8 Pet-Friendly Home Features Pet Owners Prefer
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:
- Fenced Yards: Many pet owners prioritize homes with fenced yards, providing a safe space for their pets to roam freely.
- Gardens and Landscaping: Pet-friendly landscaping, such as a well-maintained lawn or a garden, can be an attractive feature.
- Pet-Friendly Flooring: Durable and easy-to-clean flooring materials, such as hardwood, tile or laminate, are often preferred by pet owners.
- Built-In Pet Spaces: Features such as built-in pet beds, feeding stations or even designated pet rooms can be a draw.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Latest from NAHBNow
Jul 03, 2025
Consumer Confidence Retreats in JuneAfter a strong rebound in May, consumer confidence resumed its downward trend in June. Consumers remain concerned about the economy and labor market amid ongoing uncertainty, especially around tariffs.
Jul 02, 2025
5 Proven Strategies Smart Builders Use to Grow in Any MarketSound Capital has worked with builders across market cycles for over 20 years. They have seen who thrived when others pulled back, and they've studied the strategies they used to scale while competitors were sidelined. Here are five things they all had in common.
Latest Economic News
Jul 03, 2025
Solid Job Growth in JuneThe U.S. labor market continued to show resilience in June, with steady job gains led by state/local government and health care sectors.
Jul 02, 2025
Two or More Story Home Starts Rebound in 2024Over half of new single-family homes built in 2024 were two or more stories, according the recent release of the Census Bureau’s Survey of Construction (SOC). After declining in 2023, the share of homes started with two or more stories increased again in 2024, continuing the upward trend in place since 2020.
Jul 01, 2025
May Private Residential Construction Spending DipsPrivate residential construction spending fell by 0.5% in May, marking the fifth straight month of decreases. This drop was primarily driven by reduced spending on single-family construction. Compared to a year ago, total spending was down 6.7%, as the housing sector continues to navigate the economic uncertainty stemming from ongoing tariff concerns and elevated mortgage rates.