As real estate agents and proud animal lovers (have you seen my Amy the Dog Stalker story highlight on Instagram? Check it out @ateamsellsfl), Adam and I can’t think of a better way to celebrate pets than by highlighting just how much our furry companions shape not only our daily lives but also the homes we choose to live in.

And we aren’t the only ones. Did you know that pets now play a significant role in home buying and remodeling decisions? Today, more households in the United States have pets than children, and these loyal companions are influencing real estate trends in ways we never imagined. Whether it’s designing a pet-friendly backyard or incorporating “barkitecture” into the overall home design, pet owners are making decisions that reflect their deep love for their animals.

 

More American Households Have Pets Than Children

It’s no secret that Americans love their pets. In fact, pets have become such an integral part of our lives that the number of American households with pets has surpassed those with children. According to a recent survey, 70% of U.S. households now own a pet, while less than 40% have children under 18 living at home. That’s a significant shift in household dynamics, and it’s no wonder that pet needs are starting to play a larger role in home buying decisions.

During the real estate pandemic frenzy, we had a house in Clearwater for sale that received multiple offers. One of the buyers tried to persuade the seller with a Buyer Love Letter explaining how this home would give her the chance to make her baby’s dreams of leaving an apartment and having her own backyard to run around in come true.

It turns out the baby was her pet chihuahua.

For many buyers, having space for their pets to roam freely and comfortably is just as important as choosing a home in the right school district. We’ve worked with clients who have specific requirements for fenced-in yards, dedicated pet spaces, or proximity to parks and trails where their dogs can run and play.

And good thing we live where we do! Tampa and St. Pete consistently make news for topping lists of pet-friendly areas, and Dunedin often goes by its alter ego Dogedin. With dedicated dog parks like the HUGE Enterprise Dog Park, as well as official dog beach areas like the ones at Honeymoon Island and Ft. DeSoto and the unofficial ones at places like Treasure Island, you can take Fido with you anywhere!

But what about when you want to stay home? And what about your cat?

The idea of buying a home is no longer just about the humans who will live there – it’s also about how well the space will work for their four-legged family members.

Pets Influence Home Buying and Remodeling Choices

So, how exactly are pets influencing the types of homes people are buying? From our experience, we’ve noticed a growing number of buyers seeking homes that cater specifically to the needs of their pets. For example, clients with larger dogs often look for homes with spacious backyards, while cat owners might prioritize homes with window seats or built-in ledges where their feline friends can perch.

Pet-friendly features have become must-haves for many buyers. Fenced yards, dog doors, pet washing stations, and scratch-resistant flooring are just a few examples of home features that make pet ownership more convenient. These features are not just “nice to have” anymore; they’re essential for many buyers, particularly those who see their pets as members of the family.

But it’s not just homebuyers who are taking pets into consideration. Homeowners are also increasingly incorporating pet-friendly features into their remodeling projects. Whether it’s installing durable flooring to withstand pet claws or adding a cozy built-in pet nook under the stairs, pet-related renovations are becoming a priority. In fact, many homeowners are willing to invest in upgrades that make their homes more comfortable for both them and their pets.

The Rise of “Barkitecture”

Have you heard of barkitecture? It’s the design movement that seamlessly incorporates pet-friendly features into the overall architecture of a home. Unlike traditional pet accommodations that might be tucked away in a corner or out of sight, barkitecture celebrates pets as an integral part of the household and creates spaces that are both functional and stylish.

So, what does barkitecture look like in practice? Think of built-in pet beds that blend seamlessly with the home’s interior design, customized pet feeding stations that are integrated into kitchen cabinetry, or even doggy showers in mudrooms to keep the house clean after a romp in the yard. Barkitecture is all about creating spaces that enhance both the lives of pets and their owners while maintaining a sense of style and cohesion throughout the home. It makes your life much easier to hose Fido down in the mudroom than trying to herd him into the bathtub! And what a conversation starter it is for your furry baby to have his own shower!

Another popular trend is creating outdoor pet spaces. Whether it’s a custom-built dog run, a shaded patio area with water access, or even a small “catio” (an enclosed patio for cats), homeowners are going above and beyond to ensure their pets have safe and enjoyable spaces to explore outside.

Pet Damage: A Reality for Homeowners

While we all love our pets dearly, it’s important to acknowledge that they can sometimes cause damage to our homes. From scratched floors to chewed furniture, even the most well-behaved pets can leave their mark on a property. As a homeowner, it’s important to strike a balance between making your home comfortable for your pets and protecting your investment.

Flooring is one of the most common areas where pet-related damage occurs. Dogs and cats can scratch hardwood floors, while accidents or spills can stain carpets. If you’re a pet owner, you might want to consider more durable flooring options, such as tile, luxury vinyl plank, or laminate, which are more resistant to scratches and easy to clean.

And one more word about carpets: They’re usually not preferred by buyers…at all! And it’s even worse if you have carpets AND pets. All the buyer thinks about is dirt, odor, pet hair, and allergies. We have a saying in real estate: If we can smell it, we might have trouble selling it.

Walls and furniture can also suffer from pet wear and tear. Cats, in particular, love to use furniture or walls as scratching posts, and dogs may chew on baseboards or other wooden fixtures.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re buying your first home, remodeling your current space, or just daydreaming about your future dream home, it’s clear that pets are a major consideration in today’s real estate market.

At the end of the day, our homes are a reflection of what we value most, and for many of us, that includes our pets, so give your furry friend an extra treat and take a moment to appreciate all the ways they make your house feel like home.