According to a 2016 survey from the National Association of Realtors®, 99 percent of pet owners feel that their animal is part of their family. When looking for a home, 95 percent of animal owners believe it is important that a housing community allows animals and 81 percent of U.S. households say that animal-related considerations will play a role in deciding on their next living situation. It's no surprise that 89 percent of consumers would not give up their animal due to housing restrictions or limitations, yet it's very hard to find a rental situation that allows pets.

When renting or buying a home, 53 percent of consumer decisions were influenced by the community's animal policy (e.g. homeowner/condo association rules, or landlord rules). The typical amount of money spent on community animal fees (rental applications and association dues) is $150.00 annually. According to REALTORS®, 38 percent of buyers want to be near a walking path and 33 percent near a dog park. Both the walking path and dog park are most important to senior or retirement areas and college areas and least important in the country.

For homeowners, when it comes to taking on a remodeling project, it is not surprising that 52 percent undertake a project to benefit their animals. The most popular remodeling projects for pet owners are building a fenced yard (23 percent), adding a dog door (12 percent) and installing laminate flooring (10 percent).

For sellers deciding whether to complete one of these projects, REALTORS® indicated that one-third of their clients would refuse to make an offer on a home that is not ideal for their animal – so make your homes animal-friendly! Equally important if you're considering selling your home is to replace anything that has been damaged by an animal. If you are having an open house or showing your home, take extra cleaning steps to remove any animal scents and be sure to take an animal out of the home.