Dogs and Real Estate: When These Little Companions Influence the Search for the Perfect Home

To mark World Animal Day, SeLoger and Ultra Premium Direct, a major player in the dog and cat food market, reveal just how much living with a dog influences the home-search process.
 

The Changing Role of Pets
The role of pets—especially dogs—has changed significantly in recent years. A social phenomenon known as “pet-parenting” emerged a few years ago around the world, in which pets are now considered full-fledged members of the family, just like children. This trend is even reflected in the housing choices of “dog parents,” who are willing to make numerous concessions to ensure their pets’ well-being.
 

Adapting one’s home to accommodate a dog is becoming an increasingly common choice
Sixteen percent of those surveyed have already moved to a new home better suited to their pet, whether in terms of size or location. Twenty-eight percent have always chosen their home based on their dog’s needs. Six percent decided to move in order to adopt a dog.
 

Dog parents prefer larger living spaces than the average French person
While the average living space in France is 81 m², it reaches 107 m² for the dog owners surveyed. It appears that dog owners live in larger homes on average throughout France. More than six out of ten “dog parents” are willing to give up some of their own space so their dog can have its own, and 17% dedicate an entire room to their dog. Twenty-seven percent say that having a larger living room is a top priority. Nearly one in two dog parents (49%) say they are willing to undertake construction projects (such as a doghouse, patio, or fence) to ensure their dog’s well-being.
 

Dog owners are leaving city centers to provide their dogs with a more comfortable life
More than one in two dog owners (55%) would be willing to move to the countryside to provide their dog with a better living environment.