Virginia –think the towns of Norfolk, Virginia Beach, and Chesapeake. Also, San Diego County in California, and Lake County in Illinois.

Luckily, from my husband's time in the Navy, we know people who can help all over the country; thus why I can say coast-to-coast and really mean it! We are building our network slowly and would love referrals in any area for great agents, landlords, insurance people, etc., who share our passion for keeping pets and families together!

Our team has done a great job on our website, www.unmentionablepets.com, and you'll find us on other social media outlets as @unmentionablepets. So, make sure you take a look and give us a follow!

Is there anything else you'd like to say that our questions didn't cover?

The Unmentionable Pets community is focused on helping people, helping pets, and, in general, finding solutions. We are a place of education where questions are encouraged! There is always an answer – maybe not one you like, or maybe a tiny sacrifice, but there are always options! It's important to remember that we, the pet parents, are the ones who need to ask the questions!

I make it my personal mission to ensure our people are taken care of. Agents and Real Estate professionals can have a bad day, and that is something I want to know about so that I can have an opportunity to help or advocate for people with Unmentionable Pets. However, we are also a place of grace… let’s talk about it! Not every client goes with every agent, and vice versa! The goal is to find that balance on both sides and create the WIN-WINS!

The Imperfect, Mostly-Happy Life of Some Dogs

Many years ago, I landed a job as a bookkeeper at a small company that sold tractor parts. I was a new mother at the time, and I’d only been out of college for a few years. I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do, so the employment agency placed me in this unlikely position. I knew nothing about tractors — much less about the parts that make them function. Frankly, I didn’t know much about bookkeeping either.

At first, I felt out of place in this male-dominated, machine-centered environment. The modular, no-frills office was set on land that was littered with metal parts and enclosed by a chain-link fence. It was nothing like the pretty, polished offices I had worked in before, and I didn’t think I would like it there. Then I met the company watchdog.

Sammy was a slightly overweight German shepherd mix who lived on the property. Although he had shelter and basic care, I viewed him as a dog without a home, and I felt sorry for him. I thought about my own dogs, lounging on the couch with the family every night. Didn’t every dog deserve that kind of life?

Over time, I came to realize that my preconceptions were flawed. The tractor parts shop turned out to be a nice place to work, with friendly coworkers and — although bookkeeping was not my calling — days spent in that office were not unpleasant. The same was true about Sammy. Yes, every dog DOES deserve a comfortable life with a loving family, but Sammy was far from homeless, lonely, or miserable. He had fresh food and water every day, and he was wildly popular with employees and customers. He seemed happy.

About 20 years later, I passed a man living on the sidewalk with his dog. The two of them were curled up together on a sleeping bag. There were empty food containers nearby, and a bowl of water. I left the area for a couple of hours, and when I returned, the man was being taken away by police and the dog was being put into an Animal Control vehicle. It was heartbreaking to see the man pounding desperately on the walls of the van, begging not to be separated from his dog. I don’t know what happened or why the police were called, but the scene made me think about how vulnerable those who don’t “fit the mold” can be.

These days, I travel often and try to keep an open mind about the different ways that people and pets live. I don’t automatically assume that it’s wrong for a pet to live primarily at a workplace, or that a person who is homeless does not deserve to have a pet. While I insist that every animal deserves care and comfort, I have realized that there are many paths to fulfilling those needs.

Free-Ranging Cat Management Plan for San Juan National Historic Site

The National Park Service is planning a strategy for management of free-ranging cats at the historic site at Old San Juan. The cats are part of a trap-neuter-vaccinate-return (TNVR) program, but the park’s proposed action involves removing the cats. (Exactly what that means is unclear.) Anyone interested in commenting is invited to do so by 11-22-2022.

The letter below is what I submitted in support of continuing the TNVR program. I am posting it here because the information might be useful to others who would like to weigh in.

To see the National Park Service project page and how to submit comments, please visit: https://parkplanning.nps.gov/projectHome.cfm?projectID=101358. Comments must be submitted by November 22, 2022.

Pet-Friendly Homebuilding with Cottonwood Custom Builders

Cottonwood Custom Builders is a prominent general contractor based in Boulder, Colorado. They specialize in “green” custom homebuilding and remodeling, and pride themselves on the ability to bring any vision to life.

We interviewed Hannah Finch Phillips (Marketing Director) and Kimberly Neill (Project Manager & Estimator), and combined their comments below.

Marketing Director Hannah.
Photo copyright: Cottonwood Custom Builders.

Project Manager/Estimator Kimberly. Photo copyright: Cottonwood Custom Builders.

Does your team have pets? 

Founder Jeff with his dog, Karma. Photo copyright: Cottonwood Custom Builders.

Do we ever!  We’re a pet loving community.  

