Working from home has many advantages—flexibility, comfort, and proximity to your favorite furry companions. But sharing a small apartment and home office with pets comes with its own set of challenges. From fur-covered chairs to midday zoomies during video calls, designing a pet-friendly home office requires some smart thinking.
This guide will show you how to decorate and organize your home office with pets in mind, creating a space that’s functional for you and safe, comfortable, and enjoyable for your animals.
1. Choose Pet-Friendly Furniture
When pets share your workspace, your furniture needs to stand up to wear and tear.
Look for:
- Stain-resistant fabrics (like microfiber or performance fabric)
- Smooth, easy-to-clean surfaces (like laminate or sealed wood)
- Avoid velvet, silk, or wool, which attract hair and are harder to clean
If you allow pets on chairs, add a removable, washable slipcover or a designated pet blanket.
2. Select the Right Desk Setup
Your desk is the hub of your office, and pets often like to stay close—sometimes too close.
Tips:
- Choose a desk with drawers or cabinets to keep cords and accessories out of reach
- Install a keyboard tray to avoid curious paws jumping onto your laptop
- Consider a corner desk that gives you more space to share the room comfortably
Elevated desks or wall-mounted shelves also discourage pets from jumping up.
3. Provide a Cozy Spot for Your Pet
If your pet has nowhere to go, they’ll pick your lap—or your keyboard.
Give them a cozy alternative:
- A soft bed or cushion near your desk
- A window perch for cats to watch outside
- A crate or kennel with a blanket (for dogs that like security)
- A cat tree or hammock if you’re tight on floor space
Place the pet zone close to where you work so your animal feels included—but not in the way.
4. Control Cables and Tech Hazards
Cables are tempting chew toys for cats, dogs, and even rabbits. Keep your cords safe.
Use:
- Cable boxes or sleeves
- Cord covers that attach to walls
- Double-sided tape to secure wires to furniture legs or behind desks
Unplug chargers when not in use and store extras in a drawer or high shelf.
5. Choose Durable and Washable Rugs
Rugs add warmth, but with pets, they also become fur magnets and accident zones.
Best choices:
- Low-pile rugs that are easier to vacuum
- Indoor-outdoor rugs that are stain- and moisture-resistant
- Machine-washable rugs like those from Ruggable or similar brands
Avoid shaggy or high-pile rugs—they trap hair and are harder to clean.
6. Use Pet-Friendly Plants (or Fake Ones)
Greenery brightens your workspace, but not all plants are safe for pets.
Safe indoor plants:
- Spider plant
- Areca palm
- Calathea
- Bamboo palm
- Prayer plant
Toxic plants to avoid: pothos, peace lily, aloe vera, philodendron, snake plant (to cats), among others.
If in doubt, opt for realistic artificial plants to get the look without the worry.
7. Block Off “No-Go” Zones
Need to protect shelves, printers, or fragile decor?
Use:
- Baby gates to keep dogs out of certain areas
- Sticky deterrent tape on surfaces cats like to jump on
- Cabinet locks if your pet is especially curious
You can also add tension rods with lightweight curtains to hide open shelving and keep it tidy and fur-free.
8. Integrate Pet Accessories into the Design
Pet gear doesn’t have to clash with your decor.
Try:
- A woven basket for toys that matches your aesthetic
- A wooden or ceramic food bowl stand
- A cat scratcher in neutral tones or integrated into furniture
- Wall-mounted pet shelves that match your color palette
Style pet items as part of your overall design for a seamless, elevated look.
9. Be Smart with Scent and Cleaning Supplies
A fresh-smelling office makes a better work environment for both you and your pet.
Maintain air quality with:
- Air purifiers to reduce dander
- Pet-safe essential oil diffusers (avoid tea tree, citrus, eucalyptus)
- Regular vacuuming with a brush attachment or pet-specific vacuum
- Lint rollers or reusable brushes kept in a drawer for quick touch-ups
Have a dedicated drawer or caddy for cleaning wipes, sprays, and brushes.
10. Use Furniture That Doubles as Storage
In small apartments, storage is precious—why not make it dual-purpose?
Try:
- Benches with hidden storage that also hold pet beds
- End tables with compartments for treats or leashes
- Bookshelves with lower baskets for pet supplies
Choose designs that keep your space clean, while giving easy access to everyday items.
11. Schedule Breaks for Both You and Your Pet
While not strictly a design tip, this matters in any pet-friendly home office.
Make time for:
- Short walks or play sessions every couple of hours
- Window time or balcony breaks for curious cats
- Interactive toys for solo play
Breaks benefit your pet—and help you reset, stretch, and return to work with better focus.
12. Bonus: Consider Flooring and Pet Traffic
If your pet moves between rooms often, think about the flooring in your home office.
Tips:
- Use rugs with non-slip pads to avoid scratches on hardwood
- Avoid rolling chairs over fur (they tangle quickly)
- Keep a mat by the entrance to catch paws coming from outside
Flooring solutions help you manage fur, wear, and the overall flow of a shared space.
Designing a pet-friendly home office doesn’t mean sacrificing style—it means planning with care and empathy. With a few thoughtful adjustments, your workspace can feel more comfortable, functional, and harmonious for both you and your furry companion.
From washable textiles and hidden cable solutions to cozy pet nooks and matching accessories, small details can make a big difference. After all, your home office isn’t just a place to work—it’s a shared space where both productivity and companionship thrive.