8 Must-Have Pet Accessories & Features That Every New Homeowner Needs

March 17, 2025 - Michelle Murphy

So you’re setting up your new home. Exciting! That means figuring out how everything fits. If you’re a pet owner, that includes all your pet’s stuff too.

There are plenty of items and design options that make your home more pet-friendly without sacrificing function or style. And since many of the gadgets we’re discussing are available through online outlets like Amazon, they’re easy to search for and get quickly too.

Here are eight pet accessories and upgrades our team thinks are worth getting!

When designing a home with pets in mind, durable, low-allergen materials are a must. Check out our list of 7 pet-friendly fabrics.

Small black and brown dog laying on a modern yellow sofa

#1. Pet Doors

Tired of getting up every time your pet wants in or out? A pet door gives them the freedom to move between spaces without you constantly opening doors. They can also be used indoors to keep the litter box tucked away or separate pets during mealtime. For outside-to-inside options, we recommend focusing on features like weatherproofing, locking, and microchip activation to prevent uninvited critters from sneaking in.

PetSafe Small 2-Way Locking Pet Door

Amazon pet accessories

This small 2-way locking pet door is a simple, budget-friendly option that works well for both indoor and outdoor use. It’s easy to install, and the locking panel lets you control when your pet can come and go.

PetSafe Interior 2-Way Locking Cat Door - Indoor Pet Flap

SureFlap Microchip Cat Door

_Amazon pet accessories _

For a more high-tech option, this microchip cat door uses RFID technology to scan your pet’s microchip, ensuring the door only opens for your pet. It’s great for pet owners who want a completely hands-free solution and added security.

SureFlap Microchip Cat Door Connect with Hub Bundle

#2. Built-In Water & Feeding Station

Whether they tip over or slide across the room, pet bowls have a way of… getting in the way. A built-in feeding station is the perfect solution for keeping things in place and containing the feeding frenzy chaos.

At MMID, we love built-in pet bowls! They are usually designed into a kitchen nook, cabinet, or mudroom so they look intentional, not like an afterthought. We’ve also had clients opt for a wall-mounted pot filler above the water bowl. No more bending down to refill!

If a built-in setup isn’t an option, a raised feeding stand with non-slip feet is a great alternative.

Toozey Height Adjustable Dog Bowl

_Amazon pet accessories _

This adjustable elevated dog bowl stand has three height options, non-slip rubber pads, and easy-to-clean stainless steel bowls to make feeding time smoother for both you and your pup.

Toozey Height Adjustable Dog Bowl, Raised Dog Bowl with 2 Stainless Steel Bowls

#3. Central Vac System

Pet hair gets everywhere—floors, furniture, and somehow, even places your pet doesn’t go. And all pet owners know that no matter how often you vacuum, pet hair has a way of sticking around. A central vacuum system makes it easier to stay on top of the shed without constantly lugging a vacuum from room to room.

That said, a robot vacuum is a very convenient alternative if a built-in system isn’t in the budget right now.

Lefant Robot Vacuum Cleaner

Amazon pet accessories

Designed with pet owners in mind, this robotic vacuum makes cleaning effortless with app control, Alexa compatibility, and smart scheduling. It also auto-charges and offers 120 minutes of runtime.

Lefant Robot Vacuum Cleaner, 6 Cleaning Modes, Wi-Fi Connected, SmartSense Technology

#4. Portable Dog Bath

Washing a pupper at home usually ends in a soaked bathroom, fur-clogged drains, and a wet dog making a run for it before you’re done. A portable dog bath keeps the mess in one zone and makes the process a whole lot easier on your back.

Some are designed for indoor use, others connect to a hose for outdoor rinses after muddy walks. Depending on your preference, there are tons of options including lightweight collapsible bins, raised dog baths, and outdoor rinse stations.

Furesh Elevated Portable Foldable Dog Bath

Amazon pet accessories

This dog bath is a great all-in-one solution. It’s elevated, so you’re not hunched over, and both the tub and stairs fold up when not in use. Features include a built-in drain and stretchable hose.

