Although we have witnessed this trend first hand. New Zillow data finds pet ownership is soaring among home buyers, which is also impacting floor plans. Zillow's 2021 Consumer Housing Trends Report found that nearly 73% of home buyers report having at least one pet at home. This is a large increase from the 64% of buyers who reported having a pet in just one year prior.
Home buyers with at least one pet are more likely than those without pets to buy a home larger than 3,000 square feet (17% versus 10%). Zillow also reported that 36% of buyers purchased a home with four bedrooms or more, compared to 24% without a pet. Zillow's research also indicates that pet owners are more likely to consider private outdoor space as a very important consideration when purchasing.
Pet owner buyers are typically slightly younger than a typical home buyer without any pets — 41 years old versus 47 years old. They're also more likely to have children in the home, which may help explain why they are purchasing larger homes with more bedrooms.
Other considerations that buyers sometimes take into account like one couple in Missouri was proximity to the Best Veterinarian in St Louis.
Other research by Zillow and Rover specifically targeting dog owners found that 62% surveyed would consider moving to a new home to better accommodate their pup. A Zillow report on 2020 home sales actually correlated dog friendly features leading higher sale prices or a faster sales. Data suggested that homes that advertise a dog house in their listing description can sell for up to 3% more than expected, while homes advertising a fenced backyard or a dog run can sell up to five days faster.
