October 28, 2026 | Magnolia Group | Finding Home with Charlotte
Home is where the heart is. And, quite often, where the dog hair is, too. 🐕
When we think about finding the perfect home, we usually start with the essentials: location, price, bedrooms, bathrooms and maybe that beautiful kitchen we've been dreaming about.
But for millions of Canadians, there's another very important member of the household whose needs influence the search.
The one with four legs, a favourite toy and absolutely no intention of contributing to the mortgage payments.
Our pets!
From fenced backyards and walking trails to pet-friendly condominiums and neighbourhood parks, our furry family members are influencing how Canadians think about homeownership.
And Canadian research suggests that their influence is anything but small.
🐾 Pets Are Family in Canadian Households
According to a September 2025 Ipsos survey conducted for HomeEquity Bank, 59% of Canadian adults surveyed own a pet.
Among Gen Z and Millennials, that number rises to 68%.
The research also found that:
83% of pet owners reported mental health benefits from pet ownership.
75% recognized social and emotional benefits, including companionship.
51% reported physical health benefits.
It's not difficult to understand why.
Our pets are our companions, our walking partners, our unofficial therapists and occasionally the reason we haven't had an uninterrupted night's sleep in years.
They become part of our routines, our memories and our sense of belonging.
So naturally, when it's time to move, their needs become part of the conversation.
Source: Ipsos / HomeEquity Bank, September 2025. Survey of 1,501 Canadian adults.
🏡 Would Canadians Move for Their Dogs? Absolutely!
A 2022 Rover survey of 500 Canadian dog parents explored how dogs influence housing preferences.
The findings revealed just how much consideration Canadians give their four-legged companions when choosing where to live.
69% Would Move to Better Accommodate Their Dog
For many dog owners, finding the right property isn't simply about upgrading the kitchen or gaining another bedroom.
It might mean moving somewhere with a larger backyard, fewer stairs, better outdoor access or a more suitable layout.
A home that works beautifully for two adults might feel completely different once you add a Labrador who believes every room should accommodate a full-speed game of fetch.
And yes, sometimes the dog gets the bigger yard before the humans get their dream kitchen.
75% Prioritize Neighbourhood Walkability
For dog owners, a neighbourhood isn't just about the house itself.
It's about what happens when you step outside the front door.
Are there sidewalks? Walking trails? Quiet residential streets? Green spaces?
Can you comfortably walk your dog without having to drive somewhere first?
Walkability can make everyday life more convenient, especially for households with active dogs.
And the benefits extend beyond our pets. Walkable neighbourhoods can encourage exercise, outdoor activity and stronger connections within the community.
59% Prefer a Fenced Yard
A fenced backyard is one of the most appealing dog-friendly home features identified in Rover's Canadian survey.
And really, who wouldn't appreciate being able to open the back door without immediately organizing a neighbourhood-wide search party?
A securely fenced yard can offer convenience and a designated outdoor area for pets.
However, not all fences are created equal.
When viewing a property, pet owners should consider fence height, gate security, gaps, maintenance and whether the enclosure suits their particular dog.
A backyard may look beautiful in listing photographs, but it's worth checking whether it will actually work for your pet.
70% Would Pay More for Pet-Friendly Amenities
The Rover survey also found that 70% of respondents would spend more for pet-friendly housing amenities.
This highlights how important pet-related features can be to some households.
Whether it's convenient outdoor access, nearby walking trails or a pet-friendly building, these features can influence how buyers evaluate a property.
Of course, willingness to pay more does not necessarily mean every pet-friendly feature increases a home's resale value by a particular amount.
That depends on the property, neighbourhood and local market.
Source: Rover Canada, 2022 Canadian dog parent survey. These results reflect surveyed dog parents rather than all Canadian homeowners.
🇨🇦 Canadian Homebuyers Are Thinking About Space for Pets, Too
More recent Canadian housing research supports the importance of space and lifestyle when choosing a home.
In March 2026, CENTURY 21 Canada released findings from an Ipsos study exploring what Canadians want in their ideal homes.
Among respondents likely to purchase a home, the most frequently selected priorities beyond price included:
Respondents could select up to five priorities.
The finding that stands out to me is that nearly one-third of likely Canadian homebuyers identified sufficient space for family or pets as an important consideration.
This doesn't mean every respondent owns a pet. It does demonstrate that the way we live, and who we share our homes with, plays a meaningful role in our housing preferences.
Source: CENTURY 21 Canada / Ipsos, March 2026. Homebuying priority results based on 439 likely buyers.