Furesh Steper Big Dog Bath Tub with Stairs

#5. Integrated Pet Beds

Pet beds are a great addition for your furry friend, but they tend to take up a lot of space and can be a bit of an eyesore. Integrated pet beds solve that problem by blending pet beds with furniture to give your pet a cozy spot without sacrificing your aesthetic.

Lalfpet Wooden Dog Crate

_Amazon pet accessories _

A stylish home for your pup that doubles as extra storage? Yes, please! This 55” dog crate table blends into your space to give your dog a secure spot to relax. It has plenty of room for large dogs, built-in storage drawers, and lockable doors.

LYNCOHOME Dog Crate Furniture, Wooden Dog Kennel TV Stand for Medium Dogs

DAWNSPACES Large Dog Crate Furniture

_Amazon pet accessories _

This two-piece credenza-style dog crate set is quite the sleek focal point. With ample storage and durable construction, it’s perfect for families with one or more dogs. Plus, the versatile layout fits into your space however you want it to as a TV stand, side table, or corner unit.

DAWNSPACES Large Dog Crate Furniture

#6. Toy Baskets & Storage Ottomans

A toy basket won’t stop your pet from making a mess, but it does give you a place to throw the half-chewed ropes and slobbery tennis balls when you’re tidying up. To give your pets easy access, open-top fabric baskets are soft-sided and simple for digging through.

If you’d rather keep everything out of sight, storage ottomans double as furniture while hiding the chaos inside.

PET ARTIST Collapsible Dog Toy Basket

Amazon pet accessories

This toy basket is a soft-sided, collapsible bin that’s easy to move and store. It’s designed with durable fabric that can handle rough use, and the open-top design makes it easy for pets to grab their own toys. You can even personalize it with your pet’s name. Cute!

PET ARTIST Collapsible Dog Toy Basket

Brabtod Canvas Storage Basket

Amazon pet accessories

If you’re looking for something larger, this lidded option is a deep, durable bin that holds a ton of toys while still being lightweight and easy to move.

Brabtod Canvas Storage Basket

Homepop Round Tufted Storage Ottoman

_Amazon pet accessories _

If you want something that doesn’t scream “doggy toy bin,” a classic storage ottoman is your best bet. It looks like a stylish accent piece but opens up to store toys, notebooks, remotes, etc inside, keeping all your unsightlies out of sight.

Homepop Round Tufted Storage Ottoman

#7. Cat Window Perches

Most cats will climb anything to get a good view. A cat window perch gives them a dedicated spot to lounge in the sun, birdwatch, and keep an eye on their surroundings without knocking over your stuff.

AMOSIJOY Cat Sill Window Perch

Amazon pet accessories

This adorable perch mounts directly to the windowsill (without drilling) for extra stability and comes with a soft plush cushion for all-day lounging.

AMOSIJOY Cat Sill Window Perch

#8. Cat Shelves

Cats love to perch up high to feel safe. If your feline friend is always climbing onto bookshelves, leaping onto the fridge, or squeezing into high-up spaces, installing cat shelves gives them the vertical territory they crave and saves your things from getting constantly knocked over.

Megidok Cat Climbing Shelves

Amazon pet accessories

These minimalist shelves offer a sturdy and stylish way to create a climbing route for your cat. With a sleek solid wooden design and soft felt pads for comfort, they’ll naturally blend into most spaces and give cats a fun, elevated playground.

Megidok Cat Climbing Shelves

Furget the Mess!

Pets make a house feel like home, but their stuff can easily take over. A few smart swaps can keep your space clean, organized, and just as functional for you as it is for them. If you’re thinking of incorporating some pet-friendly pieces, start by checking out Amazon pet accessories.

A pet-friendly home doesn’t have to be high maintenance—you just need the right setup!

If you’re ready to make more permanent pet-friendly upgrades to your new home like the ones we shared above, give MMID a call!

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