The Most Popular Pet-Friendly Home Design Choices

Pets play an important part in the lives of many American households, so it’s no surprise that homeowners would take them into consideration when renovating their homes. Home design platform Houzz recently surveyed 1,165 pet owners throughout the U.S. and found that nearly half consider their pets' needs when upgrading their living spaces.

According to the 2024 Houzz U.S. Pets & the Home Report, this consideration often leads to the selection of pet-friendly products and materials, or the incorporation of design elements specifically tailored to their pets, such as designated spaces for beds or feeding stations.

In terms of pet-friendly home features, nearly one in 10 renovating pet owners added built-in areas as part of their upgrades, with 39% of survey respondents adding feeding stations, and 34% adding catios or other outdoor enclosures. Additionally, 21% say they added built-in sleeping areas for their pets and 18% added grooming stations, play structures, and litter boxes.

THIRTY-FOUR PERCENT OF HOMEOWNERS WITH PETS OPTED TO ADD CATIOS (PICTURED ABOVE) TO THEIR RENOVATION PROJECTS. | PHOTO COURTESY CATIOSPACES.COM © CYNTHIA CHOMOS

“As pet ownership rates continue to increase, we’re seeing an impact on home renovation decisions,” says Marine Sargsyan, a Houzz staff economist. “Whether selecting pet-friendly materials or incorporating built-in feeding stations and cozy nooks, homeowners are designing spaces that prioritize the needs of all family members, including pets. This highlights the important role pets play in shaping how people invest in and customize their homes, often with the help of professionals."

The types of renovations are primarily dependent on the types of pets homeowners have. Dogs were the most popular pet among survey respondents, with 83% being dog owners. This was followed by cats at 33%, with other animals, such as fish and birds, at 3%.

DOGS ARE THE MOST POPULAR PET AMONG AMERICAN HOUSEHOLDS, AND 88% OF RESPONDENTS IDENTIFIED AS DOG OWNERS. | PHOTO COURTESY ALEXANDRA CRAFTON PHOTOGRAPHY

The report also shows that the majority of pet-owning renovators seek professional help for their projects, and that these projects often were in part needed because they have pets.

For instance, new flooring was the most in-demand project likely due to old flooring and carpeting being damaged by pets. Of the 86% of respondents who needed a contractor or specialist, 51% were in need of a flooring specialist, while other common projects included landscaping, wall or baseboard upgrades, and door frame replacements.

Along with the challenges of needing to make upgrades to baseboards and flooring, pet ownership comes with a string of other challenges, according to the report. Houzz found that 65% of pet owners struggle with excess fur and hair, while 42% deal with tracked-in dirt and mud. Keeping pet-related items organized is also a concern for 28% of respondents.

Pet safety and comfort were also major considerations during renovations, with 57% of pet owners making special arrangements for their animals. According to Houzz, the most common approach was limiting pets' access to the home during the project, while a smaller percentage temporarily relocated their pets.