New Dog Trends in Housing

Today marks the beginning of the 140^th annual Westminster Dog Show. This two-day event has over 3,000 dogs and their two-legged friends competing for the prestigious title of Best in Show. The event will be broadcasted tonight beginning at 8 p.m. on CNBC.

According to the National Association of REALTORS®, 65% of Americans own pets and 83% of those families consider their tail-wagging counterparts as members of the family. In 2015, pet owners spent $60.59 billion on their pets. With numbers like these, it is easy to see that home is where your dog is.

With pet ownership up 11% from 1988, pet owners are changing the way they design, appoint and furnish their homes. Choosing flooring of darker colors and more durable materials, pet owners have turned to tile, granite and marble flooring over their carpet counterparts. Mudrooms and laundry rooms with larger sinks aid in preventing dirty paws and allow space for suds and bubbles when Fido needs a bath.