Homeowners and pet owners are, most often, one in the same. The majority of recent homeowners report at least one pet in the house, according to Zillow, and those furry friends are driving major housing decisions. In particular, the dogs.
According to new research from Zillow and Rover, the popular pet care app, 72% of dog owners prioritize their dog’s comfort when planning to move.
“We saw pandemic pet ownership soar among renters, which has impacted their home preferences,” Amanda Pendleton, Zillow’s home trends expert, said in the report. “[And] like recent movers on the whole, they appear to be seeking out more space and relative affordability in places where they can get a fenced backyard or room for a doghouse.”
So where are the dog lovers moving?
Comparing Rover’s extensive database of pet profiles against Zillow’s pet-friendly home rental listings, the companies determined the 20 fastest-growing, dog-friendly cities. They are, in order:
1. Antioch, Tennessee
2. Baltimore, Maryland
3. Alexandria, Virginia
4. Fuquay-Varina, North Carolina
5. Kansas City, Kansas
6. Cumming, Georgia
7. Bellevue, Washington
8. Fort Lauderdale, Florida
9. Palo Alto, California
10. Charleston, South Carolina
11. Lee’s Summit, Missouri
12. Bentonville, Arkansas
13. Denver, Colorado
14. Tuscaloosa, Alabama
15. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
16. Lewisville, Texas
17. Chicago, Illinois
18. Rochester, Minnesota
19. Norman, Oklahoma
20. Grand Rapids, Michigan