More than half of households in the United States own or plan to own a pet. Animal lovers keep their pets at the forefront of their minds when making major life decisions, especially when it comes to their living situation. Pet parents want their animals to live in luxury, so if your house boasts any pet-friendly features, you have a powerful marketing strategy at your disposal.
Even if you don’t have pets yourself, your home may already have some attributes that appeal to pet lovers. Here are nine pet-friendly features that can attract pet owners and boost the value of your home:
1. Fenced Yard
A fenced-in yard may be the ultimate selling point for pet parents. Not only does it offer privacy for the whole family, but it provides an enclosed space for dogs or cats to roam free. Installing a fence can be a lengthy and expensive process, so many pet owners narrow their search to homes that already have one. If your home has a large fenced-in yard, make sure it’s featured in your listing. Include photos of it, and highlight it in the listing description.
2. Landscaping
Dog owners tend to spend a lot of time outside, and a well-landscaped yard helps them enjoy their time outdoors just as much as their furry friend. A porch or patio to relax on while the dogs or cats roam around is a great selling feature.
You could also consider installing pet-friendly landscaping features. For instance, make sure the garden is free of plants that are toxic to dogs or cats, and avoid using dangerous fertilizers or pesticides. Create shady spots throughout the yard for animals to relax on a hot day, or install dog-friendly turf.
Pet-friendly landscaping is especially valuable if you plan to rent out the home. While a new buyer can do whatever they want with the yard, renters don’t have such flexibility. Offering a safe and functional place for pets to play is a great way to attract tenants.
3. Durable Flooring
Carpet can be almost impossible to keep in good condition when you own pets. It accumulates hair and absorbs odors, and some dogs or cats will shred it up with their claws. If you have a puppy being potty trained or a cat that sometimes goes outside the litter box, carpet can quickly turn into a nightmare.
Most pet owners prefer durable flooring such as laminate, vinyl, or tile. Some types of hardwood scratch too easily, but scratch-resistant hardwood is a great selling feature for pet owners. Textured floors can be especially appealing for pet parents, too, because of their anti-slip properties. For example, textured ceramic tiles are excellent for senior dogs that are unsteady on their feet.
4. Mudroom
Mudrooms are very convenient for dog owners because they provide a space for the dog to get cleaned up before entering the main living area. If you want to make some upgrades to your mudroom before putting your home on the market, consider building a dog or cat pantry out of an armoire or cupboard. Use it to store pet food, toys, leashes, cleaning supplies, and other pet products so that potential buyers see the utility of the space.
5. Dog and Cat Doors
Dog and cat doors offer increased freedom to pets and can make pet owners’ lives much easier. If your house already has a dog or cat door, highlight it in your listing photos. This communicates to prospective buyers or tenants that the house is pet-friendly.
If you’re looking to make pet-friendly upgrades to your home, installing a dog or cat door is one of the easiest and most inexpensive options. You could even build the door yourself if you’re comfortable working with your hands.
6. Feeding, Watering, and Grooming Stations
Built-in food and water stations for pets are becoming increasingly popular. Some pet parents even install a dedicated water tap for their animals so they always have easy access to fresh and clean water. You could install a low shelf that holds food and water bowls for pets, or you could convert a bottom drawer in your kitchen into a feeding station.
A grooming station is an especially attractive feature for dog lovers. If you already have a sink in your mudroom or laundry room, you could convert it to a washing station by replacing it with a larger sink or a small tub and installing a sprayer attachment. Additionally, consider installing hooks or cupboards next to the washing station to store grooming supplies.
7. Pet Suites
When you stage your home to get it ready for the market, every room in the house should serve a specific purpose. This allows prospective buyers or tenants to see the utility of every space. While most homeowners think mainly of bedrooms, playrooms, or home offices, staging an area of your home as a designated pet suite is a surefire way to attract the attention of pet owners.
The area under your stairs could be a perfect place to keep a big, plush dog bed. A walk-in closet could be converted to a cat room by adding a cat tree or shelving units for climbing. Most animals love small, cozy nooks and crannies, so if you have any unusual hiding spots in your home, turn them into a pet paradise.
8. Technology
Smart home technology increases the comfort and convenience of your living space, and there are practically limitless options for pet-friendly smart devices. You could install automated pet doors or smart pet feeders that you can control remotely. Another desirable feature is a pet camera that allows you to keep an eye on your dogs or cats while you’re away. Some pet camera systems even include speakers, so you can talk to your pet through your phone when you’re out of the house.
9. Walkable Location
Many dog owners look for homes in walkable neighborhoods. Sidewalks, streetlights, and crosswalks all create a safer environment to walk your dog. You can’t change your location, but if you do live in a walkable area, make it known on your listing.
Consider your proximity to other pet-friendly amenities, too. If you’re located near a dog park, hiking trails, pet groomer, or doggy daycare, you could generate a lot of interest among pet lovers.
Pet parents will go to great lengths to make sure their animals are happy, healthy, and comfortable. Most sellers don’t consider pets when marketing their homes, so keeping pet lovers in mind is a great way to stand out from the crowd. If your house is already equipped with pet-friendly features, include them in your marketing strategy. If you’re thinking about making upgrades before selling, consider installing a dog door or setting up a pet camera. Adding the right features to your home could get you more showings, more offers, and a faster sale.