Pet ownership has soared amid the pandemic, and these new pets are influencing the housing decisions of homeowners looking to relocate, a recent analysis shows.
The analysis, conducted in partnership with real estate marketplace Zillow and pet service company Rover, found that many dog owners are looking for areas that are better suited to their pet’s needs. To compile a list of the fastest-growing dog-friendly regions in the U.S., the companies analyzed dog accounts added to Rover’s database from June 2021 to March 2022 and compared those accounts with dogs identified as “pets.” Views of Single-Family Home Rentals Combine Friendly” on Zillow from March 2021 to March 2022.
Rover’s trend expert Kate Jaffe said the list includes mid-sized cities and suburbs, suggesting pet owners can’t find enough accommodation in larger cities. At the top of the list is Antioch, Tennessee, a community south of Nashville based on Creekside Park. It was followed by Baltimore.Alexandria, Virginia; Fuquay Varina, North Carolina; Kansas City, Kansas; Cumming, Georgia; Bellevue, Washington; Fort Lauderdale, Florida; Palo Alto, California; and Charleston, South Carolina
“Pet parents tell us their biggest motivation for moving is more space,” Ms Jaffe said in an email. “Cities with more homes with pet-friendly features such as fenced yards, dog gates and proximity to dog parks will now be popular with pet parents.”
In another survey of 1,000 dog owners conducted by Pollfish for Rover in March, 72% of respondents said they would consider moving to a home that better suits their dog’s needs. 61% cited the health of their pets as inspiration for their movement.
Of course, moving can create a new set of headaches for pet owners. “In addition to the challenges of finding pet-friendly rental properties, many people still face expensive pet deposits, breed and size restrictions and restrictions on the number of pets in the household,” Ms Jaffe said.
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