If you’re buying, building, or selling a home in today’s market, there’s one factor you can’t overlook: pets. More Americans than ever are shaping their living spaces around their four-legged family members, and that trend is only growing stronger.

According to the American Pet Products Association, about 71 percent of U.S. households, or 94 million families, own a pet. The American Veterinary Medical Association reports that 45.5 percent of homes have a dog and 32.1 percent have a cat. A Pew Research survey shows that 97 percent of pet owners view their pets as family members, with more than half saying they are on par with human family.

For homeowners looking to sell, that means most potential buyers walking through the door are thinking about how their pets will live in the space.

Buyers with pets consistently prioritize features that make life easier for both people and animals. Some of the most requested include fenced-in yards for safe play, according to the National Association of Realtors. Inside the home, durable and scratch-resistant flooring such as luxury vinyl tile or laminate is a top choice, notes Ideal Home. Functional additions like mudrooms or pet-washing stations are also popular, highlighted by the National Association of Home Builders. To keep spaces stylish, many homeowners are opting for built-in feeding stations and hidden litter boxes that blend seamlessly into cabinetry.

Designers and builders are also seeing a rise in “barkitecture,” a movement where spaces are designed specifically with pets in mind. From integrated dog beds tucked under cabinets to ramps for senior pets and even custom pet showers or elevators in luxury builds, the trend is gaining national attention, as reported by The Guardian.

Here in the Midwest, pet-friendly living isn’t just a passing trend. Demand shows up in everything from rentals to vacation homes. About 34 percent of vacation rentals in the region are pet-friendly, and communities are embracing dog parks, lakefront trails, and pet-friendly lodging. In Illinois, destinations like Starved Rock highlight cabins with fenced yards and dedicated pet amenities, as seen with Kishauwau Cabins. These same expectations carry into home buying, where buyers look for properties that make it easy to enjoy the outdoors with their pets while keeping interiors durable and low maintenance.

Whether you’re preparing to list your home or planning a remodel, a few thoughtful touches can go a long way in appealing to pet owners. Consider creating a built-in feeding nook in the kitchen to reduce clutter, adding a wash station in the laundry or garage for easy cleanup after muddy walks, or using neutral paint and stain-resistant materials, which appeal to pet and non-pet owners alike. Highlighting proximity to parks, trails, or other pet-friendly amenities in your neighborhood can also make a big impact on how buyers perceive your home.