As much as we love our furry companions, selling a home with pets can be a bit tricky. Trust me, I’ve seen it all — from barking during showings to lingering litter box odors. Buyers often struggle to see past pets, even if they’re animal lovers themselves. That’s why, if you’re planning to sell your home and have pets, a little extra preparation goes a long way.
First Impressions Start at the Door (and Sometimes, at the Nose)
The moment a potential buyer steps inside, they’re forming an opinion — and you want it to be a great one. Pet odors, fur on the floor, or scratch marks on doors can give the impression that the home hasn’t been well cared for, even if that’s far from the truth.
Here’s what I always recommend to my clients:
- Deep clean everything: Floors, carpets, furniture, drapes — any place your pet touches should be spotless. Consider hiring a professional cleaning service, especially if there are lingering smells.
- Focus on pet odor control: Litter boxes, dog beds, and food bowls can all harbor smells. Clean or replace them and use an air purifier to freshen the air.
- Clean the yard: If you have dogs, make sure the backyard is picked up and looking neat. You don’t want buyers stepping in surprises.
Staging Your Home Without the “Pet Factor”
While your home is on the market, it helps to minimize signs of pets. Buyers are trying to imagine themselves living there, and sometimes reminders of pets can be distracting.
- Hide pet toys, bowls, and beds before showings.
- Repair any visible damage like scratched baseboards, chewed furniture legs, or stained carpets.
- Consider repainting if walls have scuff marks or pet stains.
What About During Showings?
This is a big one. I always recommend that pets be removed from the home during open houses or showings. Not only is it safer for your pet, but it makes the experience more comfortable for buyers who may have allergies or fears.
Some options:
- Take your pet for a walk or drive during the showing time.
- Ask a friend or neighbor to help pet-sit.
- Look into local pet daycares — many offer short-term stays.
Disclose Honestly, But Market Smartly
Yes, you’ll need to disclose any pet-related damage or repairs made — that’s just good ethics (and good business). But you don’t need to center your home’s story around your pets. Instead, highlight the home’s best features — a large yard, hardwood floors, natural light — and let buyers fall in love without distractions.
Bonus Tips from Experience
Over the years, I’ve picked up a few golden rules that always help:
- Use enzyme cleaners — they’re much more effective on pet messes than standard sprays.
- Keep pet areas tidy between showings, just in case there’s a last-minute request.
- Don’t forget the photos! Make sure pets are out of listing photos. As cute as they are, they shouldn’t be the stars of your marketing.
In the End, It’s All About Creating the Right Feel
When buyers walk through your home, they’re not just looking at the layout — they’re trying to imagine their new life there. A clean, fresh, welcoming space gives them room to dream. With a little extra effort, your home can shine — pets and all.
Thinking about listing your home and not sure where to start? Let’s talk — I’m here to help, every step of the way.