DALLAS—Millennials are in the news a great deal these days, but this is not a pet peeve. They have just surpassed baby boomers in size and now in pet ownership. Kristen Gucwa, vice president of national lease-up operations and marketing, Richman Signature Properties, recently shared some insight into the pet preferences that have turned into amenities in residential properties, in this exclusive.

GlobeSt.com: Why are pet-related amenities a growing trend within new residential developments?

Kristen Gucwa: Pet ownership is skyrocketing to the point where a recent Consumer Affairs study shows that 68% of American households now own a pet. That's 85 million Americans with furry friends, up from 79.7 million in 2015. Moreover, millennials have just surpassed baby boomers as the generation most likely to own a pet, with 75% ownership among this young generation.

Luxury rental developers like Richman Signature Properties have invested time researching amenities that bring together residents and their pets. Most of us consider our pets to be part of the family, and that sentiment isn't lost when it comes to designing and creating amenities and services that serve our residents' needs. We've found that now more than ever, these residents don't just seek live-work-play environments for themselves—they're also looking for amenities that incorporate social connectivity with their pets and other residents.

GlobeSt.com: How are developers accommodating pet-owning residents?

Gucwa: Many developers are thinking of creative ways to be all-inclusive of pets. For example, Richman Signature Properties is responding to this demand in several ways, and started so by including pet amenities throughout our properties. Specific to Texas, our Parc at White Rock property in Dallas has a 1,015-acre, dog-friendly park across the way, known as White Rock Lake Park. White Rock Lake Park offers a variety of activities and is one of the best places to experience natural areas and wildlife in an urban setting. All of our other properties offer an on-site, fenced-in bark park where pets can roam freely.

Each bark park has its own pet agility course where dogs can play and train.

Other pet amenities offered at some of our properties are the pet “spas.” Here, residents can groom their dogs after a day of play at the park. The pet spas are equipped with washing and drying stations and are open seven days a week. Aside from being pet-friendly throughout the property, these pet amenities offer convenience and added value to our residents.

In addition to amenities, Richman Signature Properties highly encourages social connectivity and individuality within all communities. This is why we created a series of social events at our properties for both pets and pet owners to enjoy, such as monthly “yappy hours” where pets can mingle and pet owners can enjoy complimentary bites and beverages.

We have also added a pet-related move-in gift that allows residents to Live Furrier with a complimentary three-month subscription to BarkBox, a popular pet toy and treat service that delivers surprise packages monthly. The other move-in gifts we offer help make residents lives' easier, whether that's grocery delivery or online interior design services. Forming partnerships with like-minded brands is key to creating individuality and, furthermore, offers a sense of exclusivity for residents.

GlobeSt.com: What is the future of pet amenities?

Gucwa: Pet ownership is expected to continue to rise in the coming years. Developers need to start exploring ways to accommodate their residents with out-of-the-box concepts, programs and amenities on site. We make it a priority to blend value-driven features with social connectivity throughout our properties. We expect pet amenities and services to continue to rise in popularity, which is why we plan to adapt and grow our offerings, as necessary, to meet the needs of our current and future pet-owning residents.

GlobeSt.com: Why are pet-related amenities a growing trend within new residential developments?

GlobeSt.com: How are developers accommodating pet-owning residents?

Each bark park has its own pet agility course where dogs can play and train.

GlobeSt.com: What is the future of pet amenities?

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