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In addition to being your four-legged baby, your dog is the ultimate homebody, so making your space a happy place for them is the perfect way to say thanks for all those snuggles and kisses.
Zillow’s Consumer Housing Trends Report reveals that a whopping 73 percent of home buyers have at least one fur baby at home, so you’re far from alone. And this is good news because it means updating your space isn’t just a display of love for your pup that they’ll enjoy for yours to come. Each pet-friendly update you make doubles as an investment when you’re ready to call a new place home.
Whether your dog’s birthday is around the corner or they’re due for yet another “just because” gift, check out these five dog-centric home updates they’re sure to adore.
Heated floors
Give your dog the illusion of basking in the sunshine anytime with heated floors you’ll both appreciate on chilly nights and throughout the winter months.
While you and your pup enjoy feeling toasty under your paws and feet, you may even save money on your utility bill with this efficient way to heat your space. Not to mention, this addition to a home listing stands out to potential buyers as a hot feature.
Cozy window perch
If your dog likes to keep up with the goings-on in the neighborhood, give them a window seat. Whether you have big bay windows or a traditional one that looks out to the street, you can easily build out a wider ledge for lounging and even add storage underneath. For little guys with short legs, you may want to add a ramp or steps.
Want to test to see if your pup will actually use it? Consider buying a ready-made perch before you install a custom one.
No matter which type you opt for, you can mention that the window is a favorite spot for beloved pets in your future listing.
Doggy door
Install a dog door that leads to the backyard to give your dog the freedom to let themself out whenever they want—whether they’d like to go to the bathroom, catch some rays, or sniff around their turf.
If you want to keep your door intact, you can incorporate a communication tool to help with potty training that’s just as adorable as it is effective—a doggy doorbell that lets you know when your dog needs you to let them out back.
Either way, the sight of a doggy door or doorbell can boost your listing’s appeal, as a recent survey found that 16 percent of home buyers say that seeing signs of pers in your home would increase the likelihood that they would make an offer—so long as there’s no damage, of course.
Lazy lounge
That narrow extra bedroom you barely use could make a cuddly corner for your furry companion. Your dog won’t mind the room’s odd shape. They’ll be thrilled with the extra-large orthopedic pillow and chew toys resting around it.
Zillow found that 36 percent of pet parents tend to buy larger homes with four or more bedrooms versus just 24 percent of home buyers without pets. Showing how a tighter space in your home serves as a cushy pet corner can make a less-than-impressive room glow with possibilities to pet parents looking to move.
Outdoor play area
If you’ve been putting off installing a fence, you might want to go ahead and take your pick. It’s at the top of the list for pet parents, and Zillow research reveals that when you can tout a fenced-in backyard in your listing, your home can sell up to 6.8 days faster than expected.
Get a free evaluation to discover your home’s potential
As a former contractor and designer, I can recommend affordable upgrades to turn your home into a space where you and your dog can unwind and play. And if you’re looking to sell, I can show you easy ways to prime your house for what buyers care about most—including those pet-centric features.
Send me photos of spaces you’d like to do more with. In just a day or two, I’ll reply with Your Home Edit, a personalized report that tells you how to make it happen.
