8 Pet-Friendly Home Features Pet Owners Prefer

Trends
Published

According to 2021 data from the U.S. Census Bureau, almost half of occupied housing units (63.8 million) have at least one pet. And a recent U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Consumer Expenditure Survey shows that consumers spent more than $100 billion on pet-related expenses in 2021, far exceeding other categories.

As pet ownership continues to rise, so does the demand for homes that cater to the unique needs of four-legged companions. From fenced yards to pet-friendly interior designs, the emphasis on creating a harmonious living space for both home owners and their pets is reshaping the concept of an ideal home. The integration of pet-friendly features not only enhances the quality of life for home owners but also presents new opportunities for builders to meet the diverse needs of today’s home buyers.

According to NAHB’s What Home Buyers Really Want, here are a few home features that play a crucial role in attracting pet owners and influencing their home-buying decisions:

  1. Fenced Yards: Many pet owners prioritize homes with fenced yards, providing a safe space for their pets to roam freely.
  2. Gardens and Landscaping: Pet-friendly landscaping, such as a well-maintained lawn or a garden, can be an attractive feature.
  3. Pet-Friendly Flooring: Durable and easy-to-clean flooring materials, such as hardwood, tile or laminate, are often preferred by pet owners.
  4. Built-In Pet Spaces: Features such as built-in pet beds, feeding stations or even designated pet rooms can be a draw.
  5. Easy Cleaning Features: Homes with features that make cleaning up after pets easier, such as mudrooms, pet washing stations or homes with minimal carpeting, can be appealing.
  6. Pet-Friendly Entryways: Features such as mudrooms or side entrances that make it convenient for pet owners to clean and care for their pets before entering the main living spaces.
  7. Pet Monitoring Systems: The integration of smart home technology, such as pet monitoring systems or automated pet doors, can be an appealing feature for tech-savvy pet owners.
  8. Space for Future Additions: Some pet owners might be interested in homes that offer the potential for future pet-related additions, such as a pet-friendly addition or the ability to install a pet door.

Danushka Nanayakkara-Skillington, NAHB assistant vice president for forecasting and analysis, provides more details — including important community features to consider — in this Eye on Housing post.

Subscribe to NAHBNow

Log in or create account to subscribe to notifications of new posts.

Log in to subscribe

Latest from NAHBNow

Safety

Mar 28, 2025

Have a Strong Plan for Chemical Safety and Hazard Communication

Hazardous chemicals are found everywhere on a home building site and in many commonly used products, such as paints, cleaners, and adhesives. Providing easy-to-read information about their identity and hazards can keep everyone on the job site safe.

Advocacy

Mar 28, 2025

Podcast: 2025 NAHB Chairman Buddy Hughes Discusses Priorities for His Term

On the latest episode of NAHB’s podcast, Housing Developments, CEO Jim Tobin and COO Paul Lopez are joined by 2025 NAHB Chairman Buddy Hughes, who shares what he’s hearing from NAHB members and his plans for the Federation this year.

View all

Latest Economic News

Economics

Mar 27, 2025

Mortgage Rates Hold Steady After Early March Drop

Mortgage rates dropped significantly at the start of March before stabilizing, with the average 30-year fixed-rate mortgage settling at 6.65%, according to Freddie Mac. This marks a 19-basis-point (bps) decline from February. Meanwhile, the 15-year fixed-rate mortgage fell by 20 bps to 5.83%.

Economics

Mar 26, 2025

Property Tax Revenue Outpaces Other Sources in 2024

Property tax revenue collected by state and local governments reached a new high in 2024 and continued to make up a bulk of tax revenue. Total tax revenue for state and local governments also reached a high after falling in 2023, driven by higher revenue across all sources. In 2024, tax revenue totaled $2.095 trillion, up 4.6% from $2.004 trillion in 2023.

Economics

Mar 25, 2025

Consumer Expectations Fall Again

Consumer confidence fell for the fourth straight month amid growing concerns about the economic outlook and policy uncertainties, especially potential tariffs. Uncertainties continue to weigh on consumer sentiment as consumer confidence dropped to a 4-year low and expectations for the future economy fell to a 12-year low.