Most days at the office, we have our friendly and very enthusiastic greeters: Beatrix (cattle dog mix) and Apollo (Boston terrier).  Both are rescue dogs that belong to our Marketing Director, Hannah.  When we are really lucky, our founder Jeff Hindman brings Karma the Portuguese water dog to the office, too! Karma doesn’t visit as often, as both of her humans work at pet-friendly offices, so we have to share her! 

Outside of the office, our team members have many more dogs, cats, and other animal companions!

Have your experiences with pets affected the way you think about functionality in home design or construction?

Certainly! As pet owners, we know how central they are to families and how much joy we find in pampering them.  As pets age, they need different considerations. Our goal is to build homes that pets are safe and happy in, from youth to old age.  

We love getting to build “wish list” amenities for pets in our homes, such as dedicated washing stations and built-in litter boxes!  It keeps the home clean and beautiful, and makes it easier to care for our furry (or scaly) friends. 

What makes your company a pet-friendly builder?

Dog wash station in a mudroom. Photo copyright: Cottonwood Custom Builders.

As a fully custom builder and remodeler, our homes are never “one size fits all.”  That doesn’t just apply to the humans! On each project, we work with the homeowners to make sure that everyone is happy with the final result, including their pets. 

Over the years, we’ve enjoyed coming up with clever solutions to make the humans’ and pets’ lives better!

Have you worked with clients whose pets were a major consideration in the project?

We’re working on a fun one now!  Our client has a dog and two cats.  Since the dog and cats don’t get along, and the owners don’t want the cat’s litter box in their bedroom (can’t blame them there!), we needed to create a way for the cats to travel from the second floor bedroom to the first floor mudroom. The solution? A secret cat tunnel between the two rooms. We’re currently working with the homeowners and their cats to determine the best finishing materials to allow the cats to feel comfortable and travel easily. 

How can builders help their clients live more comfortably with pets? What custom home options facilitate pet-keeping tasks?

There are so many options, it’s hard to know where to start.  We like to think about ways to make the humans’ lives easier, such as pet washing stations, automatic pet doors, and ventilation systems to reduce litter box odors. For the pets, we think of ways to add more delight to their lives.  Cozy window seats, heated tile floors, and built-in, raised eating dishes seem to be some pet favorites!

Pets need mental stimulation and exercise; otherwise their boredom can lead to destructive behavior. Do you have suggestions for home options that can help keep dogs or cats busy?

By creating things like cat tunnels and automatic pet doors, we enable our pets more space to move around and explore.  Since they spend so much of their lives in our homes, it’s essential that they have room to roam & play! Even better, when pets have a designated area that is built to withstand their rougher play (claws, mud, etc), it gives them an area to “blow off steam.”  

Speaking of destructive behavior (e.g., dogs chewing furniture or cats pushing figurines off shelves), do you have advice for clients whose pets are home alone all day?

Creating a designated space that the pets stay in when left alone is great for pets and humans.  Pets enjoy having a routine and places where they feel safe.  By creating a designated area that meets their needs (access to the outdoors or a litter box, sunshine, food, etc), it sets the pet up for success (and protects those family heirlooms). 

Kitchen with a honed concrete, radiant heated floor. Photo copyright: Cottonwood Custom Builders.

What do you see as the major considerations for building a pet-friendly home?  

The major considerations center around creating what YOUR pet needs to thrive, while balancing that with your design goals for the home.  Any style home, from traditional to modern, can be pet-friendly with creative thinking!  And of course, throughout the whole process it’s important to choose eco-friendly building materials that promote healthy indoor air quality and protect the environment. 

What type of floors do you recommend for households with large dogs?  

For durability and modern style, we suggest honed concrete.  After finishing, it is quite gorgeous and if you pair it with radiant heat in the flooring, it's a pet's dream!  Luxury vinyl tile is another durable option.  We feel that the honed concrete is a greener option, although both products have their shortcomings. 

What are your favorite pet-friendly luxuries?

Jeff’s cat, Mikki, enjoying a radiant heated floor.
Photo copyright: Cottonwood Custom Builders.

If we could give a gift to every dog owner, it would be a washing station.  It’s less stressful for the dogs and saves your back from having to lean over a tub!  And for cat owners, a heated tile floor. Cats love to lounge on the warm, relaxing surface. 

Many people think of "pet-friendly" as a design consideration that only applies to rich or eccentric clients. What do you think? Are pet amenities out of reach for the average homeowner?  

Not at all! Of course, there’s a range.  Not everyone has the time, energy, or resources to do custom framing for creating cat tunnels.  But there are many simpler things that are achievable.  We love looking online for clever DIY ideas. If you’re just getting started, it’s a great place to start!

