atHome Colorado Features
Dog-parent homebuyers often take a dog’s-eye view, putting their pet’s needs first when evaluating a home.
That means prioritizing features such as secure outdoor space, durable interiors, and communities that allow pets, according to a survey fromRealtor.com®. For many buyers, pets are a strong deciding factor, shaping decisions and even justifying paying more.
Pet-owning buyers search for specific features that make daily life easier. Outdoor space often tops the list: a fenced backyard big enough for the dog to run around freely and burn off energy. Realtor.com survey respondents also wanted scratch-resistant flooring, easy-to-clean finishes, nooks for feeding areas, mudrooms, and pet washing stations.
Location matters, too. Pet guardians seek neighborhoods or developments that welcome pets, with access to walking paths and parks that allow off-leash play. In pet-loving Boulder County, those amenities can influence demand for a home.
Buyers willing to pay for pet-friendly perks
Pet-parents and even aspiring pet-parents value features in a home that accommodate animals. The most appealing feature buyers will pay more for: Those that make moving in with their pet easier from day one, like a fenced backyard.
That demand often continues after closing. Some buyers invested in pet-focused improvements, including fencing, laminate flooring and dog doors. According to the National Association of Realtors Remodeling Impact Report, these are among pet owners’ top do-it-yourself (DIY) projects.
Research from Houzz.com shows nearly 1 in 10 homeowners added built-in pet features. The most popular include feeding stations and outdoor enclosed spaces, such as a catio, topping the list at 39% and 34%, respectively. Other built-ins included sleeping or relaxation areas at 21% and grooming stations, play structures and litter boxes at 18% each.
The numbers tell the story
Boulder County residents’ love for their pets reflects a statewide trend. Colorado ranks among the top 10 states for pet ownership, with nearly 65% of residents owning a pet, according to Pawlicy Advisor. Dog guardians account for 47% of pets, while cat guardians make up 27%.
Nationally, pet ownership continues to climb. In fact, here’s a stunning statistic: There are currently more households with pets than with children.
According to the U.S. Census, the number of households with children has declined over the past two decades, while pet ownership has increased.
The American Pet Products Association reports that 70% of American households own a pet. Spending on pets has also grown: The U.S. pet industry more than doubled from $53.3 billion in 2012 to $123.6 billion in 2021.
Nationwide, pet owners are passionate about their furry family members. A 2024 Harris Poll survey reflects how deeply pets factor into lifestyle and housing decisions:
- 82% of pet owners say their pets feel like their children.
- 63% designed a part of their home for a pet.
- 52% moved to a more expensive place that allowed pets.
- 87% want more pet-focused spaces in their community.
- Gen Z takes the lead in heavy spending on pets, with over $6k in annual expenses.
Bottom line
As pets play a larger role in households, it’s not surprising they’re shaping real estate decisions. For many buyers, their pets are the most important factor when evaluating a home.
Boulder County pet parents are lucky. The region’s history of pet-friendliness and public off-leash areas makes it especially appealing for buyers whose house hunt starts with one key question: Will my pet love it here?
Dive deeper: realtor.com/news/trends/pet-friendly-home-features-buyers-want and nar.realtor/blogs/economists-outlook/a-stunning-stat-there-are-more-american-households-with-pets-than-children and theharrispoll.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/State-of-Pets-October-2024.pdf.Jay Kalinski is the broker/owner of RE/MAX Elevate and owner of RE/MAX of Boulder. He is also an experienced Realtor, a lawyer, and a veteran of the U.S. Air Force. He focuses on both residential and commercial real estate and has experience in real estate development and investment. Jay lives in Boulder and is a zealous advocate for his clients as well as an avid triathlete, runner, reader and supporter of Veterans’ causes.
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