Imagine your home was chosen not by humans… but by the ones who really live there — the pets! If Fido could fetch his wish list or Whiskers could paw-print their preferences, every walkable yard, sunlit nap spot, and quiet corner would be top of the list. And in today’s real estate world, that fantasy isn’t far off from reality.
🐶 A Growing Pack in the Market
Let’s start with a few fun facts that set the stage:
-
Around 66–71% of U.S. households own a pet these days — more than ever before.
-
Many buyers aren’t just casually curious — they’re pet-centric home shoppers. In one National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) report, about 20% of recent buyers said their pets factored into neighborhood choice.
-
And it’s not just about finding a house — 43% of households said they’d be willing to move to better accommodate their pets.
So if your dog could talk, you can bet they’d be checking the backyard size and sniffing for nearby trails before you even glance at square footage.
🛋️ From Buyer’s Nose: What We Look For
As a savvy pet owner and home buyer, you know it’s not just about curb appeal — it’s about pet appeal.
Here’s what pet parents often feel matters most:
-
Outdoor space and fenced yards — safe places for pups to run and play.
-
Proximity to parks, trails, or vet clinics — because health and happiness are priorities.
-
Easy-to-maintain indoor features like durable floors and room for beds and toys. (Trust me — muddy paws aren’t going away on their own!)
And for a lot of buyers, these needs go way beyond “nice to have.” While not every buyer will only pick a home for their pet, many will pass on properties that just don’t fit the bill — especially if that means upgrading from apartment life to a backyard of their own.
✨ If Pets Could Pick: The Seller’s Side
Now flip the script — you’re selling, and your furry friends have left joyful memories (and maybe a few fur tumbleweeds)… but how do Buyers feel about seeing signs of those guests?
According to a recent survey:
-
About 79% of buyers said seeing signs of a pet wouldn’t deter them from making an offer, as long as there’s no damage or odor.
-
In fact, around 16% said pet-friendly touches might even increase their interest.
Still, most real estate pros recommend taking a couple of pre-listing steps to keep your home in its best light, such as repairing pet-related wear, neutralizing odors, and keeping animal toys and food stations tucked away for showings.
🧹 Seller Prep Tips (That We Both Appreciate)
Here are some practical and pet-savvy staging tips:
-
Deep clean carpets and floors to remove odors and hair before photos and open houses.
-
Fix any damage from scratching or chewing ahead of time — buyers notice.
-
Create a calm showing environment by having pets stay with a friend or at a local pet care service during tours.
-
Highlight pet-friendly features — showcasing a fenced yard or durable flooring can be a selling point for other pet lovers!
📞 Let’s Make This Whole Process a Breeze
I get it — as a pet parent, your fur babies aren’t just pets — they’re family. And whether you’re selling and want to show your home’s best paw forward or buying and need help finding the perfect pet-friendly place, I’m here to help you navigate it all.
From prepping your home for the market to sharing my go-to recommendations like local veterinarians, dog parks, and pet services, I’ve got your back (and your pet’s belly rubs, too). 🐕🦺
Call me for expert advice that considers every member of your household — paws included!
