This article first appeared in City & Country, The Edge Malaysia Weekly on February 10, 2025 - February 16, 2025

Pets have always been an integral part of society. In Malaysia, pet ownership grew in popularity in particular during the Covid-19 pandemic lockdowns between 2020 and 2022 when more pet owners viewed their furry friends as more than just companions. Rather, they were seen as playing an important role in one’s emotional health and mental well-being.

According to Henry Butcher Real Estate Sdn Bhd special assistant to the chief operating officer, Long Shi Chuen, data from Standard Insights’ most recent Consumer Report Malaysia 2023 — which gathered insights from over 1,000 Malaysian respondents — revealed that more than half or 51.1% of the respondents reported having pets, and among them, 26.4% own multiple pets in their homes.

“Interestingly, the report also found that of the 48.9% of respondents who do not own pets, a significant proportion (26.2%) stated they are interested in owning one.”

The growing trend in pet ownership translates to higher demand for pet-friendly residential spaces.

According to CBRE | WTW group managing director Tan Ka Leong, millennials and Gen Zs are increasingly seeking greener, more accessible spaces that they and their pets can enjoy. “While some communities still express discomfort with pets, particularly dogs, certain areas like Desa ParkCity, Kuala Lumpur, have pioneered pet-friendly, green spaces where pet owners can enjoy outings with their pets.”

Apart from Desa ParkCity, Jaya One and Megah Rise in Petaling Jaya are some of the established pet-friendly developments and communities in the Klang Valley, while some newer or upcoming ones include Bon Kiara in Mont’Kiara, Alora Residences and SouthPlace 2 in Subang Jaya and The Ashwood in U-Thant in Kuala Lumpur.

Several key features stand out when defining a pet-friendly development, according to Long and Tan. They include pet-walking spaces, designated bins and elevators, washing stations, and a careful balance between pet inclusivity and community comfort.

Tan observes that there are more developments adopting such features, reflecting the demand for pet-friendly spaces and the shift in society’s perception of pets.

As high-rise urban living becomes increasingly popular, the need for pet-friendly spaces is becoming more pronounced, Long notes. “Landed properties, often too expensive for younger buyers, are giving way to high-rise developments, and with this shift, the demand for pet-friendly accommodations is on the rise.”

This trend, Tan adds, is driven by a shift in priorities of the younger demographic who value convenience, wellness and quality of life in compact city environments.

Long also observes that the demand for pet-friendly spaces and green spaces are closely linked. “Green areas provide pets with more room to roam, and the complementary nature of these factors means that they often go hand in hand.”

While the trend of pet ownership in the Klang Valley is expected to rise, both Tan and Long note that no formal study has yet been conducted to determine whether having pet-friendly amenities increases a property’s value.

“Offering pet-friendly amenities does not necessarily increase the value of a property, but it serves as an additional feature and a unique selling point, particularly for luxury developments,” says Long. “Developers recognise that such amenities appeal to a niche but growing market of pet owners, making properties more marketable in urban areas.

“We are seeing more developers incorporating pet-friendly features, especially in high-end residential projects. Commercial spaces, such as malls, are also adapting by creating dedicated pet-friendly zones and providing dedicated access areas to ensure the comfort of all visitors. Similarly, some hotels now offer pet-friendly accommodations, allowing guests to stay with their pets, reflecting the rising demand for inclusive, pet-friendly environments across various property types.”

Meanwhile, Tan points out that it is also important to consider that not all Malaysians are comfortable living in an environment with too many animals. “We have to also remember that the Muslim community is more averse to living around dogs but are more comfortable with cats.

“So for pet-friendly developments to take off in a bigger way, pet owners must become more responsible such as preventing their pets from becoming a nuisance to others, not barking loudly, especially at times when people are sleeping, cleaning up after their pets and making sure their pets do not pee or defecate in public spaces or on someone else’s property,” he adds.

Although the market for pet-friendly properties is still a niche one, Tan says the changes in consumer demand, especially among the younger demographics who prioritise experiences and community-oriented living and actively seek pet-friendly amenities in residential and commercial spaces, could steer developers to consider having pet-friendly facilities to cater for this need.

“The demand for pet-inclusive restaurants, cafes and retail stores is growing, and this may encourage developers to integrate pet-friendly policies into commercial spaces. Some offices and co-working spaces are adopting pet-friendly policies to attract talent and create a more inclusive work environment as well.”

While it is clear that the market for pet-friendly spaces is growing, a balance still needs to be struck between pet inclusivity and community comfort, both consultants say.

“This evolution underscores the importance of balancing regulations with modern needs, allowing strata properties to adapt while maintaining harmony within communities. It also highlights how thoughtful management and collaboration between property managers and residents can facilitate the integration of pet-friendly practices in luxury and modern residential spaces,” Tan adds.

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