Selling Your Home with Pets? Here’s How to Make It Shine for Every Buyer

Here’s how to make your home dog-proof (or cat-proof!) for showings—without making your furry friends feel forgotten:

1. Remove All Signs of Your Pet

Start with the basics. Before showings:

• Hide food bowls, toys, beds, and litter boxes.
• Put away leashes, harnesses, crates, and pet clothing.
• Clean up the yard—no one wants to step in anything unpleasant while exploring their future backyard!

Buyers should be able to walk through your home without any visible signs that a pet lives there. You’re creating a blank canvas that allows them to envision their life in your home—not yours.

2. Deep Clean Everything

Even the cleanest pets leave behind fur, odors, and stains.

• Vacuum daily, especially upholstery and rugs.
• Steam-clean carpets and mop hard floors.
• Wash pet bedding and clean any spots where your pet typically lounges.
• Consider hiring a professional cleaning crew before listing your home—it’s an investment that can pay off in a higher offer.

3. Neutralize Odors

Pet odors are one of the biggest red flags for buyers. You might be “nose blind” to them, but others won’t be.

• Use odor-neutralizing sprays (not just air fresheners that mask smells).
• Replace air filters and clean vents.
• Open windows before showings to air out the space.

4. Repair Pet Damage

Claw marks on doors, chewed baseboards, scratched floors, or screen tears can be subtle—but they signal to buyers that the home may not have been well-maintained.

• Patch and paint scratched walls.
• Replace or repair any damaged flooring.
• Re-screen torn windows or patio doors.

These little fixes go a long way toward presenting your home in the best light.

5. Relocate Pets for Showings

This is crucial. If possible:

• Take your pets with you during showings.
• If that’s not an option, ask a friend or family member to help.
• As a last resort, consider using a local pet daycare for a few hours.

Never leave pets loose during a showing. Not only can it be a safety issue, but it can also distract buyers or make them feel uncomfortable.

6. Stage Like a Pro

Make your home look inviting, spacious, and clean.

• Replace pet-specific furniture with more neutral décor.
• Use throws or pillows that don’t have paw prints or pet-themed designs.
• Consider fresh flowers or plants to bring new life into the space.

Your home should look like a model—not like a kennel.

Final Thoughts

You love your pets, and there’s no doubt that your home has been full of wonderful memories with them. But when it comes time to sell, it’s important to shift gears and market your home in a way that speaks to the broadest group of potential buyers.

By taking the extra steps to “dog-proof” your home for showings, you’re not hiding your furry family—you’re simply making it easier for someone else to fall in love with your space.

Need help prepping your home for sale—pets and all? I’d love to guide you every step of the way.

Melissa Conway, Realtor®
L & I Group | LPT Realty
“Tampa Bay connected, Tampa Bay perfected.”
📞 352-558-9345 | 🌐 melissasellsluxury.life