When buyers describe their dream home, they usually start with bedrooms, bathrooms and a kitchen where everyone gathers. Then comes the requirement that can quietly outrank all three: “It has to work for our dog.”

As a real estate broker and Franny’s human, I understand. We may make the mortgage payments, but our pets have considerable influence over where we live. They conduct their negotiations through soulful eyes, muddy feet and an unwavering commitment to being on the wrong side of a closed door.

Apparently, Franny has plenty of company. According to the American Pet Products Association, 71% of American households own a pet. The National Association of Realtors has also reported that 43% of households would be willing to move to better accommodate their animals. That’s a lot of influence for family members who don’t contribute to the down payment.

A home can look wonderful during a showing and still be awkward for everyday life with a pet. The best way to spot those problems is to imagine an ordinary day. Where will you feed the dog? Where will the litter box go? How will you get outside at six in the morning, in January, when it’s raining sideways?

Start with the yard. More land isn’t necessarily better. A manageable, securely fenced space with a door close by can be more useful than acreage that requires a leash every time you step outside. Look closely at gates, gaps under fences and steep areas. If the property needs fencing, find out whether it’s permitted and what installing it might involve before you count on that solution.

Here in the Pacific Northwest, getting back inside deserves some thought, too. A laundry room, mudroom, or covered entry gives you somewhere to deal with wet paws before they reach the sofa. You don’t need an elaborate dog washing station. Washable flooring, a towel within reach, and a place for muddy shoes will do a lot of the work.

These aren’t usually the features that make the listing photos. But you may appreciate them every day.

Flooring is another detail worth a closer look. Buyers see the finish; a dog has to walk on it. Watch for slippery surfaces, especially if your pet is older or has trouble getting around. Think about cleaning, scratches, and where you could put rugs without creating a tripping hazard for yourself.

The same goes for stairs. If your dog already struggles with them, single-level living may belong near the top of your list. Even with a younger pet, consider whether there’s room for everyone to live comfortably on the main floor later. An easy route from the bedroom to the yard can be a convenience you’re grateful for long before you expected to need it.

Cat owners have a slightly different checklist. Sunny windows, secure screens, quiet places to retreat, and a sensible location for the litter box can make a house work better. An enclosed outdoor space—a “catio”—may be a bonus, provided it’s secure. And it’s worth figuring out where the scratching post will fit before the cat selects the furniture.

Look beyond the property as well. Walk the neighborhood if you can. Is there a comfortable route for daily walks? How much traffic passes the house? Consider access to veterinary care, grooming, boarding and someone who can help when you travel. If your pet needs regular treatment, the drive to the vet deserves a place in your decision.

Before making an offer, review any rules affecting pets, fencing or outdoor enclosures. Don’t assume that what you see at a neighboring property will be allowed at yours.

When I work with buyers, I want to hear what makes their current home difficult as well as what they love about it. Tell me about the muddy entry, the dog who won’t use the stairs, or the cat whose litter box has taken over the guest bathroom. Those details help me understand what to look for.

Franny has taught me that a good home needs to work on an ordinary Tuesday. Somewhere to walk, somewhere to dry off and somewhere comfortable to settle down near her people. I suspect she would also request a better view of the refrigerator.

Stephanie DeWitt is a broker with The Agency Port Townsend.