🐾 Paws Before People: How Pets Are Fetching the Real Estate

MarketMove over, babies—pets are officially running the show. More households now have pets than kids, and guess what? Those furry little freeloaders are helping drive home buying decisions in a big way.

Whether you're a cat cuddler, a dog park devotee, or a proud hamster parent, this one’s for you.

📉 Bye-Bye, Baby Boom (Hello, Chew Toys)

Let’s rewind for a second.

In 1950, a whopping 52% of U.S. households had kids under 18. Fast forward to 2024, and that number has shrunk to 39%. What gives?

Well:

• Birth rates are declining (kids are expensive, and brunch is important).

• Baby boomers are now empty nesters.

And this trend spills into the housing market. Back in 1985, 58% of home buyers had children at home. Today? Just 27%. That’s the lowest on record.

So... if kids aren’t influencing housing decisions anymore, who is?

🐶 Meet the New Decision Makers: Pets

That's right. Pets.

America’s new favorite family members have taken over, and we’re not even mad. According to the American Pet Products Association, 71% of households now have a pet, up from just 56% in 1988.

Blame the pandemic (or thank it)—millions of people adopted pets for companionship, and the trend stuck. Now, dogs and cats are basically co-homeowners.

⏰ Quality Time Is Going to the Dogs (Literally)

We’re not just feeding them gourmet kibble—we’re hanging out with them. A lot.

In 2003:

• Only 13.2% of people spent daily time with their pets.

By 2023:

• That jumped to 20.4% overall.

• Among women, it was nearly 24%.

On average, we now spend .73 hours a day (that’s 44 minutes!) just chillin’ with our animals.

And we’re spending big. Pet-related spending has exploded from $53.3 billion in 2012 to a whopping $152 billion in 2024. Someone’s definitely getting the good treats.

🏡 When the Dog Has a Say in Real Estate

Here’s where things get wild (and slightly adorable):1 in 5 recent home buyers considered their pets when choosing a neighborhood.

But that number jumps depending on who’s buying:

• 24% of unmarried couples considered their pet’s needs.

• 17% of single women did too.

• Only 12% of single men factored in Fluffy. (We’ll work on them.)

What are they looking for?

• Big backyards ✅

• Walkable neighborhoods ✅

• Proximity to dog parks and vets ✅

These aren't just perks—they’re must-haves for modern pet parents.

🌳 It’s a Pet’s World, We’re Just Living in It

Pet-prioritizing buyers didn’t stop at backyard fences. They also cared more about:

• Lot size

• Green spaces

• Access to recreation

• General walkability

Turns out, what’s good for the dog is good for the human too. (Except maybe the rolling-in-mud part.)

🐕 Final Thoughts: Who’s a Good Home Buyer?

It’s not just millennials, boomers, or first-timers shaping today’s housing market—it’s pets. The real MVPs of real estate. 🏆

So next time you’re browsing listings, ask yourself:

“Would my dog like it here?”

Because if the answer is yes, you’re probably on the right track.

Want help finding a home that’s perfect for you and your pet?I know just the spot—with room to zoom and plenty of tail-wagging potential. 🐾