It used to be that cats and dogs were relegated to the backyard most of the time. But these days, our four-footed friends make themselves at home in our homes, snaring the best spots on the couches and beds — and in the process, leaving behind hair and other calling cards.

Still, sharing space with a pet doesn’t mean you must bid farewell to a tidy lair, says Julia Szabo, author of Animal House Style and live-in companion to five rescued dogs and several cats. Here, she tells how to decorate so that everyone in the family — tail or no tail — is happy.

What’s Underfoot

Floors are where pets spend the most time at home. Carpets can become magnets for hair and dander, so if you have a vote in the matter, opt for bare floors made of washable wood, tile or vinyl (yes, it’s back in fashion). They’re all super-easy to swab clean with a mop, Szabo explains. “But be careful to keep pets out of the room until the floor dries. You don’t want your pooch absorbing cleaning chemicals through its paws or, even worse, licking at the bucket.”

On the Sides

Give your walls some color. (“White is not very forgiving,” warns Szabo.) Buy paint that’s wipeable — eggshell and satin finishes are easier to clean than flat ones. Szabo’s pick: Benjamin Moore’s Pristine EcoSpec line. Unlike standard house paint, it’s low in volatile -organic -compounds (VOCs), chemicals that are potentially harmful to kids and pets.

Take a Seat

Be sure to have a protective barrier on your furniture. Slipcovers are great because you can throw them in the wash every couple of weeks. Go for a washed denim or plain cotton style, and avoid textures. “Cats tend to get their claws stuck in textured fabric,” says Szabo, who recommends surefit.com for affordable, stylish slipcovers. And don’t pile on the throw pillows. They just attract
more hair and dander.

The Pet Pantry

Reduce spills and keep your pet’s dry food fresher longer by storing it in an airtight container. Large clear snap-lock containers are one option, though Szabo prefers medium-size metal trash cans for her own dogs’ chow.

For Cats Only

Most cat-box litter contains a lot of dust. “Switch to a dust-free brand and you’ll be amazed how much it cuts down on the mess in your home,” promises Szabo. Her favorite: World’s Best Cat Litter (worldsbestcatlitter.com). It’s slightly more expensive than other brands, she says, but it lasts twice as long. Whatever kind of litter you use, keep a bag holder stuffed with plastic grocery bags near your cat’s box so it’s easy to scoop the waste every day.