How Do Our Pets Influence Our Home Renovations?
A new Houzz report reveals how important a role our animal friends play in shaping our domestic improvements
For millions of us, our pets are part of the family. So it’s perhaps no surprise to learn, in a new report by Houzz, that our furry – and hairy, feathery and scaly – friends are having a significant impact on the way we renovate our homes.
The 2024 UK Houzz Pets & the Home Study was answered by more than 1,600 pet owners who are in the midst of, are planning or have recently completed a home renovation and found that more than half prioritised pets in the decision-making process when upgrading. Considerations included pet-friendly products and materials and choosing design or functionality specific to their pet, such as incorporating space for an animal’s bed. There were also bespoke additions, including built-in sleeping or relaxation areas, feeding stations, and pet furniture topping the list.
We also asked, who rules the roost, you or your pet? What are your biggest pet-related challenges in the home? And where does your animal pal sleep?
Read on to learn the answers, plus many more paws-itively enlightening insights from the survey.
The 2024 UK Houzz Pets & the Home Study was answered by more than 1,600 pet owners who are in the midst of, are planning or have recently completed a home renovation and found that more than half prioritised pets in the decision-making process when upgrading. Considerations included pet-friendly products and materials and choosing design or functionality specific to their pet, such as incorporating space for an animal’s bed. There were also bespoke additions, including built-in sleeping or relaxation areas, feeding stations, and pet furniture topping the list.
We also asked, who rules the roost, you or your pet? What are your biggest pet-related challenges in the home? And where does your animal pal sleep?
Read on to learn the answers, plus many more paws-itively enlightening insights from the survey.
…but they can be less than purr-fect
While 10% of you told us your animal friends gave you and your home no house-related issues whatsoever, more than half of you (61%) found fur or hair to be a challenge, followed closely by pets bringing in dirt, mud and other outdoor elements (56%).
28% of pet owners found pet pongs to be bothersome, while just over a quarter (26%) found it challenging to keep pet-related items organised or out of the way.
Some of the other pet-shaped problems you’ve encountered include furniture scratching, fleas, fur balls, gifts of dead mice and birds in the house, cat litter, garden digging, bodily mishaps and finding somewhere suitable for a doggie wash after a muddy walk.
A third of pet owners report they had to replace a household item, such as furniture, a rug, or clothing, due to damage by their pet in the past two years. Interestingly, two thirds (67%) claim their pet caused no such damage in the same period of time.
While 10% of you told us your animal friends gave you and your home no house-related issues whatsoever, more than half of you (61%) found fur or hair to be a challenge, followed closely by pets bringing in dirt, mud and other outdoor elements (56%).
28% of pet owners found pet pongs to be bothersome, while just over a quarter (26%) found it challenging to keep pet-related items organised or out of the way.
Some of the other pet-shaped problems you’ve encountered include furniture scratching, fleas, fur balls, gifts of dead mice and birds in the house, cat litter, garden digging, bodily mishaps and finding somewhere suitable for a doggie wash after a muddy walk.
A third of pet owners report they had to replace a household item, such as furniture, a rug, or clothing, due to damage by their pet in the past two years. Interestingly, two thirds (67%) claim their pet caused no such damage in the same period of time.
Our pet pals are free to roam the house
Some 60% of pet owners allow their animals in all areas of their home, and 56% allow their pets free rein on the furniture.
While more than 1 in 10 pet owners do not technically allow their pet on any furniture, some suspect they take advantage when the owner isn’t home.
Even the bed is fair game: more than a quarter (27%) of pet owners sleep with their pet, while 53% of pets sleep in their own bed or a crate. Many of you reported that your pets slept wherever they wanted, with one owner saying their pet slept “inside or outside, on my bed, on the sofa, on me, wherever they fancy. Even curled in my bath.”
Another owner had a little more order on the sleeping front, clarifying that when it came to bedtime it was, “Cats downstairs, hens in the coop in the conservatory, hedgehog in their own house in the garden.”
So who rules the house – pet owners or their pets? Nearly two fifths (37%) of you think it’s you or your family, while 13% say your pets are in charge. For 51% of pet owners, the answer is “a little of both”.
Some 60% of pet owners allow their animals in all areas of their home, and 56% allow their pets free rein on the furniture.
While more than 1 in 10 pet owners do not technically allow their pet on any furniture, some suspect they take advantage when the owner isn’t home.
