New Yorkers Go All Out for Their Pets in Housing Choices
In the search for a new home, many New Yorkers are prioritizing their pets’ comfort alongside their own needs.
Childless pet owners, particularly, are finding that their furry friends’ well-being often takes precedence over convenient transportation or nearby entertainment venues.
Although pet amenities like spas and doggy daycares have existed in the luxury real estate sector for a while, there’s a noticeable shift in how much importance both residents and developers place on keeping pets happy.
Take the case of Princess, a 12-year-old mixed poodle. Her special needs led her owners to relocate her twice in one year.
Her caring owners, Amar and Priyanka Polepalle, who work in healthcare, moved from Connecticut to a rental in Long Island City’s Jackson Park area. However, they soon discovered that their initial apartment didn’t suit Princess’s needs.
Living above the busy Queensboro Plaza, a major transit hub, didn’t align with Princess’ preference for quieter, suburban environments. “She really dislikes high-energy situations,” Priyanka shared. A quieter atmosphere meant more grass for Princess, who isn’t fond of concrete or rambunctious children. “You could see she was stressed,” Priyanka noted.
Pets can struggle with transitions, especially when moving from calmer suburban or rural areas to a bustling city like New York. “It was chaotic, and Princess was having a tough time adjusting. We realized we needed to look for another place,” Priyanka recalled. “The noise from the intersections and the train was overwhelming for her.”
Just a couple of months later, they began searching for a new home again, this time placing Princess’s comfort at the top of their list. They opted for a spacious, quieter two-bedroom penthouse in the Malt Drive development in Long Island City, where Princess can now enjoy stunning views from the 25th floor. Despite being surrounded by noise, the waterfront location suited the princess well, although her walks now require a stroller due to a torn ACL.
Recovering slowly, Princess hopes to enjoy her golden years in peace, according to her owners.
Estimates suggest that New York City has about 1.1 million pets, and a recent study indicates that dog owners are particularly indulgent. A 2025 survey highlighted that over half of New Yorkers spend more on their dogs’ grooming and healthcare than on their own.
Developers are clearly responding to this trend, with new constructions increasingly offering pet spas. Such facilities allow pampered pets to be taken care of without leaving home.
For example, One Williamsburg Wharf hosted a well-attended “Santa’s Paw” event featuring festive activities for pets and their owners. Meanwhile, residents of One Wall Street can even enjoy puppy Reiki sessions at a dedicated spa.
Some high-end developments offer extensive pet services, including daycare with agility equipment, grooming, and even boarding options. In areas like Waterline Square, residents have access to exclusive pet clubs designed by well-known trainers.
Yet, not every dog owner is drawn to luxury amenities. Ripley, an 11-year-old beagle-bulldog mix, has recently begun splitting her time between upstate Albany and a stylish condo in Hell’s Kitchen. Her owner, Chris DiStefano, emphasized that the building’s outdoor dog park was a major selling point for them.
Ripley enjoys her daily visits to the eighth-floor park, preferring to lounge and take in the skyline views over running around. DiStefano believes that these grassy areas make the transition to city life much easier for rural dogs.
Meanwhile, Bowie’s owner, Nikolai Kovrov, has also settled into a new apartment. With amenities like a self-service pet spa, the 96+ Broadway condos on the Upper West Side have everything the active Australian Shepherd needs for a happy life.
Relatively simple benefits are becoming common even in mid-range buildings. Peach, a 6-and-a-half-year-old dog living in a Stuyvesant Heights apartment complex, enjoys the perks of a dedicated pet spa. Her owner, Caitlin Hudecek, made sure to choose a pet-friendly unit when they entered the housing lottery.
With a cleaner and more inviting space for baths, Peach has adapted positively. “She’s becoming more comfortable, and the neighbors even know her name,” Hudecek shared, indicating that Peach is slowly starting to come out of her shell.
