There’s no bones about it, Americans love their pets! As of 2023, 66% of U.S. households own a pet. And for those of us that love our dogs, cats, and reptiles, we only want the very best for them. 

If you are in the market for new window coverings, you might be wondering which ones are pet approved.

Here are our top recommendations for window coverings that will keep your pet healthy and happy while keeping your home looking stylish and clean! 

1 | Cordless Faux Wood Blinds

Blinds aren’t completely pet-proof. However, cheap ones that are made of metal or that bend and break easily are not the ones you should get. Custom faux wood cordless blinds are a great option. Faux wood blinds are much sturdier than vinyl and aluminum blinds. That means when your dog sees someone walking in front of the house or a cat notices a squirrel in the backyard, it’s less likely that the slats will suffer from heavy-handed noses and paws. Plus, faux wood blinds are easy to clean. In fact, you can hose them off outside or soak them in your bathtub if needed. That means you don’t have to worry about a buildup of dog slobber or cat hair on your blinds. Also, going cordless eliminates a strangulation hazard. 

2 | Cordless Vertical Blinds

Vertical blinds allow pets to slip through the slats easily, especially when you don’t have them connected by a chain along the bottom of the slats. Vertical slats are also less fun to chew on (though if you have that problem, be sure to speak to your veterinarian on ways to help ease your pets anxiety or boredom). Vertical blinds are great for large windows and sliding glass doors. Like faux wood blinds, going cordless will eliminate a strangulation hazard. 

3 | Cordless Roller Shades

Roller shades are another great choice. When fully open, you don’t have to worry about your pet trying to nose their way between slats. But unlike custom drapes or curtains, when open, the material rolls up into a neat little stack at the top of your window, staying out of the reach of your pets. Be sure to go cordless for safety reasons and choose a material that is easy to clean. 

4 | Faux Wood Interior Shutters

Interior shutters are incredibly sturdy and look amazing. They even work on french doors and sliding glass doors (there are sliding shutter panels)! There are no cords to worry about with this treatment, and you can even opt for hidden tilt systems that ditch the tilt bar in the front. You can also upgrade to add locks that keep the panels locked in place so they can’t be opened. Plus they are easy to clean and can be wiped down with soap and water for a deeper clean. 

Some Things to Avoid

There are a few things you should avoid. As we’ve mentioned already, cords are one of them. Cords can get dangerously tangled and wrapped around your pets and even strangle them, so opt for cordless options. Cat owners should also avoid natural wood roller shades as these often look like hanging scratching pads to cats. Delicate materials and dry clean only materials should also be avoided. And you should forgo puddled custom drapes, as this is very inviting for pets to curl up on, possibly getting tangled up in the fabric, or just making the fabric dingy and dirty in the process. 

Call in the Pros

Want expert advice from the window covering experts? Elevated Views can help you choose the right window covering for your home and needs, including the right pet-friendly window treatment! Our design and installation experts will help you through every step of the process, making selecting your new window treatment a breeze. Schedule your free in-home consultation and quote today!