More and more of us are having babies – fur babies, to be exact. And as dog ownership continues to grow, we’re incorporating our beloved canine pets as a central part of our lives and – increasingly – our homes.
As of 2024, approximately 65.1 million Americans have at least one dog, a figure that represents nearly 40% of all households. There’s been a significant rise in dog ownership, especially after the pandemic, and particularly among younger people, with 76% of Millennials owning pets.
To meet this trend, the real estate market has increasingly embraced dog-friendly features in both multi-family and single-family homes. From outdoor play spaces to design-friendly dog bowls. these amenities make life easier, safer and more enjoyable for both dogs and their humans. Here’s a look at some of the most popular home amenities for dog lovers.
1. Dedicated dog parks, dog runs and pet relief areas
In busy city areas without a ton of green space, on-site dog parks and pet relief areas in multi-family buildings are a welcome luxury. Many new developments now include fenced-in dog parks and dog runs, giving furry friends a safe place to play off-leash. They often come equipped with waste stations, artificial turf, agility equipment and water fountains specifically designed for dogs. In winter months, these spaces are greatly appreciated as they help dog owners avoid chilly late-night or early-morning street walks.
2. Pet spas and grooming stations
Pet spas and self-service grooming stations are increasingly popular in upscale developments. Featuring everything from wash stations to grooming tables, these facilities make it easy for pet owners to bathe their dogs without the hassle of bringing them to a groomer or trying to wash them at home. Some high-end buildings even offer residents access to fully stocked grooming stations that make grooming more convenient and reduce the cleanup inside the home.
3. Dog showers and dryers
Dog showers — convenient, pet-sized wash stations typically found in the mudroom, laundry room or a dedicated pet spa area — are becoming increasingly common in both multi-unit buildings and single-family homes. Designed at a higher height than standard showers, dog showers make it easy to bathe dogs without the hassle of bending down or dealing with splashing in a full-size bathtub. Many dog showers also come with detachable, handheld shower heads and non-slip mats or textured tiles for added safety. Some dog showers even feature built-in dryers or dedicated drying stations, helping avoid that post-bath shake-off that sends water everywhere.
4. On-site dog walking services
Hectic work and personal schedules can make it hard to keep up with an active dog’s needs, so some upscale developments are starting to offer on-site dog-walking services. Buildings with on-demand dog walkers or partnerships with pet care companies let owners more easily schedule walks, pet-sitting and even training sessions. This convenience lets busy condo and apartment dwellers ensure their pets are cared for during long work hours or in the event of an unexpected schedule change.
5. Design-friendly food/water solutions
Some homeowners are adding custom food and water bowl areas in built into kitchen cabinets, islands or mudrooms. These stations feature drawers that slide out to provide access to food and water bowls, and some even come with pot fillers above the bowls to make refilling water easier. High-end versions will automatically refill food or water or regulate water temperature. The best part? Keeping your dog’s food and water off the floor can help prevent health issues down the road, as floor bowls can create head or neck pain in larger dogs.
6. Community events and pet playdates
Some multi-unit buildings host pet-friendly events like “Yappy Hours” or pet costume contests, giving dogs and their owners a chance to meet and mingle with fellow animal lovers. As more and more people have dogs they want to include in their social lives, these events foster a welcoming atmosphere and a chance for newcomers to the building to introduce themselves and their four-legged friends.
Written By: Georgia Garvey writes about real estate, interior design and the Chicagoland area for @properties Christie's International Real Estate
