What Your Pet Owner Clients Need to Know Before Listing
Love your furry family members, but worried about how they'll affect your home sale? You're not alone. Nearly 70% of American households have pets, but when it comes to selling your home, those beloved companions can present unique challenges. The good news? With proper preparation and staging strategies, pet owners can successfully sell their homes without compromising on price or timeline.
The Reality of Pets and Home Sales
While you adore your pets, potential buyers might not share the same enthusiasm—especially if they have allergies, phobias, or simply prefer pet-free environments. Common concerns buyers have about pet-occupied homes include:
Lingering odors
Visible pet damage
Allergy triggers
Hygiene concerns
Potential ongoing maintenance issues
The key is addressing these concerns proactively through strategic staging and preparation.
Deep Cleaning is Non-Negotiable
Standard cleaning won't suffice when pets are involved. You'll need to go deeper:
Eliminate Odors Completely:
Steam clean all carpets and upholstery
Wash or replace pet bedding and toys
Clean air ducts and replace HVAC filters
Use enzyme-based cleaners on any accident spots
Consider professional odor removal services for persistent smells
Address Pet Hair:
Vacuum daily, including furniture and drapes
Use lint rollers on fabric surfaces
Consider professional upholstery cleaning
Temporary Relocation During Showings
For maximum appeal, pets should be absent during showings:
Make Arrangements:
Ask friends or family to pet-sit during showing times
Use doggy daycare services
Take pets for long walks or car rides
Board pets temporarily if you have extended showing periods
Remove Evidence:
Store food and water bowls
Put away toys, leashes, and pet accessories
Remove litter boxes completely (don't just hide them)
Take down pet photos and certificates
Store pet furniture like scratching posts or dog beds
Addressing Pet Damage
Be honest about pet-related wear and tear—buyers will notice:
Flooring Issues:
Replace damaged hardwood boards or carpet sections
Refinish scratched hardwood floors
Address any subflooring damage from accidents
Consider professional cleaning or removing heavily damaged carpets
Wall and Door Damage:
Repair scratches on doors and trim
Touch up paint where pets have rubbed against walls
Replace or repair any chewed baseboards or trim
Fill and paint over any nail holes from pet gates
Yard Concerns:
Fill in holes and bare spots in the lawn
Remove or replace artificial grass if heavily soiled
Address any fence damage
Ensure landscaping hasn't been damaged by digging
Strategic Staging for Pet Owners
Create Fresh, Clean Spaces:
Open windows for fresh air circulation
Use subtle, fresh scents (avoid overwhelming air fresheners)
Ensure excellent lighting to showcase cleanliness
Add fresh flowers or plants to create a clean, natural atmosphere
Special Considerations by Pet Type
Dogs:
Address yard odors and damage
Clean muddy paw prints from entryways
Address scratches on doors and floors
Cats:
Address scratching damage on furniture and carpets
Clean windowsills where cats may have lounged
Remove cat trees and scratching posts
Other Pets:
Ensure cages are completely clean and odor-free
Address any damage to walls or surfaces
Remove all evidence of the pet's presence during showings
The Investment is Worth It
While pet-related staging preparation can be extensive and costly, it's an investment in your home's saleability:
Homes that smell like pets can sit on the market longer
Pet odors can lead to lower offers
Visible pet damage suggests poor maintenance to buyers
Clean, fresh homes appeal to the broadest buyer pool
Want More Proven Staging Strategies?
Staging a home with pets adds a unique layer of challenges—and opportunities. If you want more practical, real-world advice on how to stage listings that shine (pets or no
pets), be sure to check out my online course, The Realtor’s Ultimate Guide to Home Staging Success. It’s packed with tips, strategies, and insights I’ve learned over 20+ years of professionally staging homes to sell. Whether you're new to staging or looking to sharpen your skills, this course will give you the tools you need to help your clients make a lasting first impression.
