CHICAGO –There are more American households with pets than children, and studies show that home buyers’ furry friends increasingly influence the type of home or remodeling project buyers choose. So, real estate pros need to be tuned in to the needs of their clients’ pets.

“Whether selecting pet-friendly materials or incorporating built-in feeding stations and cozy nooks, homeowners are designing spaces that prioritize the needs of all family members, including pets,” says Marine Sargsyan, an economist at Houzz, a home remodeling website. “This highlights the important role pets play in shaping how people invest in and customize their homes.”

Suzanne Weinstein, an associate broker with Coldwell Banker Warburg, recently featured an owner’s black poodle, Xander, in listing photos for a one-bedroom co-op in New York. The shot was taken unexpectedly when Xander jumped in front of the camera. Weinstein liked the photo so much that she chose it as the first listing image when marketing the home.

“There’s a nobility to Xander that helps make the photo more memorable and helps the elegance and warmth of the home come across,” Weinstein says. “Buyers have shown a lot of interest in the apartment, and about half of them have even asked whether they’ll get to meet Xander.”

Nearly 80% of consumers say that if they saw signs of a pet in a home, it wouldn’t deter them from making an offer as long as there was no damage to the property, according to a survey conducted by Quicken Loans earlier this year. Two in 10 people even said a pet-friendly home would make them want to increase their offer.

Judging a home’s pet appeal

Sixty-six percent of American households own a pet, according to the American Pet Products Association. And about one-fifth of recent home buyers said they considered their pet when deciding what neighborhood to live in, according to research from the National Association of Realtors®.

An entire home design movement, called “barkitecture,” has been inspired by pets. The style centers around incorporating pet-friendly features throughout the home, from washing stations to discreet food and watering stations incorporated into kitchen islands. About half of homeowners say they prioritized pets in their decision-making process when upgrading their home, according to the newly released 2024 Houzz Pets & Home Report. The most common considerations include choosing pet-friendly materials and a design or functionality specific to their pet, such as an animal bed or feeding station. Common projects for remodeling pet-owners include:

Flooring: Scratch-resistant and hardy flooring may be a priority. Common pet-friendly options include laminate, tile and vinyl. Laminate floors, which can resemble hardwood, can come with added protection against claw marks, according to tip sheets from National Floors Direct.

Landscaping: About 34% of pet-owning renovators say they upgraded their landscaping specifically with their pets in mind, the Houzz survey finds.

Custom areas: Nearly one in 10 homeowners prioritize custom feeding stations and outdoor enclosures for their pets, even adding “catios,” or outdoor patios for cats. Some homeowners also add sleeping or relaxation areas, grooming stations and play structures for their pets’ enjoyment.

A few pet peeves

Pets aren’t perfect. Nearly three quarters of pet owners say they’ve had to replace a household item because their pets damaged it. Carpets and rugs were the most replaced items, followed by furniture, bedding and door frame replacements, according to the Houzz survey.

Also, homeowners acknowledge that pet messes happen, saying their biggest pet-related challenge at home is an abundance of fur and hair, followed by dirt, mud and other outdoor items being tracked into the home. More than a quarter say organizing and storing pet-related items is a challenge to keeping the home clean.

That’s why, when it comes to showings, Weinstein knows it’s best for Xander to be out of the home. Plus, “it’s easier to focus on the beautiful apartment details when Xander isn’t there being adorable and regal all at once,” Weinstein says. She does, however, give him credit for helping to get buyers in the door.

© 2024 National Association of Realtors® (NAR)