Selling a Home With Pets: Tips to Prepare for Successful Showings

Pets are part of the family—but when your home is on the market, they can unintentionally make it harder for buyers to focus on the property itself. Even animal lovers may be sensitive to odors, noise, or signs of wear. Preparing your home properly can help ensure that buyers see the home’s potential, not the pet presence.

Here are practical tips for pet-owning sellers to get their home showing-ready.

1. Control Odors—Even the Ones You Don’t Notice

Pet owners often become “nose blind” to smells that visitors notice immediately. Before showings:

• Deep clean carpets, rugs, and upholstery
• Wash pet bedding, blankets, and toys
• Clean litter boxes and cages daily
• Use neutral, light scents—avoid strong air fresheners that raise suspicion

If odors are persistent, professional carpet cleaning or deodorizing treatments can be a worthwhile investment.

2. Remove Pets During Showings

Whenever possible, remove pets from the home for showings and open houses. Even friendly animals can distract buyers, cause allergies, or make visitors uncomfortable. Options include:

• Boarding pets temporarily
• Having a friend or family member watch them
• Crating pets off-site during showings

If removal isn’t possible, confine pets securely to one area and clearly notify your agent.

3. Hide the Evidence

Pet items can make a home feel less clean and more cluttered. Before each showing:

• Put away food bowls, litter boxes, leashes, and toys
• Store crates, scratching posts, and pet beds out of sight
• Vacuum hair from furniture, floors, and baseboards

The goal is not to erase your lifestyle, but to help buyers imagine their own.

4. Repair Pet-Related Wear and Tear

Buyers notice scratched floors, chewed trim, stained carpets, and damaged screens. Addressing these issues ahead of time can prevent negative assumptions about overall maintenance. Simple fixes include:

• Touching up baseboards and door frames
• Replacing heavily damaged carpet
• Refinishing scratched hardwoods if necessary
• Repairing doors or screens

These improvements often pay off in stronger offers and fewer inspection objections.

5. Keep the Yard Clean and Neutral

Outdoor areas matter just as much as interiors. Before showings:

• Remove pet waste from the yard daily
• Repair worn grass or patch areas damaged by pets
• Store dog runs, cages, or pet fencing if possible

A clean, neutral yard helps buyers focus on space and potential—not upkeep concerns.

6. Be Mindful of Noise

Barking, whining, or scratching during showings can quickly turn buyers off. Pets that react to doorbells or strangers can disrupt tours and shorten showing times. If pets must remain in the home:

• Leave calming music on
• Use pet calming products if recommended by your vet
• Inform your agent so showings can be managed smoothly

7. Disclose Thoughtfully, Not Prominently

There’s no need to hide that pets live in the home, but it’s best not to spotlight it. Avoid photos in listings that include pets or pet accessories. Neutral, clean visuals photograph better and appeal to a wider audience.

Final Thoughts

Selling a home with pets requires extra planning, but it doesn’t have to be stressful. By minimizing odors, clutter, and distractions, you create an environment where buyers can focus on the home—not the animals who live there.

With thoughtful preparation, pet-owning sellers can attract more buyers, stronger offers, and smoother transactions—all while keeping their furry family members comfortable during the process.