A "dood cave" and dog showers: Americans seek more pet-friendly homes
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Nearly one in five recent homebuyers say they factored in proximity to parks and the vet when picking a neighborhood, according to a new report.
- Unmarried couples were the most pet-fluenced, per the report from the National Association of Realtors.
Why it matters: Pet owners are increasingly eager to cater their homes to pups, cats and other companion animals.
Driving the news: Searches for "pet bedroom" on Pinterest rose 132% from October 2022 to October 2023.
- There was also a surge in searches for other pet-friendly designs, including dog shower utility rooms and DIY cat patios, according to data the platform shared with Axios.
What they're saying: Willmar, Minnesota, goldendoodle Artie has a "dood cave" stocked with toys, family photos, a ball pit and a tunnel.
- "I had an extra room to spare, and with long winters, I thought it would be fun to create a space for Artie and us all to play," owner Britta Diem tells Axios.
The big picture: "We definitely have to take [pets] into account. It's not an afterthought," says Nathan Kipnis, founder of Kipnis Architecture + Planning, based in Chicago and Boulder, Colorado.
- "It's a member of the family, really."
- Clients often bring "typed-out lists" that include a pet wash or built-ins to conceal food and water bowls, Kipnis tells Axios.
The latest: The global market for pet accessories is expected to reach $55.4 billion by 2030, according to a new report.
- Pet furniture is also expanding. Next year, pet product company Fable is launching a large version of its minimalist dog crate, which is made with wood (instead of plastic) and can double as a side table.
The big picture: A growing share of consumers view pets as family members, Jeremy Canade, Fable co-founder and CEO, tells Axios.
- Pet lovers "are looking for the same things they look for in their own products: quality, function and sustainability," Canade says.
The intrigue: Dogs can even get in on the sharing economy. Rental marketplace SniffSpot lists private dog parks in over 5,000 municipalities nationwide, founder David Adams says.
