With the average pet owner spending approximately one percent of their annual income on their family pet, it is no surprise that pets play an essential role in the home-buying process. According to recent studies, Millennials highly prioritize their pups when buying a home, including assessing available dog-friendly amenities such as doggy spas and dog parks within the neighborhood.

According to the National Association of Realtors®:

• 43 percent of households would be willing to move to better accommodate their pet(s).
• 18 percent of recent home buyers said it was very important that their new neighborhood is convenient to a vet and/or outdoor space for their pet(s).
• 68 percent of REALTORS®’ clients say that the animal policy influenced their decision to rent/buy in a particular community.

Developers and home builders across the metro Atlanta region understand that home buyers are looking at amenities for their four-legged family members as much as for themselves. With the growing need for homes with dog-friendly amenities, home builders have started including dog parks within their communities for your lovable Goldendoodle, French Bulldog, Labrador Retriever, Poodle, Yorkie and more! We have curated a list of a few communities around the area that are ideal for dog-loving home buyers. Wag on by these incredible communities and discover how they cater to your furry friend!

Haven at Stanley, located in Kennesaw, is an exciting new townhome community by Traton Homes. With move-in ready homes available, pack your things and bring your precious fur babies with you! This community offers outstanding amenities such as a clubhouse, pool and dog park – perfect for Fido to run, jump and play. Homes at Haven at Stanley are priced from the high $400,000s and offer three bedrooms and two-and-a-half bathrooms. These spacious townhomes feature open floorplans with your choice of the owner’s suite on the main or second level. Haven at Stanley is located near Marietta, Kennesaw Mountain Park and major thoroughfares, including I-575, I-75 and US 41. For more information on Haven at Stanley by Traton Homes, visit www.TratonHomes.com. You can also call April Morris at 678-391-9482 or email her at HavenatStanleySalesTeam @ TratonHomes.com.

Located in the beautiful city of Hampton, The Cottages at Southampton is a pet-friendly community that offers a fenced dog park for Bella to meet new friends! The Ranch Cottages for Rent development is an upscale rental community that provides carefree, one-level living with flexible leasing. Homes within this community boast two to three bedrooms, designer lighting, walk-in closets, covered porches and attached garages! Cottage residents can enjoy on-site management and leasing office, professional landscaping services, 24-hour maintenance, a community clubhouse and resort-style pool, a gated entrance and much more. Stop by today and see how a man’s best friend will love this charming neighborhood! For more information on The Cottages at Southampton by Ranch Cottages for Rent, visit www.RanchCottagesforRent.com.

NatureWalk at Seven Hills, a master-planned community from Artisan Built Communities, is located in Villa Rica, Georgia. Your furry sidekick will love the walkability, nature trails and community dog park within this gorgeous community. Starting in the high $400,000s, homes at NatureWalk include spacious floorplans, gourmet kitchens, outdoor living spaces and more! NatureWalk at Seven Hills features two separate neighborhoods – Stratford and Rosemont. Stratford provides an active-adult-friendly atmosphere with one-level homes and a 55+ exclusive clubhouse filled with impressive amenities. The Rosemont neighborhood is ideal for growing families in the search of a suburban location with big city amenities. Just minutes from local shopping, dining and entertainment, this incredible community has a premiere location. For more information on NatureWalk at Seven Hills by Artisan Built Communities, visit www.DiscoverArtisan.com.

Our love for dogs dates back to Europe centuries ago, and our four-legged friends are more like family members than pets! Take Fido on a walk and visit some of these incredible dog-friendly communities!

Sign up for the Atlanta Real Estate Forum newsletter to stay up to date on all things metro Atlanta, including upcoming communities, exciting events, homeowning tips and tricks, trending home design features and more!