Many pets live in apartments, and landlords are becoming increasingly aware of the benefits of allowing pets (larger prospective tenant pool, happier/more loyal tenants, etc.). What tips would you offer to property managers who want to accommodate pets? Are there options that benefit families with pets as well as children?

We are huge believers in the value of time outside.  When communities create shared resources, such as off-leash areas for dogs, it doesn’t just benefit the pets. It also benefits the humans and often helps them meet more of their neighbors. A true win-win! Patio space is also great, but it’s essential that the railings and decking are safe for children and pets. 

Do you have any specific examples of pet-related challenges that you would like to share?

It can be hard to predict how a pet will react to a new environment. Sometimes, you might build something you’re sure they’ll love and then discover that something about it makes them uneasy.  With that in mind, we encourage people to beta test ideas before fully building them out. 

We had a great “learning moment” on this a few years ago. We crafted a cat tunnel that led to a custom litter box enclosure. It was designed so that when the cat was visiting the litter box, a ventilation fan would automatically turn on. Turns out, the cat was terrified of the fan. In the end, we disconnected the fan and the cat thoroughly enjoys the luxury litter box in peace.

Animals are unique creatures; listen to them as you’re designing their spaces. 

Do you think that pet amenities will ever be offered as standard "options" for homebuyers?

Especially with how people are thinking about home differently during the pandemic, we say YES! Buyers want their homes to be an oasis from the outside world.  Anything that makes life more comfortable and easier is a huge value-add!

A few pandemic-era photos of the Cottonwood team and their furry co-workers. All photos property of Cottonwood Custom Builders.

Decorating Around Kids, Cats & Dogs

Guest Post by Kathia Emery, NWSID

Kathia Emery owns Emery & Associates, a design and decorating firm based in Portland, Oregon. She has worked throughout the Pacific NorthWest, California, and Hawaii. A design veteran of 35 years, Kathia says that pets are a significant consideration in most of her clients' projects.

Designer Kathia Emery with grand-dog, Rudy.
Photo copyright: Emery & Associates.

You can have great interiors with kids and pets if you take into consideration during your planning stages the special challenges posed by living with the little critters.  Here are some of the ways I’ve discovered through my own experience and that of my clients.

For Colors, Think Medium Tones.  Very dark and very light solid colors show a lot more dirt than medium tones.  A couple with no children and no pets, who don’t serve a lot of red wine at parties, can get away with all white sofas.  You can’t, unless it’s white leather, and then only if you have children and dogs past the teething stage (cats have been known to shred leather). Light colored flooring shows every footprint and Playdoh dropping, but hardwood flooring in a medium tone stain (not bleached, pickled or stained very dark) hardly shows any dirt and costs about the same as the highest quality inlaid vinyl. Medium-toned fabrics and carpeting show less lint and pet hair than very dark ones, so stay away from solid navy, forest green, burgundy, and black for broadloom carpeting or you will be vacuuming every day.

Sample mood board for planning an interior design. Photo copyright: Emery & Associates.

For Fabrics and Carpeting, Think Pattern.  Patterned fabrics, especially random, all-over patterns, are my favorites for hiding slobber, stains and spills. Slipcovering your sofas and chairs in medium to dark background patterned fabrics is the most practical kind of seating to have—when the dirt finally does start to be apparent, you can remove the slipcovers and launder or dry clean them. Although the current generation of nylon broadloom carpeting resists stains so well that even pet accidents and muddy footprints can be cleaned up quickly and easily, my all-time favorite carpets for hiding the kind of hard wear kids and animals do to floors are Oriental rugs. Before you insist you can’t afford them, compare what you would spend for broadloom, and then multiply it by the number of times you will have to replace that broadloom. Then compare the figure to what an Oriental rug costs. I’m sure you will realize they make wonderful lifetime investments and can be passed on as heirlooms to your children. Because they are portable, they can move with you; they can go over broadloom carpeting or on bare wood or tile floors. I even have one in my kitchen in front of the sink (over my hardwood floor). The ornate patterns hide dirt, dust, spills, and make dog bones look strangely at home! When they finally need a good cleaning, you simply roll them up and take them to the rug cleaners.

 For Walls, Think Vinyl.  I know, I know—it’s not classy to live with plastic, but for families with little jam smearers it will repay you many times over to install beautiful vinyl wallcoverings rather than paper or paint.  Don’t ever put grasscloth or any organic, textured wallcovering on your walls if you own cats; something about these textures seems to cause otherwise sedate felines to commit violent acts of vandalism. Not all wallcoverings need to be patterned as long as they are washable vinyl or vinyl coated. Wallpapers come in a wide variety of washable textures, from fine and filmy to coarse and homespun, which add richness to your room without adding pattern.

Kathia’s husband, Jim Kahan, who makes the BEST cat furniture! Photo copyright: Emery & Associates.

