Are pet spas the next home essential?
Discover how one rental community is putting pets at the forefront of their priorities with a new exciting concept.
From wellness bathrooms to home gyms, our expectations for a ‘good’ home have drastically altered in recent years – now, pets are shaping our lists, too.
As pet ownership continues to rise and homeowners seek to try and improve the lives of their furry companions.
Could pet spas become the latest in a line of home essentials?
Present Made, a housing development in Eddington, Cambridge is leaning into this by putting pets at the heart of their development with a new pet spa.
What does the Present Made pet spa offer?
Going as far as to offer a dedicated, on-sire pet spa for residents.
This is for washing, grooming and everyday pet care.
But how much is the service?
Is it a doggy day care set up where you can leave your pets there?
Jack Hughes, general manager at the Present Made development explains: “The use of our pet spa is included within our residents’ monthly rental payment.
“We only ask that they provide their own products like shampoo.
“Our facilities have been created and introduced to provide an elevated way of living to our residents.
“For that reason, we believe they should be accessible for each and every resident.”
There’s no limit on the number of animals you can drop off either, but rather than a drop off you stay with your pet.
Jack adds: “At Present Made we don’t put a limit on the number of pets our residents can have in their property.
“Many of our tenants own a couple of dogs or cats that are much loved within the community.
“However, our pet spa is currently only available for one resident and their pet at a time.”
What inspired the idea of a pet spa at the development?
The concept is going against the grain.
Despite moves within the Renters’ Rights Bill to be more accommodating, only around 8% of rental listings are advertised as pet-friendly.
This means that almost a third of renters admit to hiding their pets from their landlords to avoid repercussions.
However, pets are increasingly welcome in hotels, restaurants and other public spaces.
So why is it that homes aren’t catching up with this demand to be near our furry family members?
Present Made believes the disconnect is reflecting a broader lifestyle shift.
Pets are no longer seen as an afterthought but a clear factor in selecting a home.
Much the same as those of us with children might select a home in a good school’s catchment.
Jack explains: “Traditionally, renters have struggled to own pets within their homes and have faced barriers to providing comfortable and appropriate homes for their pets.
“We knew our facilities had to be created with the understanding of how people want to live in mind.
“So with pets being considered a priority by owners, we knew a facility just for them was essential.
“Everyday tasks for pet owners like washes after a muddy walk can be impractical in standard rentals.
“We could see an opportunity to design a solution that will not only improve daily life but showcases our commitment to ensuring every being in the home is happy, not just the humans.”
Do you think pet spa’s could become a commonplace feature in rental communities?
As renters prioritise spaces that work for both them, and their pets, features like a dedicated pet spa are emerging as a baseline for modern living.
Jack believes considerations around pet wellbeing and convenience for owners are definitely becoming increasingly in demand and discussed within the property sector.
He explains: “Much like gyms, co-working spaces and concierge services, amenities with a pet-focus are starting to be viewed as part of an essential approach to modern living.
“When considering elements such as onsite doggy day cares, we definitely think this will soon become incorporated into properties and offered as a service within communities.
“As many workers have now completed a full return to the office and have to turn to third-party care providers for their pets, we expect to see demand for ‘at-home’ alternatives.
“Anything that will provide an extra level of convenience and reassurance to owners.
“For residents, the appeal is obvious, convenience and peace of mind.
“For landlords or property developers, the appeal is the ability to reach a wider pool of potential residents.
“As a result, providing homes that are intended for long-term, comfortable living.
“With homes in mind, luxury is about quality, convenience and thoughtful design.
“We see pet amenities as the natural next step for communities and residents that want a higher standard of living.
“Additionally helping to provide a balanced lifestyle for themselves and their pets.”
Are pet spa’s common in other countries?
“There are many properties around the world that offer similar services.” Jack explains.
“For example, a purpose-built development in Australia, Beach House, were able to introduce a pet-spa and pet concierge offering in 2024.
“In the UK, much of our inspiration has been taken from a large shift in the travel and hospitality sector.
This sector has seen many venues including hotels incorporate additional pet-friendly offerings.
“With demand for pet-friendly amenities amongst travellers rising, there was a clear gap to extend this to renters also.
“Being able to provide something the UK housing market is currently lacking.”
Present Made’s shared amenities are designed around this reality, allowing renting to feel like a considered lifestyle choice, rather than a compromise.
The idea begs the question whether pet spas will become as commonplace in housing estates or communities as bike storage and co-working spaces.
Find out more about the Present Made rental developments and their pet spa offerings.
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