These days pets occupy an ever more important place in people's lives – they are regarded not merely as companions, but often as fully fledged members of the family. This shift in attitude is also changing the way people live, including what they expect from a home.
According to a 2024 study by The Harris Poll, 43% of Americans admit that, given the choice, they would rather have animals than children in the future. The trend is particularly pronounced among Gen Z and millennials, where 43% believe animals are easier to care for and 42% that they are less of a financial burden.
What is more, 87% of so-called All-in Pawrents – owners who regard their pets as their children – are calling for more animal-friendly places in their communities. Public expectations of the workplace and of services are rising too: 58% think animals should be allowed at work, and 49% would like to see employers offer an allowance towards animal-related expenses.
This growing trend is reshaping property development standards the world over – and it is now arriving in Riga on a new scale.
Heart of Hanza – the first animal-friendly residential project in Latvia
The Heart of Hanza residential complex now taking shape in Riga will be the first animal-friendly project of this scale in Latvia, with the needs of pets built into the very foundation of the concept.
“By adapting the environment smartly and thoughtfully, it is possible to create a living space where both people and their four-legged friends feel at home. Such an approach not only makes daily life easier, but also encourages responsible and harmonious coexistence in the urban environment,” stresses Aleksandra Strode, developer of the Heart of Hanza project.
The courtyard will feature a dedicated area for pets – a place where they can move about freely, play and learn new skills; a dog agility course is planned there, designed to provide both physical activity and mental stimulation, making the outdoor space a fully fledged environment for animal wellbeing.
The project's layout also pays particular attention to the everyday practicalities of pet care. Each stairwell will have a conveniently placed spot for washing paws, which will be especially useful in rainy or muddy weather. The entrance lobby, meanwhile, will have a shower for washing animals discreetly built into an elegant wall, tucked behind decorative doors to keep the interior looking clean and uncluttered.
From niche to norm
As Libby Rodney, chief strategy officer at The Harris Poll, explains: All-in Pawrenting is not just a buzzword – it reflects a fundamental change in how society views the family.”
Heart of Hanza shows that Latvia, too, is following this tide of change. Animal-friendly homes are no longer merely a special bonus – they are becoming a new standard of quality demanded by today's city dwellers. This project is an example of how property development can adapt to the spirit of the times, integrating the needs of people and animals into a single living space.