For Windows and Accessories, Think “Above Their Heads.” Except for cats who enjoy climbing up draw draperies, most window treatments and accessories are impervious to children and pets if they are above windowsill height.  If you know your cat is a curtain climber, substitute another form of window treatment, either Roman shades or blinds. Newer blinds and shades are mostly cordless these days, but if you have window treatments with cords that hang down remember to clamp, clothes pin or tie the cord to itself to prevent toddlers and pets from becoming entangled in or chewing the cords. Patio door windows are continually smudged if you have toddlers (or dogs who think it’s entertaining to catch flies). The only solution I’ve found to this dilemma is to gate off the room, or to install deep louvered shutters (my Airedale dented the daylights out of metal miniblinds, but so far the painted shutters remain unscathed).

Art and accessories need to be above windowsill height.  Toddlers are usually incapable of  keeping their hands off things that interest them, so don’t even try to keep your beautiful objects displayed on the coffee table or floor until the child is developmentally ready.  However, if you can’t put your porcelain on the coffee table, you can display an Oriental screen on a sofa table or hang anything you love on your walls. Toddlers and pets might nibble on small house plants, but large tree-like plants in tall baskets have more impact anyway and are kid and pet-proof. Just to be safe, wedge chicken wire into the pit over the soil of any indoor plan to keep cats from thinking it’s another litter box.

Just because you have young children or pets doesn’t mean you need to sentence yourself to a life without style. Is there anything more appealing than a tabby cat curled up on a chair cushion, or a puppy asleep in a basket in front of the fire? You already value the warmth and coziness that children and pets bring to a home, so go for the rest of it! You can have great style and kids and pets, too!  

Original art by Kathia Emery featuring her dearly departed Labrador, Emma. Artwork property of Kathia Emery.

An Interview with Interior Designer Julia Newman Pedraza

Julia Newman Pedraza owns Julia Adele Design, a custom furniture and interior design firm based in Los Angeles. She was trained mostly in London, although she has extensive design experience in both the U.K. and the U.S., and has also lived in Spain. Julia holds academic degrees from Loyola Marymount and the University of Cambridge.

As an animal lover and believer in practical living solutions, Julia is an avid proponent of pet-friendly design. Scroll down for our interview with her:

Julia with her husband, Dr. Antonio Pedraza Reales, and their dog, Blue. Photo copyright: Julia Adele Design.

Do you have pets? If so, have they affected your personal design choices?

I have a chocolate Labrador, Blue, and fosters that come and go! I am also married to a veterinarian so there is always a lot of pet hair in the house! As we welcome pets on the furniture, I am mindful of the types of materials and fabrics I choose, as well as the height of certain pieces. In addition, I make sure that places in which I store cleansers and other items harmful to animals is secure.

Client’s dog, Oliver, on a custom-designed sofa by Julia Adele Design. Photo copyright: Julia Adele Design.

Have you worked with clients who have pets? If so, were the pets a significant consideration in your design proposals? How so?

Most of my clients have pets, which I love! I try to take into account my clients’ lifestyles, including how they like to live with their animal companions. I ask details about the pets such as: What type of animal? How old is the pet? Are they allowed on the furniture? Do you need a space for daily grooming? Do you need cabinets with locks to protect the animals from harmful substances?

What do you see as the major considerations for designing a pet-friendly interior? What are the biggest challenges?

That depends on the pet. However, the biggest challenge tends to be finding pieces that are durable and easy to clean. Other challenges are finding ways to hide pet food and toys, as well as create a space for washing. If there is an exterior space involved, a major consideration is how to ensure that the pet can be safely and humanely contained.

Do you have favorite solutions for resolving these challenges? Do you have favorite pet-friendly amenities or luxuries?

For durable, easy-to-clean pieces, you have to think about materials.  For example, woven materials are not great for cats’ claws. Instead, consider something like a micro suede or velvet. With all pets, it is important to consider how easy materials are to clean (especially if you aren’t interested in slipcovers). With this in mind, go with synthetic materials.  Cotton and linen stain easily and are difficult to clean. Indoor/outdoor and performance fabrics are always a great option too. I also love wool rugs! You have to vacuum them, but they are easy to clean. 

To hide pet food, toys, and leashes, a built-in cabinet is great option. This hides what you need to in a beautiful way and makes it easily accessible.  There are also some great decorative food bin options out there, and baskets make a great option for holding toys. 

For bathing pets, of course it is ideal to have a mudroom with a dedicated wash space. However, there are lots of options for shower & bath attachments to make it easier even if you don’t have a mudroom.

What advice would you give to someone who is designing an interior for a family with dogs, cats, or other pets?

I would keep several things in mind, such as access — is there a need for a dog or cat door? Is there an area needed for cleaning muddy paws before entering the rest of the living space? What rooms do you spend the most time in with your pets? Are there areas that are off limits to your animals? Then if so, how do we make these easily inaccessible without interrupting the flow and feel of the living space? 

