Selling a home is a big undertaking, and when you have pets, there are extra steps to ensure your home shows beautifully. While pets are beloved family members (and at StyleHouse, we adore our furry friends!), buyers often look for spaces that feel clean, neutral, and well maintained.
If you’re preparing to list your home, or you’re a Realtor guiding clients with pets, this guide walks you through exactly what to do with pets when selling a home, including open houses, MLS photos, and everyday showings.
Why Pets Can Impact the Home-Selling Process
Many buyers love animals, but visible signs of pets can be distracting, or even a deal-breaker. Pet odors, fur, damaged surfaces, and clutter can lead buyers to worry about the home’s condition.
Preparing a home with pets for sale is all about presenting the property in its best light and ensuring nothing takes attention away from the features you want buyers to fall in love with.
1. What to Do With Pets During Showings and Open Houses
One of the most important steps when selling a home with pets is deciding where your pets will go during:
- MLS listing photos
- Open houses
- Private showings
The best option is to remove pets from the home temporarily. Consider:
- Doggie daycare
- A neighbor or family member
- A trusted pet sitter
- Taking them on a walk or car ride during showings
Keeping pets out of the home ensures showings run smoothly and allows buyers to focus fully on the property.
2. Hide All Pet Items Before Buyers Arrive
A key part of staging a home with pets is removing as much pet evidence as possible. Before photos or showings, pack away:
- Food and water bowls
- Litter boxes
- Pet beds & blankets
- Crates and carriers
- Toys and bones
- Leashes and harnesses
- Scratching posts or cat trees
Buyers look in closets, cabinets, and corners, so neatly stored bins help make the home feel clean and organized.
3. Deep Clean to Remove Odors, Hair & Dander
A deep clean is essential for every home before listing, even for sellers without pets, but it’s especially important if animals live in the home.
Before going live on the market, make sure to:
- Have all carpets professionally cleaned
- Steam-clean or mop hard floors
- Wash curtains, bedding, and slipcovers
- Vacuum upholstery and vents
- Clean baseboards, corners, and under furniture
- Replace HVAC filters
- Air out the home to remove any lingering smells
- Power wash backyard turf, if applicable
If odors or stains remain, consider specialty cleaning services. A fresh-smelling home makes a powerful first impression.
4. Fix Pet-Related Damage Before Listing Your Home
When buyers see pet damage, they often assume there may be additional hidden issues. Repairing these items improves both the showing experience and the perceived value of the home.
Look for and repair:
- Scratched hardwood floors
- Chewed trim or baseboards
- Damaged screens
- Stained carpets
- Worn backyard landscaping or holes
- Damaged fencing
Homes with pets can absolutely show beautifully, but small repairs go a long way toward creating a move-in-ready impression.
5. Highlight Pet-Friendly Features (When Appropriate)
Many buyers also own pets, so pet-friendly upgrades can be a selling point, if the home is clean and decluttered.
Consider highlighting:
- Fenced dog run
- Easy-clean flooring
- Mudroom or entry storage
- Nearby parks or walking trails
- Built-in pet nooks or feeding stations
Make sure these features enhance the listing without calling attention to pet-related wear.
Here at StyleHouse, We LOVE Our Pets
We’re a team of animal lovers at heart, and we know firsthand how much joy pets bring into a home. Here are some of the furry faces behind our team:
Our Designers & Stagers’ Pets
Picture 1: Harley, Hallie, & Howard – Alex’s adorable trio of Weiner dogs
Picture 2: Waylon – Rebekah’s pup with great music taste
Our Owners’ Pups
Picture 3: Melo & Oliver — Lola’s pups truly think they run the office
Final Thoughts: Selling a Home With Pets Is Completely Doable
With the right preparation, a pet-friendly home can show just as beautifully as a pet-free one. By focusing on cleanliness, repairs, odor control, and a good plan for showings, sellers can make a strong first impression and attract more buyers.
If you’re a Realtor working with pet owners, or a homeowner preparing to list, StyleHouse Home Staging is here to help you present your home at its best.
Need help getting your home photo-ready or staged? Reach out to our office, we love pets, and we know exactly how to keep your listing looking flawless.
I love that pup of mine <3