🌳 What Makes a Home Pet-Friendly in Waterloo Region?
Here in Waterloo Region, we're fortunate to have a variety of neighbourhoods, housing styles and outdoor spaces to consider.
But finding a pet-friendly home involves more than simply checking whether the property has a backyard.
Here are some things I encourage pet-owning buyers to consider.
1. Outdoor Space That Fits Your Pet
A large yard can be wonderful, but size isn't everything.
Consider how the outdoor space will actually function.
Is it securely fenced? Is there room for exercise? Are there hazards, steep slopes or landscaping that could be problematic?
A smaller, thoughtfully designed backyard may work better than a larger property that requires significant improvements.
2. Walkable Neighbourhoods
Waterloo Region offers a variety of residential neighbourhoods with access to sidewalks, trails and parks.
When considering a property, look beyond the listing photographs.
Explore the surrounding streets. Visit at different times of day. Think about what your daily walking routine would look like.
Your dog's ideal neighbourhood might have more to do with the walking route than the size of the living room.
3. Flooring and Interior Layout
Pets can be surprisingly tough on a home.
Durable flooring, easy-to-clean surfaces, practical entryways and accessible outdoor spaces can make daily life easier.
For older pets, stairs and slippery floors may also become important considerations.
A home that suits your pet today should ideally continue to work as their needs change.
4. Condominium Rules and Pet Restrictions
If you're considering a condominium in Kitchener, Waterloo or Cambridge, it's important to review the condominium's declaration, rules and other governing documents.
Some buildings may have restrictions relating to pets, including size, number or behaviour.
Never assume a condominium is pet-friendly simply because you've seen someone walking a dog through the lobby.
Review the applicable documents before committing to a purchase.
5. Nearby Veterinary Care and Pet Services
Access to veterinary services, grooming, boarding and pet supplies may also be important.
For households with older pets or animals requiring regular medical attention, convenient access to veterinary care can be particularly valuable.
🐕 What About Selling a Home When You Have Pets?
Pet owners aren't the only people who should think about animals when it comes to real estate.
If you're selling a home, it's worth considering how your pets and their belongings may affect the showing experience.
A few thoughtful preparations can make a difference.
Keep the home fresh and clean. Pet odours can become familiar to homeowners, but they may be noticeable to visitors.
Minimize visible pet accessories. You don't need to hide every sign of your furry family member, but organizing toys, beds and feeding stations can help rooms feel more spacious.
Plan for showings. For everyone's comfort and safety, arrange for pets to be away from the property or securely managed during showings.
Highlight practical property features. A fenced yard, durable flooring or convenient outdoor access may appeal to buyers with pets, while also offering benefits to other households.
The goal isn't to pretend pets don't live there.
It's to help potential buyers imagine how the property could work for their own lifestyle.
❤️ Finding Home Means Finding a Place for Everyone
Here's what I love about this research.
It reminds us that real estate isn't simply about square footage, interest rates or property values.
It's about the lives we build inside our homes.
It's the sunny spot by the window where the cat spends every afternoon.
It's the backyard where the dog races around after the first snowfall.
It's the familiar walking route, the favourite neighbourhood park and the quiet evenings when everyone is finally home.
When we're searching for the right property, those little things matter.
And sometimes, they're not so little.
A home should fit your life, your priorities and the people and pets who make your family complete.
🏡 Looking for a Pet-Friendly Home in Waterloo Region?
Whether you're searching for a fenced backyard, a walkable neighbourhood, a low-maintenance property or a home with more room for your growing family, I'd love to help.
As a REALTOR® serving Kitchener, Waterloo, Cambridge and surrounding communities, I believe finding home is about much more than finding a property.
It's about finding the right place to belong.
And yes, your four-legged family members are welcome to have an opinion.
Although I can't promise they'll approve of the paint colours. 🐾
Charlotte Ferguson | REALTOR®
Magnolia Group | Royal LePage Wolle Realty
📞 519-575-1804
🌐 www.yourmagnoliagroup.com
Home. Belonging. Together.
Sources and Further Reading
Rover Canada, 2022 Canadian Dog Parent Survey.
Ipsos / HomeEquity Bank, Pet Ownership and Well-Being in Canada, September 2025.
CENTURY 21 Canada / Ipsos, The Great Canadian Housing Gap, March 2026.
Research findings represent different surveyed populations and should not be interpreted as statistics describing all Canadian homeowners or Waterloo Region buyers specifically.