What do you think is the biggest mistake people make when designing an interior that needs to accommodate pets? 

Thinking they have to sacrifice style in order to accommodate pets!

Julia Adele Design project for a home with a white dog. Photo copyright: Julia Adele Design.

Do you have an example of pet-friendly design that you would like to share?

In one project, we used a great chenille fabric for home with a dog. In fact, the color matches that dog’s fur! This is important, as I have had clients who love white and cream but want their chocolate or black Labrador to have run of the house. In other words, it’s important to pick not only the right fabric, but also the right color.

Why do you think pet-friendly design is important?

Taking on a pet is a big responsibility and lifestyle change. People shouldn’t have to be worrying about their home and furniture; instead they should be able to make a home that they can relax in and enjoy the company of their pet.

Do you think that the interior design industry typically takes pets and pet-care tasks into consideration? Do you have comments about what the industry does well, and what it needs to improve? 

I honestly think there are some great options out there, you just need to know what to look for! 

Safe at Home, Looking Out

Nobody appreciates windows and balconies like dogs and cats. Our pets can spend hours gazing outside. It’s like pet-TV.

When we bought our home, the big windows with wide sills were a major selling point. So too was the backyard deck where we often sit with our dogs. Sunny windows, porches, decks and other outside-oriented spaces are perfect examples of home features that benefit pets and people alike. As the human world hunkers down to ride out the global pandemic, many of us are taking a cue from our pets and feeling grateful for the small comforts of sunlight, fresh air, and a peek beyond our own walls.

Lately when the constraints of social distancing make me feel like a restless cat who has to stay inside for safety, I try to be thankful for having a home to be safe in. More than ever, I also appreciate the companionship of pets who are always glad to snuggle beside a window while I read, or to sit on the porch together and listen to the birds sing.

Thanks to modern technology, I also have a “window” of sorts into people’s lives all over the world. Across the globe, people are finding ways to make the most of their time at home, and also to connect with the world outside. Pets have been doing this all along.

What Role Do Pets Play in Urban Planning?

Guest Post by Laura von Puttkamer

Laura von Puttkamer is an urban development consultant and journalist on all things urban. She blogs at www.parcitypatory.org and is available as an author at www.textsandthecity.org.
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A perfect public space has been defined many times. It should be enjoyable, green, shady, accessible and equipped with infrastructure like waste bins, trees, paths, etc. Ideally, a well-planned city offers many public spaces where citizens can live, work and play – defined by famous French sociologist Henri Lefèbvre as the “Right to the City”.

But on top of that, it is worth considering other target groups in urban design. Urban planners tend to plan for people who are like themselves or their family, which means that children are left out of urban planning decisions altogether. Older people, disabled persons or pregnant women also find that they are neglected in many cases. And how about pet-owners? With about 67% of American citizens and more than 60% of Australian citizens owning a pet, it is worth looking at urban design from a new perspective. After all, liveable spaces should be attractive for pets and their owners. In the end, both humans and dogs benefit from:

-        Green space

-        Space to play

-        Space for interaction

-        Space to discover

-        Safe space (no cars!)

The “Eje Ambiental” in Bogotá is a perfect example of a well-designed public space.
Copyright: Laura von Puttkamer.

I think we can all agree that the space you are visualising after reading this list would be very attractive for humans as well. Looking at this diagram of what a perfect public space could look like, dogs and other pets mainly fall into the “sociability” category of a city. However, they should be considered when it comes to uses & activities, comfort & image and access & linkages as well.

Considering comfort and image, pet owners will also require pet-friendly restaurants and cafés as well as pet-friendly shops, waste stations and clear signage for where pets are allowed and whether they need to be on a leash or not. At the same time, a liveable city needs to have no-pet-zones where people who might be afraid of dogs can feel safe.

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The Project for Public Spaces has developed this famous diagram showing the elements of a great public space. Copyright: Project for Public Spaces.

How is it possible to incorporate these ideas on a pet-friendly city in urban planning? There are several ways to go forward here:

• Identify a pet owner with political or planning influence

• Organise events with pets such as Puppy Parties (link) to make proposals for more pet-friendly cities

• Clearly show and promote pet-friendly spaces

• Get local news coverage about these spaces

A liveable city, in the end, should be attractive for everyone living in it, including pet-owners and their animals. Similar to the way that children can co-create a city in some projects, it is worth having a go at letting pets co-create it by exploring their needs and combining them with human needs.

A liveable city offers spaces for people, children and pets alike. Copyright: https://www.pxfuel.com/en/free-photo-xoinn.