Even the bed is fair game: more than a quarter (27%) of pet owners sleep with their pet, while 53% of pets sleep in their own bed or a crate. Many of you reported that your pets slept wherever they wanted, with one owner saying their pet slept “inside or outside, on my bed, on the sofa, on me, wherever they fancy. Even curled in my bath.”
Another owner had a little more order on the sleeping front, clarifying that when it came to bedtime it was, “Cats downstairs, hens in the coop in the conservatory, hedgehog in their own house in the garden.”
So who rules the house – pet owners or their pets? Nearly two fifths (37%) of you think it’s you or your family, while 13% say your pets are in charge. For 51% of pet owners, the answer is “a little of both”.
Pet owners are renovating
Nearly half of pet owners completed a home improvement project in the past two years. Was this because of damage from their pets’ antics? For the most part, no: less than 2% had to renovate due to the damage caused by their pet – although one did say they’d had to take up their lawn “as it was a mud bath”, and replace it with gravel and landscaping, “essential, as we have cream carpets”.
Overall, however, for 32% of respondents, it was finally having the financial means to renovate that was the top motivation, while customising a recently purchased home was the second most-cited reason (30%).
More: Expert Ways to Integrate Your Dog’s Bed into Your Home
Nearly half of pet owners completed a home improvement project in the past two years. Was this because of damage from their pets’ antics? For the most part, no: less than 2% had to renovate due to the damage caused by their pet – although one did say they’d had to take up their lawn “as it was a mud bath”, and replace it with gravel and landscaping, “essential, as we have cream carpets”.
Overall, however, for 32% of respondents, it was finally having the financial means to renovate that was the top motivation, while customising a recently purchased home was the second most-cited reason (30%).
More: Expert Ways to Integrate Your Dog’s Bed into Your Home
Your pets were part of the project brief
While respondents didn’t renovate because of their pets, more than half (53%) mentioned that their pet was an important factor when deciding on the design or functionality (28%), or choosing products and materials (29%) for their project.
Nearly 3 in 5 pet owners (58%) who undertook a home improvement project in the past two years upgraded their flooring, while around half (47%) upgraded their walls or skirting boards. Almost 1 in 10 of you (7%) added a built-in area for animal friends as part of a home upgrade.
Topping the list of pet-focused features were sleeping or relaxation areas (61%) and feeding stations (37%), which were the two most popular built-in areas as pet owners upgraded their homes.
Cat and dog flaps were other considerations, while one owner had a new door fitted with clear glass so her pet “could see out”.
“As pet ownership rates continue to increase, we’re seeing an impact on home renovation decisions,” Houzz staff economist Marine Sargsyan says. “Whether selecting pet-friendly materials or incorporating built-in feeding stations and cosy nooks, homeowners are designing spaces that prioritise the needs of all family members, including pets.
“This highlights the important role pets play in shaping how people invest in and customise their homes, often with the help of professionals,” she adds.
While respondents didn’t renovate because of their pets, more than half (53%) mentioned that their pet was an important factor when deciding on the design or functionality (28%), or choosing products and materials (29%) for their project.
Nearly 3 in 5 pet owners (58%) who undertook a home improvement project in the past two years upgraded their flooring, while around half (47%) upgraded their walls or skirting boards. Almost 1 in 10 of you (7%) added a built-in area for animal friends as part of a home upgrade.
Topping the list of pet-focused features were sleeping or relaxation areas (61%) and feeding stations (37%), which were the two most popular built-in areas as pet owners upgraded their homes.
Cat and dog flaps were other considerations, while one owner had a new door fitted with clear glass so her pet “could see out”.
“As pet ownership rates continue to increase, we’re seeing an impact on home renovation decisions,” Houzz staff economist Marine Sargsyan says. “Whether selecting pet-friendly materials or incorporating built-in feeding stations and cosy nooks, homeowners are designing spaces that prioritise the needs of all family members, including pets.
“This highlights the important role pets play in shaping how people invest in and customise their homes, often with the help of professionals,” she adds.
Pet owners are hiring pros
Nearly 9 in 10 pet owners (87%) who recently completed a renovation hired professional help.
Roughly half of them (44%) hired a building specialist (such as a plumber or electrician), while 43% hired a general contractor and 30% hired a flooring specialist.
