DALLAS, TX / ACCESSWIRE / April 30, 2017 / Understanding the importance of pets in today's marketplace and anticipating market demand, real estate developer and philanthropist Marcus Hiles emerged as an early adopter of pampering amenities for domestic animals, building them into upscale communities designed and created by his Dallas-based firm, Western Rim Property Services. Hiles sees the trend continuing well into the future. Solid numbers reinforce the growing demand for acceptance of canines and felines, illustrated by a March 15, 2012 Adweek article posting 2010 census numbers, counting 43 million households with four-footed roommates, but only 38 million households with children. An article in a Jan. 2, 2014 Wall Street Journal confirms, "People in their 20s and 30s right now are less likely to have a family and more likely to have a pet," reinforcing the need for dog- and cat-friendly spaces.

An important point regarding the focus on households with animal companions is noted in a Nov. 11, 2016 Forbes article by Steven Barr addressing the recent status switch for domestic pets from the so-called "ownership" to now becoming the "beloved members of the family." Illustrating a promotion in station, owners also show a willingness to dedicate more time and income to the health and well-being of pampered creatures. Amenity lists for upscale communities across the country respect the strengthening relationships between owner and pet, changing the attitude from one of reluctant acceptance to a red carpet welcome with features dedicated to animal comfort and human convenience. Fortune magazine tallies the spending, acknowledging "This year the pet industry is projected to take in $63 billion, up more than 25% from 2010 according to the American Pet Product Association (APPA)."

In a Jan. 22, 2016 New York Times article, Jane Margolies explained the evolution of animal-oriented features from sporadic early appearances in 2000 to prolific installations in 2016, noting, "When "pet spas" were introduced in high-end residential buildings a decade or so ago, they might have seemed like another flash-in-the-pan perk. But they've not only hung on like a dog with a bone, they've also evolved." Spas, treadmills, bone-shaped pools, visiting vets, and groomers used by haute couture designers rule the day. A Los Angeles Times article from Aug. 8, 2014 highlights the ultimate trend, with pet parents giving their charges a special space of their own, often even equipped with an en suite bath. One proud pet suite aficionado reasoned, "She's a part of the family. Everybody else has a room -- so does she." The designation of a complete suite to the toys, leashes, grooming equipment, and other accessories needed for healthy, happy, pets keeps the rest of the home clean and organized.