Renovations to keep your pets warm this winter

PROPERTY NEWS - No matter how much we love our animals, sometimes it is simply impossible to keep them indoors - especially if you have larger breeds that cannot fit through a pet door. Luckily, there are a few pet projects you can try to help keep your four-pawed loved ones warm this winter. As a bonus, these renovations could increase your chance of attracting potential buyers when it comes time to sell…

"Especially now that most parts of the country are in a buyer's market where supply outweighs demand, having unique selling features on a property can help set it apart from similar properties on the market, thereby increasing the homeowner's chance of securing a sale," says Adrian Goslett, regional director and CEO of RE/MAX of Southern Africa.

"Pet-friendly homes are also in high demand these days, now that sectional title living has become so popular, with many of these complexes disallowing homeowners to keep pets."

Goslett therefore encourages homeowners to see the cost of these projects as an investment, not only towards the health and happiness of their pet, but also towards the value of their home.

Indoor warming station
Create a designated spot in your home where Fluffy can defrost after a long day outside. If you live in a double storey home, turn the space underneath the staircase into a pet station with built-in pet bed. Alternatively, if you have built-in cupboard space that's not in use, remove the cupboard door to create an open pet station on the bottom shelves where your pet can curl up and get warm.

Insulated outdoor shelter
A well-insulated kennel stuffed with blankets can do the trick here. But, if you want to add value to your property, consider creating a covered outdoor patio area with collapsible sliding doors or canvas covers to enclose the sides. Not only does this provide a warm space in which to keep your pet, but it also adds an additional indoor / outdoor room to your home.

Convert your garage into a pet pad
If your garage connects to your backyard, you can make use of the space to create your pet's own room. To allow your pet access to the garden throughout the day, install a Dutch door that leads to your backyard and keep the top half closed to keep some of the cold air out.

Before embarking on any of these projects, pet owners are advised that breeds are different and should be treated according to their varying needs. Certain breeds, such as Huskies, are designed to withstand the cold, while others, such as Chihuahuas, would not last a day in the cold. If you are uncertain of your pet's needs, speak to your local vet.

Turn the space underneath the staircase into a pet station with built-in pet bed.Photo: www.doowaggle.com