Denver’s Dog -First Culture Grows—Is Your Home Keeping Up?

Long known as a hub for livestock, Denver has steadily transformed into a vibrant urban center offering a little bit of everything: outdoor adventure, craft breweries, a booming tech scene, and a culture that welcomes everyone—from remote workers to Rocky Mountain thrill-seekers. But amid all the change, one constant stands out: Denver is, without question, a dog town.

Recent data confirms it. According to a 2024 Colorado Polling Institute survey, about 50% of Denver residents own at least one dog, and 68% report having some kind of pet. Compare that with just 20% of residents raising children under eighteen, and it’s clear who’s really running the city. With an estimated 160,000 dogs in the city—more than Denver’s under-18 human population—it’s no surprise that the Mile High City regularly ranks near the top of “most dog-friendly” lists.

Walk through any neighborhood, and you’ll see it: patios packed with pups, water bowls outside storefronts, and even dog-friendly coworking spaces. Denver’s Dog public policies reflect this priority, too—since 2014, dogs have been legally allowed on restaurant patios (with a few rules, of course).

But as more people choose pets over parenthood—or balance both—it raises a new question: Is your home built to accommodate your growing pack?

Room to Roam: Making Space for Dogs and Families

With Denver’s housing market tighter than ever, homeowners are increasingly looking for ways to stay put and make better use of their existing homes. That’s where home additions and custom remodels come in.

Whether you’re welcoming a new puppy or your household is growing in other ways, remodeling your home can offer the flexibility you need—without having to give up your favorite neighborhood or add your name to yet another waitlist.

Here are a few dog- and family-friendly remodeling ideas that Denver homeowners are investing in:

• Mudrooms & Pet Stations: Create a dedicated space to manage muddy paws, leashes, and pet food storage. Bonus: It keeps the rest of your home cleaner, too.

   

• Home Additions: Expanding your square footage with a family room, extra bedroom, or a backyard studio gives both pets and people more breathing room.

   

• Built-in Pet Features: Think custom dog-washing stations in the laundry room, built-in crates, or under-stair pet nooks.

   

• Open-Concept Living Areas: Great for entertaining, but also for pets that want to keep an eye on everything—and everyone.

   

• Outdoor Enhancements: Fencing upgrades, shaded patios, and dog runs turn your backyard into a safe, functional oasis for four-legged residents.

   

Stay, Don’t Move

Home additions and renovations don’t just add convenience—they add value, both in real estate and in daily life. As Denver continues to evolve, so do the needs of its residents, whether they walk on two legs or four paws.

So if your current home is starting to feel a little cramped—between chew toys, baby toys, and all the life in between—it might be time to build more room for what matters most. After all, Denver might be going to the dogs, but that doesn’t mean your home has to go to the market.

Looking to make space for your whole pack? A well-planned remodel or addition could be the best move you never make.