Pets are essential to the people that own them. They are important; first-time home buyers from the Millennial generation (33%) are looking for more pet-friendly than kid-friendly amenities. That was an unexpected finding from a SunTrust Mortgage poll.

However, the trend isn’t isolated to younger buyers. The American Pet Products Association (APPA) found that 67% of U.S. households owned at least one pet in 2018, an estimated 84.9 million homes.

If you’re in the bulk of homes with a pet, there are numerous approaches you can take to plan your new home to make it the most comfortable place for humans and animals.

Have Fewer Stairs

Just like people, it gets harder to walk and run around during a cat or dog’s life. The fewer stairs you have, the simpler it is for them to get around the house.

Secure Your Backyard

Condominiums have many advantages, but being able to unlock the door to let your dog outside isn’t one of them. One of the top amenities Millennial home buyers are searching for is a safe, fenced-in yard for their dog. It’s also necessary if you have a declawed cat that likes the outdoors.

Create An Outdoor Living Area

Pets love spending time with their owners. If they like to spend the day outside, planning an outdoor living area is a fabulous way to spend more time with your pets in their favorite place. It’s a modern feature that can increase the value of your home and provide a space for the family to unwind outdoors.

Install Pet-Proof Flooring

When you have a pet, mishaps are going to happen. Choosing the proper flooring can make life much smoother and protect the floors. It’s best to pick non-slip, hard surface flooring that’s very tough. If you invest in carpeting, make sure that it’s exceptionally stain-resistant.

Consider A Pet Area in the Mudroom or Laundry Room

When you create your plans with us, you can design a floor plan that makes your everyday routine much more manageable. A possibility that’s excellent for dog owners is to include a mudroom off the entrance into your home so that it’s easy to clean your dog off before entering the living space. Build in a little storage area for brushes, towels, leashes, and treats. This section is also excellent for food bowls and a litter box.

Be Aware of Dog-Friendly Amenities In The Neighborhood

When you are a dog owner, researching places to take your best friend is fun! Look for places like:

• Green space

• Dog park

• Hike and bike trail

• Lakes

These promote physical activity and motivate you to get outdoors with your dog.

Be Aware Of Animal-Friendly Rules

Dog parks are great, but be sure to review the animal ordinances for the community before selecting the place you want to live. The city’s zoning laws can restrict what kinds of pets are permitted.

At Porteus & Son Builders, we pride ourselves on creating layouts that have something for everyone. Check out some of our models here and request a free consultation today!