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73% of U.S. Homebuyers Prioritize Pet-Friendly Features, Says Zillow-AVMA Survey

  //house-home.news-articles.net/content/2025/11/2 .. t-friendly-features-says-zillow-avma-survey.html
  Published in House and Home on Friday, November 28th 2025 at 22:42 GMT by The Denver Post

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Pet‑Owners Driving a New Wave of Home‑Buying Trends

A recent article in the Denver Post (November 28, 2025) highlights an emerging shift in the U.S. housing market: homebuyers are putting pet‑friendly features at the top of their wish lists. The piece weaves together consumer data, expert insights, and real‑world examples to show how dogs, cats, and even exotic pets are reshaping the design, marketing, and pricing of residential properties.

1. The Numbers That Matter

The article opens with a survey conducted by the real‑estate analytics firm Zillow in partnership with the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). It reports that 73 % of homebuyers in the past 12 months cited pet‑friendly amenities as a “major” or “important” factor in their purchase decision. When asked to rank the most coveted pet features, respondents overwhelmingly named:

The article also notes that the trend is strongest in the West and Southwest, where suburban developments increasingly integrate pet‑centric infrastructure.

2. What “Pet‑Friendly” Really Means

The piece then delves into what developers and builders are doing to meet these demands. In the Denver‑area, a new master‑planned community called Paws Creek Estates incorporates a half‑mile dog‑run loop that connects to nearby hiking trails. The developer’s marketing brochure—linked in the article—features images of a “dog‑friendly pool” and “auto‑closing pet gates.”

An architecture blog, cited in the Post, explains that “pet‑friendly” goes beyond simply allowing animals on the property. Key design principles include:

• Durable, easy‑to‑clean surfaces: Slate, polished concrete, or engineered wood.
• Low‑to‑high‑maintenance landscaping: Xeriscaping eliminates the need for mowing and reduces water use—an attractive factor in drought‑prone states.
• Smart home integration: Cameras that can monitor pets, automatic feeders, and “smart” door locks that open only when a pet’s microchip is detected.
• Outdoor spaces with pet‑friendly shade: Pergolas or canopies that provide shelter for cats and dogs alike.

The article references a link to an industry guide on “Designing Pet‑Friendly Homes,” which includes case studies from architects in Portland, Seattle, and Austin.

3. The Economic Ripple

According to real‑estate economist Dr. Maria Sanchez of the University of Colorado, the shift to pet‑friendly housing has a measurable impact on property values. She cites a study—linked in the article—showing that homes with verified pet‑friendly amenities command a 4–6 % price premium compared to comparable properties lacking such features. The article illustrates this with a side‑by‑side comparison: a single‑family home in Denver’s Cherry Creek neighborhood sold for $1.1 million with pet‑friendly upgrades versus a similar home in the same area sold for $1.04 million without.

The article also notes that developers who build pet‑friendly features often achieve higher occupancy rates in rental markets. A case in point is a Denver apartment complex that reported a 3‑month turnover rate of 15 %—well below the city average—after adding “cat‑cafe” common areas and dog‑walking stations.

4. Buyers’ Voices

The Denver Post profile includes quotes from a variety of buyers, all of whom share a common narrative. Emma and Jason Liu, a couple from Boulder who recently purchased a ranch‑style home, explain that they “wanted a place that felt natural for their golden retriever, Max.” They highlighted a built‑in dog‑door on the back patio, a heavily trafficked stone path that withstands muddy paws, and a low‑maintenance xeriscape that keeps the yard tidy.

Another segment features Carlos Rivera, a tech‑savvy buyer in downtown Denver who installed a “smart” pet‑door that only opens when his cat’s collar is in range. He says, “It’s about safety and convenience.” These anecdotes underscore the growing expectation that homes will adapt to the evolving lifestyles of pet owners.

5. Future Outlook

The article concludes with a forward‑looking perspective. Real‑estate strategist Lila Chen predicts that pet‑friendly design will become a standard clause in future zoning and building codes, particularly in cities that have already adopted pet‑friendly ordinances. She also highlights the environmental angle: drought‑resistant landscaping not only serves pets but also aligns with broader sustainability goals.

A final link in the article leads to a state‑wide policy proposal from the Colorado Department of Agriculture that encourages “green pet‑friendly infrastructure.” The Post notes that if the proposal passes, developers may receive tax incentives for including pet‑friendly features in new projects.

Bottom Line

The Denver Post article paints a clear picture: pet ownership is no longer a niche hobby but a decisive force reshaping the real‑estate market. From premium pricing to new design standards, the industry is adapting to meet the demands of a pet‑centric population. Homebuyers who previously might have ignored the issue now see pet‑friendly features as an essential part of their “dream home” checklist, and the market is following suit.