Dog-Friendly Places Are People-Friendly Places

Have you ever noticed that the most vibrant and lively cities also tend to be the most dog-friendly? This is no coincidence. Many of the features that make communities great for people are the same things that make them dog-friendly as well: wide, well-lit sidewalks; walkable mixed-use areas; outdoor dining patios; nice parks and green spaces; etc.

All around the world, these types of amenities bring people outside, creating energy and bustle that make a city feel alive. Whether we’re strolling on a city sidewalk in Boston or Barcelona, along the harbor in Sydney or San Diego, or through an urban park in Munich or Hanoi — cities that are designed to be pedestrian-friendly seem to have the most thriving communities. And for many a happy dog, these cities offer lots of walking and sniffing opportunities too!

These are just a few photos we’ve taken in cities around the world. You’ll find more photos of pedestrian- and pet-friendly cities on our Pinterest page.

Pet-Friendly Active Adult Communities

These days, senior citizens have many living options to choose from. Those who are relatively healthy and independent, or who have caregivers to help, often choose “active adult living” communities. These communities, of course, vary widely but a few features are typical: single-story, accessible homes; small yards with low- or no-maintenance landscaping; proximity to stores, restaurants, and other conveniences; and amenities such as a community swimming pool, golf course, or park.

One advantage to active adult neighborhoods, unlike some senior living options, is that residents own their homes and can therefore keep their pets. Still, allowing pets is not necessarily the same as being “pet friendly.” Communities that have pet-friendly features can make pet keeping easier, safer, and more enjoyable for residents.

Here are some of the features we like to see in active senior (or really, any) communities:

• Enclosed patios or courtyards, or fenced yards

• Convenient, well-lit sidewalks or walking paths

• Doggie waste bag dispensers and trash receptacles

• Accessible grassy areas

• Proximity to veterinarian and pet supply or grocery store

Summer Travel & Sad Doggie Faces

Summertime: the season of warmth and relaxation — and for many of us, travel. As in many households with pets (especially dogs), our travel plans often include decisions about hiring caregivers, finding good boarding facilities, or attempting to bring the animals along. While we try to find the best possible solutions for our dogs, there is almost always some guilt involved in disrupting their routine and sense of safety.

It is not easy to travel with pets, but sometimes it makes sense to include them. For example, my mother sometimes comes to visit for weeks or even months at a time. Her elderly dog would be traumatized if he were separated from her for that long, and the cost of a long-term petsitter is cost-prohibitive. Fortunately, he is a small, quiet, and well trained dog who is allowed to fly with her in the airplane cabin as an “emotional support animal” (ESA). Airlines have been tightening restrictions on ESAs, but people who have a doctor’s authorization stating that they have been treated for anxiety, depression, or other relevant conditions can still get permission to bring certain animals on board. Each airline has its own requirements, usually posted on its website. For animals who are NOT official service animals or approved ESAs, air travel options are limited. Very small, crated pets can sometimes fly in the cabin if the crate fits under the airline seat. Larger animals have to fly in the cargo area, which can be traumatic. Also, extreme weather or physical conditions such as a snub nose or a weak heart can affect the animal’s safety.

For us, airline travel with pets is not an option. Even aside from safety concerns, we would not pay to fly three large dogs to our not-necessarily-pet-friendly vacation destinations. We definitely cannot bring them on overseas trips. Our solution is to leave the dogs at home, where they are in familiar surroundings. We have a trusted pet sitter come by several times a day. For long trips, we have the trusted pet sitter or close relatives stay in our home to give the dogs a sense of companionship and normalcy. I cannot overstate the importance of having a reliable, caring, and trustworthy pet sitter — and a backup if your pet sitting service is only one person. Even if you are not planning a trip, I recommend finding someone for “just in case” and introducing them to your pets. You never know when a last-minute crisis will come up, and it’s nice to have someone you can call even if it’s just to swing by your house because you’ll be late and your pets need to be let out or fed.

Even when we have someone loving and responsible to cover pet care while we’re gone, it’s nearly impossible not to feel guilty when those sad puppy eyes watch us walk out the door. At that point, all we can do is take a deep breath, know that they will be fine, and enjoy our trip.

Dreaming of Catios

Copyright: Pet-Friendly Planning 2015

I don’t have a catio. At the moment, I don’t even have a cat. When I did have cats, though, I longed to give them a safe outdoor space where they could enjoy the view and fresh air without the threat of being attacked by coyotes or hawks, or hit by a car. In addition to the many dangers faced by outdoor cats, I was concerned about the impact of my cats on birds and other wildlife*. So they stayed mostly indoors.

When the cats were older and a bit more sedentary, I started letting them spend time on the second-floor balcony of my bedroom. They loved sitting in the sunshine (or watching the rain), but eventually one of them started wandering further onto the roof and I had to rescind her privileges.

