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n recent years, real estate agents have been finding innovative ways to emphasize pet-friendly home features to attract potential buyers. With more American households owning pets than having children, studies have shown that home buyers' furry friends increasingly influence their choice of home or remodeling project. As a result, real estate professionals need to be aware of their clients' pets' needs.

    Marine Sargsyan, an economist at Houzz, a home remodeling website, says, "Homeowners are designing spaces that prioritize the needs of all family members, including pets." This highlights the significant role pets play in shaping how people invest in and customize their homes.

    Suzanne Weinstein, an associate broker at Coldwell Banker Warburg, recently featured a photo of her client's black poodle, Xander, in the listing 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.

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

    The Rise of "Barkitecture"

    A new home design movement called "barkitecture" has emerged, inspired by pets. This style involves incorporating pet-friendly features throughout the home, such as washing stations and discreet food and watering stations integrated into kitchen islands. According to the newly released 2024 Houzz Pets & Home Report, about half of homeowners prioritize pets in their decision-making process when upgrading their home. Common considerations include choosing pet-friendly materials and designing or functionality specific to their pet, such as an animal bed or feeding station.

    Common Projects for Remodeling Pet-Owners

    Pet owners often prioritize scratch-resistant and hardy flooring, such as laminate, tile, or vinyl. Laminate floors, which can resemble hardwood, can come with added protection against claw marks, according to tip sheets from National Floors Direct. Landscaping is another area where pet owners invest, with about 34% of pet-owning renovators saying they upgraded their landscaping specifically with their pets in mind. Custom feeding stations and outdoor enclosures for pets are also popular, with nearly one in 10 homeowners prioritizing these features. Some homeowners also add sleeping or relaxation areas, grooming stations, and play structures for their pets' enjoyment.

    Pet Peeves

    While pets can bring joy to homeowners' lives, they also come with challenges. 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. Homeowners also acknowledge that pet messes happen, citing an abundance of fur and hair as their biggest pet-related challenge, followed by dirt, mud, and other outdoor items being tracked into the home. More than a quarter of respondents say organizing and storing pet-related items is a challenge in keeping their home clean.

    To address these challenges, when it comes to showings, Weinstein keeps Xander out of the home. "It's easier to focus on the beautiful apartment details when Xander isn't there being adorable and regal all at once," Weinstein says. However, she gives credit to Xander for helping to attract buyers.