How to Convert a Garage for Pets

Add a bed to your garage for a comfy space to sleep.

Unfortunately, pet owners can't always be with their beloved furry companions every minute of the day. This can pose a problem for pet owners with particularly nervous, rambunctious or destructive animals, who can destroy their owners' homes when left to their own devices. Not every pet owner has a yard and it isn't always a good idea to leave your pet alone in a yard unsupervised while you are at work or school. You can circumvent this problem by giving your pet a room of its own. Convert your garage into a pet-friendly space to give your animal space to run and play while you're away that is resistant to accidents, spills and messes and also provides a sheltered and secure area.

Instructions

1. Remove items that pose a hazard for your pets. Paint cans, hardware, cleaning supplies, caustic chemicals and tools should be moved to another location or placed in a chew-resistant, pet-proof locking container.

2. Cover any exposed wiring. Cover electrical outlets. Tack up or remove electrical cords your pet could chew on, get tangled in and injure itself with.

3. Clean up. Scrub down floors and walls. Sop up any gasoline or oil spills. Eliminate odors that could harm your pet's respiratory system.

4. Beef up your security. Make sure all windows and doors latch and close properly. Add locks if your pet can open doors and windows. Seal up holes and secure vents that could provide an escape route for intrepid animals.

5. Weather-proof your garage. Install insulation, if necessary. Seal up cracks and apply weather-stripping around doors and windows. Fix leaky ceilings.

6. Apply stick-on laminate flooring for easy clean-up of accidents and spills. Concrete flooring can soak up liquids. Wood flooring can be damaged, warped or cut by your pet's nails and teeth. Laminate flooring is easily mopped and fairly resistant to damage from pets.

7. Add bedding. A washable pet bed provides your pet with a cozy space to sleep. Carpet remnants also suffice.

8. Create a spot for food and water. Supply your pet with a place to eat and drink comfortably.

9. Prepare for all seasons. Install a heated water bowl if your garage gets cold. For the pampered pooch or feline companion, consider installing sub-floor heating to create a cozy spot. Add a fan or air conditioner for warmer weather.

10. Add excitement. Dogs need toys to keep them occupied and out of trouble. Cats like to climb and need to scratch -- a cat tree or climbing condo meets both of these needs.

Tips & Warnings

• Get on the ground and look at the room from your pet's perspective. Look for anything that could be a hazard -- things to chew, scratch and get tangled in. Looking at the garage from your pet's perspective allows you to see things that need to be remedied that otherwise would have escaped your notice.

• Antifreeze is a common garage chemical that poses a particular hazard to pets. It's toxic. Remove antifreeze from your garage and clean up spills -- no matter how old.

References

• "Adopting a Pet for Dummies"; Eve Adamson; 2005
• "The Howell Book of Dogs"; Liz Palika; 2007
• "Petfinder.com: The Adopted Dog Bible"; Kim Saunders; 2009
• "Pup Parenting"; Lynn Lott, Jane Nelson, Therry Jay; 2006
• "The Dog Bible"; Tracie Hatcher; 2005