Your pooch's influence when purchasing a home

About 68 percent of American households own pets and of that number, 48 percent own dogs. When those owners want to buy a home Rover may play a big role.

When Amy Marshall first walked into the house, she knew it was a great space -- especially for her four-legged family member.

Marshall said, "Our dog was a major factor."

The big fenced-in yard, the spacious kitchen where she makes her dog Ronnie's home-made food and a basement fridge to store it -- then she blogs about it.

"We found this place. We were just thrilled. It really checked off most of the items on our wish list," Marshall said.

A new poll finds home buying is going to the dogs. A third of millennial-aged Americans who bought their first home say the desire to have better space or yard for their pet influenced their decision.

Canine expert and author Melissa McCue-McGrath says pet owners are trying to sniff out the best homes and locations.

"Dogs are incredibly important to people and their families," McCue-McGrath said. "They're looking for pet-friendly neighborhoods. If there's a dog park nearby or access to exercise walking paths, bike trails."

And how about extra space for foster dogs? Or enough room to open a home-based pet daycare?

Homeowners shared their dog dream homes with us -- a walk-in shower is for the dogs.

Some dogs get to live next to a lake and one pooch even has his own pool!

However, experts warn before you sign on the dotted line research the local laws, homeowners or condo rules.

Find out about potential restrictions and definitely take your dog's personality and habits into consideration, especially if you have a backyard.

"It's critical that if you're if your dog is outside, you're outside with your dog. You're going to be able to prevent barking so your new neighbors don't hate you," McCue-McGrath said.

Amy says it has been nothing but dog day afternoons at her new home and she's just happy Ronnie's happy.

"Not only does it help enhance the dog's life but it makes the life of the dog owner much easier," Marshall said.

42 percent of millennials surveyed also say their dog, or their desire to have a dog is a key factor in their desire to have a home in the future.