For countless individuals and families across the country, pets complete households. In fact, Zonda principal Mollie Carmichael recently stated “we have more dogs today than kids as a whole” and those furry friends are informing decisions in homes and communities.
To find out how exactly pets are molding home exteriors and interiors, Houzz surveyed more than 1,000 pet owners and found that nearly half (48%) prioritize pets in their decision-making process when designing their home.
“As pet ownership rates continue to increase, we’re seeing an impact on home renovation decisions,” says Marine Sargsyan, 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.”
Pet Perceptions
The results from the 2024 U.S. Houzz Pets & the Home Study revealed 44% of pet owners have a single pet, however 26% have three or more animals in their home. Dogs were the most common among pet parents (83%), followed by cats (33%), birds (3%), and fish (3%).
Nearly all pet owners (96%) say their pets provide companionship, 75% say they reduce stress, and 56% say they encourage physical activity, according to the study.
When it comes to where the pet is allowed to roam, more than three in five pet owners allow their pets in all areas of their home (63%) and a similar share are also allowed on furniture (60%).
The biggest pet-related challenges that owners face in homes include an overabundance of fur and hair (65%), followed by tracked-in dirt, mud, or other outdoor elements (42%), and keeping pet-related items organized and out of the way (28%).
Seventy-three percent of pet owners report they’ve had to replace a household item in the last two years because of their pets. Carpets or rugs (35%) are the most frequently replaced items due to pet damage, followed by furniture (17%), and bedding (15%).
Over the past two years, nearly two-thirds of pet owners (64%) purchased a bed for their pet. Other purchases included a food or water dish or feeder (61%), a treat container (29%), a food subscription (26%), and a door gate or flap (23%).
Furry Features
Nearly one in 10 pet parents took an extra step and added built-in areas as part of their home upgrades, with feeding stations (39%) topping the list. Of those who elected to incorporate dedicated feeding, 41% added the station in the kitchen and 18% placed it in the laundry room.
Outdoor enclosures, such as "catios," came in second at 34%, and sleeping or relaxation areas were third at 21%, reports Houzz.
Built-in or designated litter boxes ranked next at 18%. Of those, the laundry room was the most popular location (50%), followed by the primary bathroom (25%).
Lastly, grooming stations and play structures—each at 18%—were equally common upgrades for pet owners.
