Nearly half of pet owners are remodeling and they are prioritizing flooring upgrades, according to a new study by Houzz. 

Houzz, a platform for home building, remodeling and design, released its 2024 U.S. Houzz Pets & the Home Study which surveyed 1,000 respondents.

Nearly half of pet owners (48%) completed a home improvement project in the last two years, 14% are in the midst of one, and 15% are in the planning stages. For those who recently completed a project, the most popular upgrade was flooring (51%).

Nearly three-quarters of pet owners report having to replace a household item because of their pets (73%). Carpets or rugs are the most frequently replaced items (35%) due to damage by the pet, followed by furniture (17%) and bedding (15%).

“As pet ownership rates continue to increase, we’re seeing an impact on home renovation decisions,” said Marine Sargsyan, Houzz staff economist. “Whether selecting pet-friendly materials or incorporating built-in feeding stations and cozy nooks, homeowners are designing spaces that prioritize the needs of all family members, including pets. This highlights the important role pets play in shaping how people invest in and customize their homes, often with the help of professionals.”

A quarter of renovating pet owners hired flooring specialists for their projects (25%), which may be unsurprising given that flooring was the most common project among this group (51%). General contractors and specialty trades, such as electricians and plumbers, were hired most frequently (48% and 29%, respectively). Landscaping, wall or baseboard upgrades and door frame replacements were also popular projects (34%, 34% and 31%, respectively).