There are now more U.S. households with pets than with children. That single fact is driving a shift in homebuying behavior across the country. Here in Mission Viejo, where parks, trails, and pet amenities are abundant, the trend is especially visible. More and more homebuyers are putting their pets at the top of their priority list when searching for the perfect home.
A Look at the Numbers: Fewer Kids, More Pets
For decades, the traditional family structure centered around children. Today, that has shifted significantly. According to the U.S. Census, the share of families with children under 18 in the home has dropped from 52 percent in 1950 to just 39 percent in 2024.
At the same time, pet ownership is on the rise. According to the American Pet Products Association, 71 percent of U.S. households now own a pet. In 1988, that number was just 56 percent. Dogs and cats continue to be the most common, but ownership of small mammals, reptiles, and birds is also growing.
The result is clear. More households are being shaped by the needs of pets rather than children, and that has a direct effect on real estate choices.
What This Means for the Housing Market
The National Association of REALTORS® reports that in 1985, 58 percent of homebuyers had children under 18 living at home. In 2024, that number is just 27 percent. This represents a record low and reflects not only declining birth rates but also the aging of the Baby Boomer generation. Many of those households are now empty-nesters.
At the same time, people are spending more time and money on their pets. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 20.4 percent of Americans spend time with their pets daily in 2023, up from 13.2 percent in 2003. Among women, that figure is even higher at 23.8 percent.
The total time spent with pets also increased. Americans now spend an average of 0.73 hours per day with their animals, compared to 0.62 hours in 2003. Pet industry spending has also soared, rising from $53.3 billion in 2012 to $152 billion in 2024.
These numbers show that pets are no longer an afterthought in homebuying. They are often a leading factor in neighborhood and home selection, especially among younger and single buyers.
Pet-Focused Buyers Are on the Rise
When it comes to choosing a neighborhood, buyers are factoring in pet-related amenities more than ever before.
According to recent real estate surveys:
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20 percent of homebuyers considered their pet’s needs when choosing a neighborhood
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Among unmarried couples, that figure rises to 24 percent
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For single women buyers, 17 percent made pet-based decisions
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For single men, the figure is 12 percent
These numbers align closely with the time use data, where women are more likely than men to spend time with pets on a daily basis.
In other words, buyers who are not part of a traditional family unit with children are more likely to prioritize their pets in real estate decisions. This is especially relevant in markets like Mission Viejo, which offer lifestyle features that cater to active pet owners.
Why Mission Viejo Appeals to Pet Owners
Mission Viejo stands out as one of the most pet-friendly cities in Orange County. The city is well known for its extensive green spaces, walkable neighborhoods, and dedication to maintaining a high quality of life. For pet owners, it checks all the boxes.
Walkability and Trails
Mission Viejo offers a wide network of sidewalks and trails. The Oso Creek Trail is a major draw for pet owners. With miles of tree-lined paths, water features, and scenic overlooks, this trail is a favorite for dog walkers throughout the city. Many neighborhoods connect directly to the trail, which adds everyday convenience.
Dog Parks and Open Spaces
La Paws Dog Park is one of the most popular off-leash parks in South Orange County. With separate areas for large and small dogs, agility equipment, shaded benches, and water fountains, it serves as a central hub for local pet owners. It is located just off Felipe Road and is easily accessible from most parts of Mission Viejo.
Pavion Park and Beebe Park also offer pet-friendly open spaces and walkable paths, ideal for families with dogs.
Yard Space and Lot Sizes
While some cities in Orange County are dominated by high-density housing, Mission Viejo still offers a strong inventory of single-family homes with yards. Neighborhoods like Pacific Hills, Madrid del Lago, and Aegean Hills provide spacious lots, mature landscaping, and fenced-in yards that are perfect for dogs.
For those looking for more space, homes on cul-de-sacs or near parks are especially desirable among buyers with pets.
Pet Services and Community Support
Mission Viejo is home to several highly rated veterinary clinics, pet groomers, and specialty pet supply stores. Local businesses like Alicia Pet Care Center and Lake Forest Animal Clinic are trusted by residents for their comprehensive care and friendly service.
Several local events and community groups also cater to pet lovers, including adoption fairs, dog costume contests, and pet parades at the Norman P. Murray Center.
How Buyers Are Factoring in Pets
Buyers who consider their pet’s needs when selecting a neighborhood often go beyond just looking for nearby dog parks. These buyers are also more likely to look for:
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Walkable streets and sidewalks
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Proximity to hiking or walking trails
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Homes with patios, decks, or outdoor rooms
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Communities that allow pets with few restrictions
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Homes with durable floors like tile or vinyl
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Extra storage for pet supplies and gear
Buyers with pets often want larger lots or acreage. They are also more likely to consider properties near parks and recreation areas. Walkability scores are important, not only for daily convenience but for fostering a lifestyle that includes frequent outings with pets.
These preferences have created new patterns in buyer behavior, especially among Millennials and Gen Z buyers, many of whom view pet ownership as a core part of their lifestyle.
The Role of HOAs and Community Rules
In Mission Viejo, many neighborhoods are governed by HOAs. For pet owners, understanding HOA rules is critical. Some communities have pet weight limits, breed restrictions, or require approval for more than one pet.
Fortunately, many Mission Viejo HOAs have adapted to modern buyer expectations. Communities like Las Palmas and Finisterra on the Green are known for being pet-friendly. In these communities, open green spaces and pet policies align well with what today’s buyers are looking for.
Before purchasing, buyers should always review HOA documents carefully to confirm that pet policies match their household needs.
Sellers Can Benefit from the Pet-Friendly Trend
Sellers in Mission Viejo can benefit by highlighting pet-friendly features in their listings. This includes:
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Fenced backyards
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Proximity to parks and trails
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Pet doors and outdoor pet spaces
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Non-carpeted flooring for easy cleaning
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Nearby veterinarians or pet supply stores
Buyers who are searching specifically for pet-friendly homes are often willing to act quickly when a home meets their criteria. Sellers who stage with pet ownership in mind may appeal to this motivated buyer segment.
Even small details like marketing the home’s distance to La Paws Dog Park or noting nearby pet grooming services can help a listing stand out in a crowded market.
Mission Viejo Neighborhoods Popular With Pet Owners
Here are a few Mission Viejo communities that are frequently searched by buyers with pets:
Pacific Hills – Large lots, hillside views, and close to the Oso Creek Trail
Aegean Hills – Older homes with generous yard sizes and mature trees
Cordova – Near Cordova Park, with walkable streets and good access to schools and services
Madrid del Lago – Close to Lake Mission Viejo, many homes have enclosed yards
La Mancha – Townhome-style community with green belts and relaxed pet policies
These neighborhoods offer a combination of pet-friendly features and community lifestyle, making them attractive to a wide range of buyers.
Conclusion: A New Era in Homebuying
Pets have become a central factor in how Americans choose homes, and Mission Viejo is one of the top cities where this trend is visible. With walkable streets, trail systems, off-leash dog parks, and spacious yards, the city naturally supports the lifestyle that today’s pet owners value most.
Whether a buyer is looking for a condo near a dog park or a large family home with room for pets to roam, Mission Viejo offers the inventory, community amenities, and quality of life that today’s homebuyers are looking for.
As the number of families with children continues to decline and the number of pet owners continues to rise, pet-friendly real estate will remain a top priority. And in this changing landscape, Mission Viejo is well-positioned to meet that demand.
