The pet product industry is a global market with increasing financial growth.  Pet ownership was high to begin with but grew greatly in the last three years.  Consider the following statistics

·         67% of American families own pets (2019-2020 National Pet Owners Survey)

·         Approximately, 85 million families have at least one pet (Insurance Information Institute)

·         Americans will spend $70 billion on their pets in 2022

·         $261 billion is the global market worth for the pet industry (Pet Keen)

·         1 in 3 millennials has a pet at home (Pet Keen)

·         27% of Baby Boomers have a pet (Pet Keen)

·         24% of Gen Xers have a pet (Pet Keen)

            Since there has been a steady incline to the pet market over the past several years it is no surprise that people are willing to spend money on their pets in other areas of their lives, such as their home.  According to the National Association of Realtors, a little more than 50% of the homeowners surveyed completed a dog-related home renovation project.

An obvious pet project includes flooring.  Consider choosing the lighter colored floors, as they do not show scratches and scuffs as easily as the darker woods.  Many of the scratch resistant material such as concrete, ceramic, porcelain and luxury vinyl are beautifully designed for your home.  You can also soften the look with durable rugs.

“We are catering to our beloved furry friends in over-the-top ways, incorporating food dishes and water taps into the millwork and at floor level, full-on washing stations with ramps in mudrooms, and custom pet beds,” Ana Cummings says in a realtor.com article. “It’s a lot of fun—and guess what? Those kinds of clients will never complain!”

Pet washing stations are being added to many remodels with some very custom details.  These are mostly placed in mudrooms or laundry rooms. The wash stations can be a simple walk-in shower base to a tiled mecca. Some are utilizing sink basins with varieties from stainless steel to elaborate commercial sinks. Don’t forget the convenient hand-held shower head and a large drain for the hair. There are endless customization options with cabinets to hold grooming product and towels. 

Not an obvious pet project would be the hidden litter boxes. The mudroom and laundry room are perfect for this as well. Customizing any remodel to enclose the litter box and the supplies while keeping access for the pet is the key.  A nook in your cabinet is an option.  I have a client that had a credenza with access for her cats and she could open the door to clean and maintain.

Feeding areas can be messy with spills.  I have a granddaughter that loves to put her feet in the water dish.  A great idea being implemented is the built-in feeding drawers, which contain the feeding bowls.  Different designs are done based on the height of your pet.  When they are done eating, you simply close the drawer.  This hides the mess and makes for an easy clean up. 

Pet gates are being changed into creative doors or cabinetry to keep the pet in specific area of the home.  The newest trend is to move away from the traditional baby gates to a swinging gate, half door, or even a hidden room behind a pantry cabinet.  These contain the pet while entertaining.

Recently, a Pro Remodeler article shared a design for an under-the-stairs pet getaway. It included a small, knee-high ledge topped with a custom dog / cat bed and a round-top arched window for outside views.

The outside changes and innovations are worth mentioning.  The always reliable privacy fence is a common addition to your yard, however adding pet windows with plexiglass or a chain link lets your pet get a view. You may also want to enclose your deck and patios with screens or fencing.  This extends the home to provide an outdoor feel with some fresh air.

It must be said, that when you are remodeling your home, you will need to have pet-safety on your mind.  Many pets run away and escape while doors are open to your home.  The noise and change can cause anxiety, so it may be the best time for daycare or visit family and friends. Additionally, make sure you have proper ventilation for the work site.  Try to contain the construction supplies and tools to a specific room or have equipment and hazardous materials removed daily from pet reach. Clean pet, their food and water dishes daily as dust particles will be in the air.

            As we make our homes more comfortable, the increasing number of homes will be including customization for pets.  It is becoming more acceptable when buying.  Whether remodeling or building check with your contractor for your personalization and pet needs.