Copyright: Pet-Friendly Planning 2017

We moved into our current house soon after that, and the cats were now spending most of their time in a big, sunny basement. (See blog post from 4/16/19.) My husband built a window box for them out of wood and screen so that they could look out and feel the breeze. Still, we were tempted many times to let them sit on the patio with us and explore the backyard under supervision.

Copyright: Pet-Friendly Planning 2016

We toyed with the idea of adding a screen porch just outside the basement so that the cats could be “outdoors.” That prospect turned out to be too expensive, but our research led to all kinds of creative ideas that people are using to keep indoor cats safely connected to the outdoor world. You can see some of these ideas here. My favorites are “catios” (screened-in enclosures that range from simple lean-to structures, to elaborate cat houses with built-in climbing equipment) and “catwalks” (mesh tubes or tunnels that cats can walk through; usually attached to the house or laid across a yard/garden). In our search for pet-friendly amenities, indoor-outdoor spaces for cats tend to be among the most interesting. If you have found a great way to let your cat have controlled access to the outdoors, please share it in the comments or on our social media pages.

*Do you know of an outdoor cat or feral colony that kills birds? Click here to read about an easy solution.

Our Pet-Friendly Basement

Copyright: Pet-Friendly Planning 2019

I am lucky to live in an area where basements are common. A basement is handy for many reasons, but it has been especially useful for solving my family’s pet-care challenges.

We first decided that we wanted a daylight basement when we were dealing with two cats who were wreaking havoc on our furniture and wall trim. We tried providing a variety of scratching posts, keeping cat claws trimmed or even covered, and countless other solutions that seemed to work for everyone but us. Sadly, our cats were determined to destroy the house in an apparent conspiracy: one was in charge of ensuring that every sofa, chair, curtain, or other soft surface was tattered and frayed, while the other one handled the destruction of wood surfaces such as baseboards and door trim.

When it was time for us to move, an unfinished basement was at the top of our house-hunting priority list. In addition to the cats, we had three dogs. We wanted them to have a damage-resistant area where they could be safe and comfortable if we had to leave them unattended for a few hours. A daylight basement (not to be confused with a cellar, which is typically smaller and has no windows) can be an ideal place to leave dogs and cats when you are not home, assuming that the area has been checked for comfort and safety.

As tempting as it is to convert a basement into extra living space, leaving it at least partly unfinished can be more practical in homes with pets. Concrete floors are a breeze to clean when there’s an accident, and cats can scratch exposed beams to their hearts’ content. Pets are our main reason for leaving the basement unfinished, but it has other benefits: arts and crafts, as well as children’s play, are enhanced by the light streaming between beams rather than being blocked by walls, and bare concrete floors take the stress out of messy activities. The only “finishing” we did was to cover the walls around the perimeter so that the insulation would not be exposed. We happened to have a beat-up old couch from our previous house that was perfect for the new space. As we added heavy-duty shelves, doggie gates, and other improvements, we kept all the surfaces rustic. To keep dogs from entering storage or arts and crafts areas, we created half-walls using old pallets. Any improvements we make in the future will continue to match the unpolished, utilitarian style. We want this to always be a place where no one worries about paint spills or muddy foot/paw prints.

A basement is also a great place to keep smelly or unsightly pet supplies, such as cat litter boxes and bags of dog food. We have designated one area of our basement for all pet-care tasks, including feeding and grooming. Someday we will add a bathroom with a utility sink and a dog-washing tub.

We no longer have our cats (one passed away and the other went to live in our son’s multi-cat household), so we installed a doggie door from the basement to our fenced backyard. Now our dogs can safely go in and out when we are not home.

If you are house-hunting and have pets, and if your area and budget permit, I highly recommend looking for a home with an unfinished daylight basement.

Cat-feeding shelves with recessed bowls are a good way to keep cat food away from dogs. Copyright: Pet-Friendly Planning 2019.

Rustic dog pen with wooden gates and pallet half-walls. Copyright: Pet-Friendly Planning 2019.

Copyright: Pet-Friendly Planning 2018

Keeping Flower Pots Away from Plant-Shredding Puppies

Copyright: Pet-Friendly Planning 2019

I love to sit outside on nice days, especially on a patio with lots of flowers. This year, the prospect of planting flowers — or plants of any kind — was temporarily hindered by two troublemakers: large-breed puppies who were ruthlessly digging up, pulling out, and demolishing everything that grew within their reach!

We tried placing a few small flowerpots on tables and wide railings, but it wasn’t long before one of the pups started climbing up to play with them. Although we managed to train her not to climb, having all those flower pots within reach was a constant temptation.

Copyright: Pet-Friendly Planning 2019

We had all but resigned ourselves to a flowerless spring this year.

