How Today’s Demand for Pet-Friendly Homes Impacts Buyers, Sellers, and Agents

It’s a steadily growing trend in real estate: the demand for pet-friendly homes. It impacts the way we create, furnish, and market homes.

Let’s explore how this phenomenon is evolving. Then we’ll look at what matters most from the perspective of a buyer, a seller, or a real estate agent.

From the Doghouse to the Den: Changing Perspectives

In the past, pet amenities rarely factored into home design. Fences and doghouses were the mainstays. Interior designers barely mentioned the role of pets in home living.

This is changing, especially as more people choose not to have kids or to delay starting families. On some level, pets have filled the gap, becoming integral members of many households. This shift in lifestyle is obvious with millennials in the real estate market. They make up a third of the population of U.S. pet caregivers. And they want homes to meet their pets’ needs.

Plus, there’s a growing interest in the way pets might support homeowners’ well-being, leading many homeowners to prioritize their pets’ well-being, too. According to the National Association of REALTORS® more than half of caregivers have renovated their homes to accommodate their pets in some way.

So, what does a pet-friendly home look like today? It might offer:

Strong, easy-to-clean flooring materials such as wood laminate.

Built-in features, including plenty of storage.

Smart home technology — think monitoring cameras and even microchip-connected pet doors.

Fenced outdoor areas and pet-friendly landscaping designs.

Then there’s that location, location, location stuff! Local, pet-focused perks such as dog parks…nearby vets with stellar online reviews… The market now treats these amenities as selling points. Sellers can run with this. Top-rated vets make homes especially desirable to many — just as great school districts do.

What a House Hunter Should Know

Some buyers come with pets. Some buyers might decide to adopt pets after living in a home for some time. A buyer can be thinking about the features listed above. But the buyer will also need to find out:

Is there any damage in the home caused by the current homeowner’s pets? How serious is it, and will the seller make repairs before closing?

How many pets am I planning to bring, and am I within the home state’s limit? (For example, a pet rescuer in Ohio needs to know Ohio allows five pets — dogs or cats, that is, in any combination — over four months of age per “dwelling unit or structure.” That’s a typical state-impose limit. Each state sets its own specifics.

Check out any applicable association rules, too. Many homes today are overseen by associations, and they might have breed restrictions and a number of rules for caregivers to follow.

☛ Wondering what the seller has to tell you about what’s “under the rug” — literally and figuratively? Under most state laws, sellers must disclose material defects that you perhaps wouldn’t notice yourself. Read more on Deeds.com about Defining “Material Defects” in the Seller’s Disclosure.

What a Condo Buyer Should Know

Space considerations play a role in pet adoption. Condos tend to be smaller than houses. Yet condo buyers can also find pet-friendly properties with enough space for pets. Condos typically issue stricter restrictions, though; know before you buy. Ask for a copy of the condo association’s rules and regulations, as well as the bylaws. Look for references to extra fees and charges, breeds, pet-friendly amenities in the common areas of the property or nearby, walking and leash use, noise rules, and waste disposal rules.

It’s also wise to speak with existing condo owners about the culture of the association you’re thinking of joining.

Under the Americans With Disabilities Act, people with service animals trained to perform specific tasks receive certain exceptions to rules and restrictions. Condo associations have verification processes, and the buyer will need to show the necessary documents from a healthcare provider.

Emotional support animals are, legally, not service animals; but you’ll find that condo associations with no-pet policies nevertheless make provisions for people, as long as there is documentation. Speak with the association about reasonable accommodations to be sure you’re on the same page, and that the association understands applicable law! If you’re a buyer looking for a no-pet property, be aware that these exceptions are made. Therefore, a no-dog property could actually have dozens of dogs.

Note: Condo association rules can and do change, so it’s wise to consider the actions you’d need to take if they do. Buyers with case-specific concerns about pet rules or ADA compliance should consult with a legal professional who’s experienced in condo law or disability law. This article is meant to help readers spot the issues only. It is not legal advice or individual guidance.

What a Home Seller Should Know

If you’re a seller, it makes sense these days to highlight your home’s pet-friendly features. This is a bit of a balancing act. Why? Well, you think your home will be great for another household with pets. But you’ll want to avoid putting off people with allergies or those who can’t relate to pet-focused living.

Here are the top tips to making selling a breeze (more or less)!

So, will the dogs be at home during an in-person tour? It’s good form to advise home hunters in advance that the dogs will be there.

Note that some people will be put off by (or even allergic to) air fresheners.

As with any home, a home that has had pets in it should be professionally cleaned. Replace and repair everything that needs it. Don’t forget the little things, like shower curtains and window shades. Natural ground coverings can refresh a yard.

Check to be sure your home has no areas of damaged or rotted out flooring due to pets. If it does, make full replacements. If that’s not possible, disclose fully! It might be worth accepting a discounted offer to sell a home without making comprehensive repairs.

Got laminate flooring? Great! Buyers and their agents notice evidence of pets on floors. Laminate flooring averts many a crisis.

What a Real Estate Agent Should Know

More than half of U.S. households include pets or plan to. Many make their pets’ needs central when home hunting. They need their agents’ support. So do sellers. In a National Association of REALTORS® survey, 67% of agents said pets are a “moderate to major” impact factor in a home sale.

Agents are adapting their strategies accordingly. For a few examples:

Agents need to make time to understand the needs of pet-owning buyers, or special considerations, such as allergies.

Agents may suggest staging the home as pet-friendly. Convenient washing spaces? A fully fenced yard? These are key features for a listing. Same goes for parks and pet-friendly businesses nearby.

Agents need to advise sellers on eliminating pet odors before showings. Be ready to make referrals to cleaning services.

Buyers’ agents should have home inspectors check pet-related features (fencing, pet doors).

Agents need to help sellers provide full legal disclosures about pet-related damage. And they need to help buyers understand state and local ordinances regarding pets, and applicable restrictions in community associations.

Overall, real estate agents are keenly aware of the demand for pet-friendly homes. Part of this awareness means helping people find homes that accommodates people’s needs — including what matters to their pets.

Supporting References

Andrew Dehan for QuickenLoans® (a service mark of Rocket Mortgage®), via QuickenLoans.com: Selling Home With A Pet – Tips For Selling Your Home With Pets – And Why It Might Be A Selling Point (Jul. 1, 2021; a report by the National Association of REALTORS® is referenced throughout).

And as linked.