A house is now not an oasis simply for folks. With the variety of pets in Indian households rising sharply from 26 million in 2019 to 32 million in 2024 (in line with a report by consulting agency Redseer), Indian properties are actually being conceptualised, designed, or retrofitted to go well with the personalities of all residents — fur infants included. With Gen Z and millennials selecting to be pet dad and mom and in search of secure properties for them, we communicate to a canine behaviourist, a canine nutritionist, and designers on what it takes to satisfy this distinctive transient — whether or not you’re designing a house, shopping for a completed area, or renting one.
Materials matter
When Bengaluru-based Manssi Vedhya Karambelkar, canine nutritionist, holistic wellness practitioner and founding father of Doggiliciouus, was trying to construct a without end residence, she was clear about what she needed and, equally necessary, what she didn’t. “Her brief to us was to design a sustainable space that would be not just a home for herself and her two pet dogs but also an office and production unit, with both areas to be well separated from each other. The physical and emotional needs of her pets – both rescues with anxiety issues – and the ease of maintenance were to be considered in every aspect of the design process,” says Rosie Paul, principal architect and co-founder at Masons Ink. Her workforce labored on the Brick Loft – a multi-storey residence dreamed in brick, with giant French home windows, tall ceilings and repurposed heritage doorways. The focus was firmly on selecting textured, pure and non-poisonous supplies, from building to décor.
Karambelkar provides, “For my dogs, mud flooring is the most appropriate, but it’s only possible to accommodate this if you’re building a house, not moving into one. We also chose raw Kota stone and local, unpolished black Kadappa stone that offers texture for the dogs’ footpads.”
Mitali Salvi together with her accomplice Ali and their fur household.
In phrases of materiality, much less is extra, opines Mitali Salvi, a Mumbai-based canine behaviour therapist and coach, who votes for easy options, particularly for flats. “I suggest using thick gym mats or interlocking tiles over smooth marble flooring or glossy vitrified tiles. Ensuring your animals are groomed with short nails/claws is important, or else any discomfort with the flooring can affect their stance, and that leads to joint issues later on.”
Salvi’s fast tip for upholstery selections – use shades that match your animals’ coats; that approach after they shed and they’re going to, it doesn’t provide as a lot of a distinction. An intensive cleansing day by day can also be non-negotiable, she mentioned.
Toy poodle Ralph
Safety is paramount
Pet dad and mom have to be conscious when adorning, selecting sturdy rugs, and making accessible areas for the consolation of their pets. Chennai-based Sripriya Ganesan, architect, co-founding father of Studio Neon Attic and proud mom of toy poodle Ralph, provides, “Low pile, natural fibre rugs, fashioned from hemp, jute or even old Indian dhurries, are ideal. In terms of feeding and cleaning, create pullout drawers for the food and water bowls in the kitchen and make sure they are out of sight but within reach whenever hunger strikes. A shower faucet in the utility area is great for a quick rinse after your pet has been outdoors.”
While not each residence has a backyard, pets nonetheless want to alleviate themselves, and having a small emergency bathroom space indoors works wonders if the canine doesn’t get a stroll open air, says Ganesan. “Adding a strip of artificial turf on the balcony for your small breed dogs and having a well-ventilated space for the kitty litter is important. Make sure the balconies are safe as well. An invisible mesh is great to ensure animals don’t fit in between vertical bars or try to jump.”
A balcony with synthetic turf and a perch bench.
The similar security issues apply to stairwells and railings, the place mesh or tightly wound ropes can hold smaller canine from falling via. Safety or structural glass for exterior surfaces is advisable as properly. “Another concern is exposed wiring, especially if you have a curious puppy. It’s best to keep them sheathed in pet-proof protector cords, easily available online,” says Salvi.
Carefully contemplating furnishings, paint and plant selections is essential to creating an aesthetic and secure area for a combined-species residence. “Like you would plan a nursery, organise your house with your pet’s schedule and personality. Place a leash holder near the door, offer scratching surfaces for your cat and don’t forget to create cozy nooks where they can hang out with you. For your sofas, choose natural fabric over PU-finished products, and while picking paint, make sure it has a low VOC score (volatile organic compound),” Ganesan mentioned.
Staircase railings with protecting knotting.
Plants like aloe vera, lilies and pothos could be poisonous to canine, so it’s greatest to test with a veterinarian earlier than choosing foliage, although Manssi assures, “If your dogs are well fed and cared for, they won’t go around any toxic plants.”
Finally, whether or not adopting a pet or retrofitting a home, the necessary guidelines for any inside designer or architect is at all times “Accommodating the aesthetic sensibility, ease of maintenance and the comfort of both the human as well as the furry occupants of the home, at every stage and while choosing every detail,” Paul concludes.
The freelance author relies in Chennai.