Find the perfect pro for your project, pet-related or otherwise, in the Houzz Professionals Directory.
Nearly 9 in 10 pet owners (87%) who recently completed a renovation hired professional help.
Roughly half of them (44%) hired a building specialist (such as a plumber or electrician), while 43% hired a general contractor and 30% hired a flooring specialist.
Find the perfect pro for your project, pet-related or otherwise, in the Houzz Professionals Directory.
Your pets prompted precautions during building works
63% of pet owners who renovated their homes also made alternative arrangements for their pets. 49% limited access for pets within the home, while, in some cases, all of you moved out or sent pets to live with friends for the duration of works.
Other precautions you cited included frequently cleaning up dust, including one owner who was concerned because her dog had previously had eye infections.
Pets’ stress levels were a consideration, with one respondent saying, “We lived on site for the project, [so] I made sure I was around more, so she would not feel anxious with the noise and upheaval.” Another described setting up a “warm water dog bath and ‘me time’ relaxing zone”.
Contractors on Houzz suggest creating a pet policy for homeowners and pros to follow during a project to ensure the safety of humans and their four-legged friends.
63% of pet owners who renovated their homes also made alternative arrangements for their pets. 49% limited access for pets within the home, while, in some cases, all of you moved out or sent pets to live with friends for the duration of works.
Other precautions you cited included frequently cleaning up dust, including one owner who was concerned because her dog had previously had eye infections.
Pets’ stress levels were a consideration, with one respondent saying, “We lived on site for the project, [so] I made sure I was around more, so she would not feel anxious with the noise and upheaval.” Another described setting up a “warm water dog bath and ‘me time’ relaxing zone”.
Contractors on Houzz suggest creating a pet policy for homeowners and pros to follow during a project to ensure the safety of humans and their four-legged friends.
Our pet purchases add up
Those surveyed described some of the household purchases they’d made for their animals in the past two years. Top of the list were water dishes or feeders, which 62% of you bought, closely followed by new beds, at 61%. Scratching posts (19%), doors/gates/flaps (18%) and toys (13%) also featured.
Interestingly, smart technology is taking hold in the animal care arena, and 15% of you invested in a camera or other monitoring device. A few of you also described plans for wash stations for mucky pups.
One respondent wrote that they’d like to be able to afford to install a “catio” (yes, a patio for cats), connected to an open window. This may be a rising trend, as 9% of respondents had also installed this built-in feature. Interestingly, catios are well-established in the US, where, in the same survey, outdoor enclosures, such as catios, were the second-most common home addition (34%).
Tell us…
How do your animal companions shape your home life and renovation decisions. Share your thoughts and photos in the Comments.
Those surveyed described some of the household purchases they’d made for their animals in the past two years. Top of the list were water dishes or feeders, which 62% of you bought, closely followed by new beds, at 61%. Scratching posts (19%), doors/gates/flaps (18%) and toys (13%) also featured.
Interestingly, smart technology is taking hold in the animal care arena, and 15% of you invested in a camera or other monitoring device. A few of you also described plans for wash stations for mucky pups.
One respondent wrote that they’d like to be able to afford to install a “catio” (yes, a patio for cats), connected to an open window. This may be a rising trend, as 9% of respondents had also installed this built-in feature. Interestingly, catios are well-established in the US, where, in the same survey, outdoor enclosures, such as catios, were the second-most common home addition (34%).
Tell us…
How do your animal companions shape your home life and renovation decisions. Share your thoughts and photos in the Comments.
Sponsored
Reload the page to not see this specific ad anymore
Nearly 3 in 5 pet owners have a single pet (58%), while over 2 in 5 have more than one animal in their home (42%).
A significant 68% of pet owners on Houzz UK reported they share their home with a dog, while the second most popular house animal is a cat, at 41%.
But it’s not all canine and feline. The next three most popular pets were fish (4%), birds including chickens (2%), and rodents such as hamsters, gerbils and guinea pigs (2%). Also making an appearance were rabbits, ducks, horses, tarantulas, alpacas, tortoises and reptiles. One respondent even has a disabled rescue hedgehog.
Nearly all pet owners (91%) claim their pets provide companionship, 73% say they reduce stress, and 60% say they encourage physical activity, while more than 4 in 5 pet owners say “unconditional love” is a benefit of having their pet.