Pet owners are passionate and often treat their animals as full members of the household. The market for dog and cat products in the United States is worth about $58 billion, and pet needs are increasingly influencing home-buying and remodeling choices. A recent report from Houzz examines how dogs and cats are shaping the way we design and use our living spaces beyond simple daily care.
Key findings from the Houzz survey reveal how pets affect home design and lifestyle:
- Over one-third of dog and cat owners (35%) have made pet-related upgrades to their homes in the past two years. Common improvements include updating flooring to more durable or easy-to-clean options (38%), enhancing landscaping to be more pet-friendly (21%), and changing room layouts to better accommodate pets (19%).
- Nearly half of pet parents (46%) have created dedicated spaces for their animals in the home. These include designated beds or seating areas (61% of those with dedicated spaces), dining areas for food and water (37%), and play or climbing structures (23%). One in five households reports having a built-in pet nook (20%).
- Many owners share their sleeping space with their animals: 53% of cat owners and 41% of dog owners allow their pets to sleep in bed with them.
- The most common challenges pet owners face at home are fur and hair accumulation (70%), tracking in dirt, mud, and other outdoor elements (43%), and dealing with pet-related odors (31%).
These findings mirror many pet owners’ personal experiences. For example, many families with dogs install doggy doors to provide pets with outdoor access and reduce stress for both people and animals. Owners often balance practical choices—such as durable flooring and washable textiles—with the desire to keep their pets comfortable and integrated into family life.
The Houzz research highlights how pet-driven home changes reflect shifting priorities: people want attractive, functional spaces that also meet their animals’ needs. That can mean rethinking entryways to handle muddy paws, choosing low-pile or stain-resistant rugs, adding built-in feeding stations, or carving out a quiet corner specifically for a pet’s bed.
Below is the infographic from Houzz illustrating these trends and statistics.
Have you made design or renovation choices because of a pet? Many homeowners report that even small adjustments—adding a feeding station, choosing different materials, or creating a pet nook—can make daily life easier and more enjoyable for both people and their animals.
Photo: John Garghan