It’s no secret that we love our pets: whether it’s dogs, cats, or any other furry friend, Americans spent over $72 billion on their pets in 2018 alone. We’re also a nation of DIY and home improvement enthusiasts, so it makes sense that there’s also a growing trend toward building backyard dog houses, cat houses and pens, aviaries, and other pet homes that complement and reflect the design aesthetic of our human houses.

If you’re considering building a home for your own pet, read on for some great dog and cat house ideas, along with our best tips for what to consider and include in your dog house plans. 

How to get started 

It can be challenging to know where to start when you want to build a pet house. Answer the following questions to give yourself a roadmap for how to build the best home for your special friend. 

Is there a backyard space for a pet home? 

The very first thing to consider is how much space you have and where to place your pet’s new palace. If you have a backyard, the most logical site is somewhere outback, such as on a backyard patio or other convenient space that’s close to the rest of the family. Once you know the size of the space you’re working with, then you’ll have an idea about what you can build. There are great backyard ideas for pet homes of every size on Pinterest and around the web to find inspiration. 

What’s your budget? 

The next thing to consider is cost. The sky’s the limit when it comes to the price of a pet home, and costs can range from a standard dog house or enclosed cat patio (sometimes called a catio), to more elaborate setups with dog runs or invisible dog fencing, heating, multiple stories, and more. 

Does your pet have special needs?

Sometimes it’s not enough to build a standard home for a pet. Perhaps you have an elderly pet that needs a ramp instead of stairs, requires electricity for a heated bed or a water fountain to drink from. Or maybe you have a blind dog or cat that can easily get around their pet home. Rescue pets may also require special accommodations to make sure they feel safe and secure so they don’t feel anxious and act out or bark excessively when outside. So it’s wise to consider individual needs to determine the best design layout for pets before you get started. 

What to consider and features to include

Once you have a general idea about where you can build your pet house and the specific needs of your pets, you can then hone in on the design features you want to include and decorating for pets. Here are some design considerations you should keep in mind:

Choose climate-resistant materials

Make sure whatever materials you use are weatherproof, waterproof, or water-resistant, as well as mold and mildew-resistant. This will ensure that your pet stays dry in wet and snowy weather. Also, make sure a dog house roof or catio roof protects your pet from the elements as well as your own home’s roof. 

Plan for year-round use

This means you should consider your climate. It’s especially important to make your pet comfortable in hot climates and in the summertime, as dogs and cats can quickly get dangerously overheated. Cat pen or dog house air conditioning or cooling is a must if you live in a hot climate and expect your pet to spend any significant time in their abode. It’s also important to consider whether you need any heat in your dog or cat house for colder months, too. 

Think about your pet’s individual needs

Helping your pet stay well-behaved is also an important consideration when planning a backyard pet home. Don’t neglect the needs of proper cat and dog hygiene: 

  • Use wipe-down materials when possible
  • Be sure to wash bedding and disinfect your pet’s home when it’s warranted
  • Clean up messes as soon as possible
  • Make sure food and water are fresh and properly stored to keep vermin and other unwanted critters away
  • Treat your pet, their bedding, and the areas in and around their house regularly for fleas and ticks
  • Since your pet will be outdoors, make sure they’re up-to-date on all vaccines and immunizations

Also, be sure to keep an eye out for pet hazards, such as electrical wires and exposed outlets, poisonous plants, and dangerous chemicals. Pet safety is paramount, and you want to make sure your dog or cat is safe in their home when you’re not around. 

Have fun decorating your pet home

Now onto the fun part: decorating for pets! There are loads of cute cat and dog accessories, such as blankets, sweaters, beds, dog food trays, and toys on the market today that will keep your beloved companion comfortable and happy no matter what. 

Toys and other stimulating or comforting items are especially important to keep in a pet house. When your pet is adequately stimulated they’re less likely to misbehave. After all, no one wants to listen to a barking dog all day and night. Along with stimulating toys, enough exercise, and lots of love and attention, building a cat or dog house that helps minimize and avoid noise will keep you—and your neighbors—happy. 

Building your pet home

Once you have a clear idea about what you want and what your pet needs, it’s time to think about building your pet home. Depending on the complexity, it’s completely reasonable to do a DIY build yourself. 

Choosing the right materials

You’re only limited to your imagination when it comes to building a backyard dog or cat house, but if you’re taking the DIY route, it’s wise to consider starting with a prefab structure. There are all different types of homes available, from multi-story structures to simple shelters. Materials vary as well, and you can choose from wood, fencing, plastic, and more. Be careful with some plastics, however, because they can emit harmful VOCs (volatile organic compounds), which is especially dangerous for cats. Engineered wood is a good material to consider, because it’s relatively affordable, and is made to withstand the elements. Whatever materials you choose, make sure you’re also using insulation that’s appropriate for your climate to help keep your pet comfortable in both hot and cold months. 

Know when to call in the pros

If you want your dream pet home to include features like electricity, stairs, or plumbing for running water, you may want to consider calling in a pro to take care of some or all of the job.

Protect your pet home

Now that you invested time and money in your furry friend’s home, make sure you keep it protected. Home insurance often covers structures on your property, including custom-built pet houses. If any damage occurs to your pet’s new abode due to unforeseen events like storms or accidents, your policy can help cover the repair or replacement costs. This means you can build a safe and comfortable space for your pet without worrying about unexpected expenses. Make sure to discuss your plans with your insurance provider to understand the coverage options available for your project.

When you put some time and effort into thinking about what’s best for the unique needs of your pet, you’ll be poised to create a great backyard home for them. Planning ahead before you take action will also save you time and money in the long run, and will make it easier to build the pet home of your dreams.