Living in a cooperative housing community like Ash Street offers many unique benefits, including the opportunity to create a comfortable, welcoming environment for your pets.
As pet owners, it’s our responsibility to ensure that our homes are safe, fun, and comfortable for our furry companions. From making your living space more pet-friendly to organizing pet-related community events, there are plenty of ways you can enhance life for your pets and your neighbors' pets in the cooperative.
If you’re not yet a member of Ash Street Housing Cooperative, consider visiting the office to learn more about this unique form of home ownership and how it can benefit you and your pets.
Pet-Proofing Your Co-op Home
Making your co-op home safe and enjoyable for your pets is essential for their well-being. Cats and dogs, especially when left alone, can be curious and get into things they shouldn’t, so pet-proofing is a necessary step for any responsible pet owner.
1. Pet-Friendly Plants vs. Dangerous Plants
Many houseplants are beautiful and can improve the ambiance of your home, but some are toxic to pets. It's important to know which plants are safe and which ones to avoid.
Pet-friendly plants include:
Spider plants
Boston ferns
Areca palms
Bamboo palms
On the other hand, plants like lilies, philodendrons, and poinsettias should be avoided, as they can be harmful or even fatal if ingested by pets. Make sure you research any plant before bringing it into your home, and place plants out of reach if you're unsure.
2. Cord Management
Cords are one of the most tempting chew toys for both cats and dogs. To prevent your pets from getting into trouble and risking injury, it’s important to manage your cords effectively.
Invest in cord covers, wrap up loose cables, and secure them behind furniture or along baseboards. You can also use bitter-tasting sprays on cords as a deterrent if your pet has a habit of chewing.
3. Self-Watering Solutions
For those times when you're away from home, ensuring your pets have access to fresh water is crucial. Self-watering bowls or fountains are a great solution, especially for cats, who tend to be picky about their water. These devices ensure that your pets always have access to clean water, even when you're out for the day or on a short trip.
Additionally, you can also set up automatic pet feeders to ensure your pets stay well-fed when you’re away, providing peace of mind during busy days or weekends.
4. Create Cozy Spaces
Cats and dogs both appreciate cozy, designated spaces where they can relax. For cats, setting up a window perch or cozy nook with a bed can provide them a space to sunbathe and watch the world outside. Dogs, on the other hand, may enjoy a soft bed in a quiet corner of the living room where they can unwind after playtime.
Consider placing their beds away from high-traffic areas so they have a calm, peaceful spot to retreat when they need some alone time.
Organizing Pet-Friendly Community Events
While your home is a safe haven for your pets, living in a cooperative like Ash Street means you’re also part of a broader community. If you enjoy connecting with other pet owners, consider organizing a pet-friendly event. A great option for a cooperative setting is organizing a “dog pack walk.” This is where a group of dog owners in the community gather to walk their dogs together, creating a fun social opportunity for both the pets and their owners.
Dog pack walks not only provide exercise for the dogs but also give residents a chance to bond, share pet care tips, and build a stronger sense of community. These walks can be organized weekly or monthly, and they provide a wonderful way to engage with your neighbors while keeping your pets active.
Additionally, you can set up pet playdates in local parks or even organize small pet-related events, such as a dog costume contest or a photo-sharing group for pet owners. These types of activities foster camaraderie and provide your pets with opportunities to socialize with others.
Additional Tips for a Pet-Friendly Home
Making your home more pet-friendly doesn’t have to be complicated. Here are a few more easy tips to create a comfortable environment for your furry friends:
Pet Gates: Use pet gates to block off areas where you don’t want your pets to wander, such as kitchens or storage spaces.
Pet Toys: Keep a variety of toys available to engage your pets. Rotate the toys to keep them interested.
Scratch Posts for Cats: If you have a cat, investing in a sturdy scratch post can save your furniture and keep your cat entertained.
Non-Toxic Cleaning Supplies: Make sure the cleaning products you use in your home are non-toxic and pet-safe to avoid accidental poisoning.
Join the Ash Street Housing Cooperative
Creating a pet-friendly home is a rewarding way to ensure your pets are happy and healthy, and living in a supportive community like Ash Street Housing Cooperative makes it even more enjoyable. With your co-op neighbors and community events, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to connect with fellow pet owners and create a vibrant, pet-loving environment.
If you’re not yet a member of Ash Street Housing Cooperative, make plans to visit the office and learn how you can become part of this unique homeownership experience in the Chicago South Suburbs. Together, we can create a welcoming space for you and your pets to thrive.
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