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s the US population evolves, so do the priorities of homebuyers, with pets playing an increasingly significant role in real estate decisions. According to Jessica Lautz, deputy chief economist at the National Association of Realtors (NAR), there are now more households with pets than children, and these pets drive economic activity, including homebuying.

    Recent data from the American Pet Products Association (APPA) shows that 71% of US households own a pet, up from 56% in 1988. Meanwhile, the number of households with children has declined sharply: in 1950, 52% of families had kids under 18, but by 2024, this figure dropped to 39%.

    This trend is reflected in homebuying statistics, where the percentage of buyers with children under 18 plummeted from 58% in 1985 to a record low of 27% in 2024. Lautz attributes this decline to falling birth rates and baby boomers' empty nests.

    As Americans devote more time and money to their pets, they're also seeking homes that cater to their furry friends. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics found that the percentage of people spending time with pets daily rose from 13.2% in 2003 to 20.4% in 2023, while pet industry spending surged from $53.3 billion in 2012 to $152 billion in 2024.

    When choosing a neighborhood, about one in five recent homebuyers considered their pet's needs, with unmarried couples and single women being more likely to prioritize this factor. These buyers often sought homes with proximity to veterinarians, parks, outdoor space, and walkability, as well as larger lots or acreage for pets to run and play.

    "It's not just humans who desire these neighborhood features," Lautz said, "but the pets themselves that need room to thrive."