Then my husband came up with a beautiful solution. He purchased several metal plant hanger stakes (about $15 each) at our local garden center, and installed them along the fence in the backyard. He even mounted a few onto the side of the deck. Then he hung potted flowers on them and, voilá, we were surrounded by spring blossoms that the dogs could not reach!

Copyright: Pet-Friendly Planning 2019

Starting Again

It is spring, and there is a sense of renewal in our home. Whether it be returning to health after illness, re-connecting with old friends, or re-launching an unattended blog, this has been a time for starting again.

The past two years have flown by and brought big changes. One of the hardest has been the loss of three senior pets: Road Dog, the feisty old terrier mix rescued more than 12 years ago by our then-teenage son; Penny, our sweet, gentle chocolate lab mix; and Mercedes, our goofy, friendly, dog-like cat.

Whenever we lose a beloved pet, we are faced with the question of whether to adopt another. It’s easy to feel like we are trying to replace the one we’ve lost, which of course is impossible. Every beloved pet is unique and holds its own place in our hearts.

Then there is the question of dealing with loss itself. I often hear grief-stricken people say, “No more pets for me. I can’t go through that again.” And yet, we choose to go through it again and again because hundreds of thousands of animals desperately need someone to take them in.

We have welcomed several new pets into our family these past few years. Our pack now consists of two rescued Dalmatians (both originally purchased from breeders and later relinquished to the rescue groups from whom we adopted) and a playful young mutt who was found roaming the streets of Puerto Rico and brought to the mainland by rescuers and volunteer pilots.

Our love for these dogs will not diminish the memories and love of the pets who shared our life before them. This is a different time, with new memories to be made and new love to be shared.

Preventing Dog Urine Marking

Last week’s blog post talked about preventing fights when visitors bring their dogs over. A less critical but still bothersome issue that came up while we had visiting dogs in our house was urine marking. A guest’s male beagle started peeing on the floor, which caused one of our dogs to do the same. Obviously, we had to put a stop to that behavior, but how?

Our guests, of course, were embarrassed, and insisted on keeping their dog outside or in the garage. We all felt sorry for the exiled hound, though. His droopy eyes followed us sorrowfully every time we passed the window, and at night, he howled a song of loneliness from the garage. 

The next day, we gave him another chance and it paid off. The trick was to supervise him closely at all times. He was allowed to join us in the living room whenever we were gathered there. Like most dogs, he felt safe and relaxed being surrounded by people, so he was content and well behaved. He was also allowed to sleep in the room with his family. It’s a small bedroom away from the other dogs, so marking was not a problem. Whenever we all left the house, we made sure the beagle was either in that bedroom or (if the weather was nice and we wouldn’t be gone long) in the back yard. For more tips on preventing visiting dogs from marking, check out this article from VCA Animal Hospitals. For tips on training your own dog from marking in other homes, try this article.

Preventing Dog Fights

A recent hurricane evacuation from a nearby city, as well as the upcoming holidays, have brought a stream of family members with pets to our home. You can imagine the chaos, especially since we have three dogs and two cats of our own. Like most family gatherings, though, the chaos is welcome. Some of the cats had to be isolated in separate rooms, but most of the animals got along just fine. 

We did have one dog fight break out when somebody dropped a plate of food onto the floor and two male dogs rushed for it at the same time. Thankfully, it resolved quickly and with only a minor bite on one dog’s ear. We kept those two dogs apart for a day, but they have been fine together ever since. Still, we’ve been extra cautious to keep all food and feeding areas separate. 

For tips on introducing dogs to each other, please visit Best Friends Animal Society, Cesar’s Way, and PetMD. If a dogfight does break out, remember that intervening can be dangerous. Check out the techniques described on The Dodo, WikiHow, and Cesar’s Way. 

Copyright: Pet-Friendly Planning 2016

Welcome to Pet-Friendly Planning!

Welcome to Pet-Friendly Planning – formerly Stay with Pets! Why the change? Our mission has evolved over the past 10 years, and we wanted our name to better reflect what we do.

Originally, our purpose was to help people find places where they could stay with their pets: hotels, apartments, shelters, etc. This continuous search for pet-friendly places has been eye-opening and sometimes disappointing. While many boutique inns and hotel/motel chains welcome dogs and cats, it remains difficult for people with pets (especially “bully-breed” dogs) to find housing. Seniors-only communities and emergency shelters present even bigger obstacles for people with companion animals. Sadly, these obstacles often cause people to abandon their pets, or to have their pets forcibly taken away from them. 

Our focus now is on helping to prevent these situations. In a world where hundreds of thousands of animals await rescue or adoption, we cannot afford to lose devoted caregivers. We are constantly on the lookout for news and ideas that can help people to live happily with their pets. If you would like to be part of our effort to make the world a more pet-friendly place, please follow our blog and social media pages. Thank you for visiting!

Copyright: Pet-Friendly Planning 2016