Interior Designer’s Room-by-Room Planning Checklist : Pet Bathroom

Designed for dog washing, muddy transitions, grooming, containment of mess, and fast resets

1. Room Purpose & Design Intent

Primary Function

• Washing dogs comfortably and safely

• Containing mud, hair, water, and mess

• Supporting regular grooming routines

Secondary Function

• Post-yard cleanup before pets re-enter the home

• Storage for pet bathing and grooming supplies

• Easy professional or homeowner cleaning

Design Philosophy
This bathroom is designed to:

• Handle water, hair, and mess without stress

• Be easy to rinse, disinfect, and reset

• Protect the rest of the house from pet-related mess

• Feel functional but calm (not clinical)

This is a utility-forward bathroom with comfort built in.

2. ZONING & FLOW (FOUNDATIONAL)

☐ Entry / Transition Zone
☐ Pet Washing Zone
☐ Drying & Grooming Zone
☐ Storage & Supply Zone
☐ Drainage & Containment Zone
☐ Lighting Control Zone

Movement should be direct and efficient — pets in, wash, dry, out.

3. FLOORING, WALLS & STRUCTURE

(Pet-Proof Only)

Shopping List

• Waterproof flooring (tile, sealed concrete, or textured LVP)

• Non-slip surface finish

• Floor drain (ideal) or heavy-duty waterproof mats

• Wall tile or wall panels (splash height)

• Scrubbable paint above splash zones

• Moisture-resistant baseboards

• Corner guards (optional)

☐ No carpet
☐ No porous surfaces

4. PET WASHING ZONE (CORE FEATURE)

Fixtures

• Walk-in dog shower or deep utility tub

• Handheld sprayer with long hose

• Adjustable water pressure control

• Anti-scald temperature valve

Comfort & Safety

• Non-slip rubber mat

• Raised step or ramp (for larger dogs)

• Tether hook or grooming loop (optional, secure)

• Low lip or curb to contain water

5. DRYING & GROOMING ZONE

Shopping List

• Wall hooks for towels

• Dedicated pet towels (multiple sets)

• Foldable drying rack or wall-mounted rack

• Grooming table or raised mat (optional)

• Pet-safe blow dryer or grooming dryer (optional)

• Hair catch mats or drain hair trap

Towels and tools never leave this room.

6. STORAGE & SUPPLY ZONE

(Extensive and Clearly Labeled)

Storage Furniture

• Closed cabinet (humidity resistant)

• Wall shelving

• Drawer unit (if space allows)

Required Labeled Bins

• DOG SHAMPOO

• GROOMING TOOLS

• TOWELS

• PET WIPES

• FIRST AID

• BACKUP SUPPLIES

Supplies to Store

• Pet shampoo & conditioner

• Medicated shampoos (if needed)

• Brushes & combs

• Nail clippers or grinder

• Ear cleaner

• Towels & wipes

• Pet-safe disinfectant

7. ENTRY / TRANSITION SUPPORT

Shopping List

• Outdoor-grade mat (inside door)

• Bench or low ledge (human use)

• Hooks for leashes

• Treat jar (sealed)

• Waste bag holder (for accidents)

This zone prevents pets from tracking mess elsewhere.

8. DRAINAGE & MESS CONTAINMENT

Shopping List

• Floor drain or drain pan

• Drain strainer (hair catcher)

• Squeegee

• Waterproof splash guards

• Absorbent mats (quick swap)

• Bucket for rinse water (if needed)

Cleanup should take minutes, not effort.

9. LIGHTING (BRIGHT + LOW-STRESS)

Layered Lighting

• Bright overhead ceiling light (task-level)

• Shower-safe recessed light

• Pebble lights or soft fairy lights:

  • Under cabinet

  • Low wall glow for calm entry

Controls

• Separate switches for bright vs ambient lighting

• Warm bulbs only for ambient (2700–3000K)

• Neutral-bright bulbs for task areas

• Spare bulbs stored in cabinet

Lighting must keep pets calm while still allowing visibility.

10. ELECTRICAL & SAFETY

Shopping List

• GFCI outlets

• Elevated outlet placement (away from splash zones)

• Cord clips & drip-loop hooks

• Light plate covers

• Plug-in plate covers

• First aid kit (pet-specific)

• Fire extinguisher (nearby)

• Non-slip floor mats

☐ No cords near standing water
☐ All outlets splash-safe

11. AIR, SOUND & COMFORT CONTROL

Shopping List

• Strong exhaust fan with timer

• Door sweep (contain humidity)

• Dehumidifier (if needed)

• Absorbent textiles to reduce echo

• Odor-neutralizing spray (pet-safe)

12. JOY & VISUAL CALM

(Yes, even here — but minimal)

Shopping List

• One pet-themed art piece or photo

• Neutral color palette

• Decorative storage bins

• Plant (faux or pet-safe)

• Soft pebble or fairy light glow

This room should feel capable, not chaotic.

13. CLEANING & LONG-TERM CARE

Stored in Bathroom

• Pet-safe disinfectant

• Microfiber cloths

• Floor cleaner

• Extra towels

• Laundry basket (pet-only)

• Trash liners

• Paper towels

Cleaner Notes (If Applicable)

• Cleaner may:

  • Rinse shower/tub

  • Mop floor

  • Empty trash

• Cleaner does not handle pet grooming tools unless directed

FINAL DESIGNER APPROVAL CHECKLIST

☐ Dogs can be washed without stress
☐ Water and hair are contained
☐ Cleanup is fast and predictable
☐ Supplies are labeled and obvious
☐ Floors and walls handle abuse
☐ Lighting keeps pets calm
☐ Room supports daily use without dread

What Comes Next

If you’re at the point where you no longer want to think about your home — and you’re ready for it to quietly support your life instead — you can learn more about working together here: