In honor of today being National Love Your Pet Day, let’s explore the emerging trend of “Barkitecture.” What in the world is barkitecture? Well, it’s an emerging trend of innovative ideas and spaces for our four-legged friends. No longer does this just mean a typical dog house in the backyard; today’s pet owners are increasingly including criteria for their furry friends in their home search. Pets are no longer just furry companions for many homeowners, they are considered members of the family and are playing a large role in homebuying and home improvement projects.

According to a recent Realtor.com survey, “82% of Americans with pets who are planning to buy a home within the next year consider their pets’ needs just as important, if not more so, than their own needs or those of their family.” Many of these prospective homeowners said they would rather forfeit a bonus room (37%) or extra bedroom (33%) to have more or better space for their pet.

Want to make your home more appealing to pet owners? These are the most popular pet -friendly features homebuyers want:

🐾 Fenced in yard

🐾 Dog Door

🐾 Dog Shower/ Bath Station

🐾 Dog Run

🐾 “Catio”

It’s not only built in features that pet owners are looking for; searches for luxury dog rooms have increased over 100%, and searches for pet friendly furniture have increased  2x  according to data from Pinterest. (Or if they are anything like my pups, they will prefer “human” furniture over any dog bed or furniture I give them).

Some pet owners go so far as including a designated pet room or an outdoor play area designed to entertain their pups.

In addition to designing homes with pets in mind, developers and builders are aware of the importance of pet friendly features, with dog parks becoming staples of newer communities to provide places for dogs to run and play and for owners to socialize. Doggy daycare facilities are popping up more frequently, many with plush bedding, and frozen treats and bone shaped pools to make sure our furry companions are well cared for and spoiled when we have to be away from home.

Consider highlighting the pet friendly features of your home and neighborhood when you are selling your home to increase its appeal to more buyers. Thinking of making a move? I’d love to be your real estate resource for life.