Selling Your Home as a Pet Owner

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As both a veterinarian and a realtor, I frequently receive questions about how to remove pet odors, manage pets during showings, clean pet stains, and control pet fur when listing a home for sale. To assist my pet-owning real estate clients, I emphasize the importance of addressing these concerns, as pets can significantly impact a home’s appeal in ways owners might not notice but potential buyers will. Even the most beloved pets can inadvertently affect your home, and what may go unnoticed by you could deter a buyer and hinder your sale. The following expert tips will help you identify and resolve these issues to ensure a successful and smooth home-selling process. Links to my favorite products are also provided at the bottom of the page to help save you time evaluating the vast array of options on the market.

1. Eliminate Pet Odors

Pet odors can be a major turnoff for potential buyers. Use carpet and floor pet stain removers, odor removal aerosol sprays, and pet-safe diffusers, wax warmers, and candles (but never leave candles unattended). Regularly clean your home to maintain a fresh scent. 

2. Manage Pets During Showings

Best Option: Remove pets from the home during showings. Consider taking them for a long walk, car ride, or arranging for a pet sitter.
If Pets Must Stay: Use pheromone diffusers, anti-anxiety calming probiotics, and treats to reduce stress. Inform your realtor and ensure they notify the buyer’s agent about the pets' presence and location. Be certain pets are regularly bathed, litter boxes are cleaned, and the yard is free of feces.

3. Fleas

Fleas can be a significant concern for potential buyers. Regularly inspect your pets and home for signs of fleas. Ask a trusted friend, neighbor, realtor, pet professional, or pest expert to check for fleas. Remember, their goal is to help you resolve the issue, so avoid getting upset—they're assisting you in selling your home. Use flea treatments and maintain a clean environment to prevent infestations. Understanding the flea life cycle is key to effective treatment; be sure to read my article on Getting Flea Concerns Under Control for Homeowners.

4. Discuss Showings with Your Realtor and Perform a Trial Run

Decide with your realtor if you will allow last-minute showings. Understand that limiting showings may reduce the number of interested buyers. If pets are present, make sure the realtor communicates this to potential buyers. Conduct a trial run before the first open house or showing. This helps you and your pets adjust to the process and identify any potential issues.

5. Prepare for Showings

Remove pets from the home at least 30 minutes before showings to allow for setup. Request a courtesy call when the showing is over, or the last people have left after the end of the open house.

6. Pet Safety and Realtor Assistance

If pets must stay at home, ensure your listing agent informs the buyer's agent. Clarify the pets' locations and any special instructions. Consider asking your agent for help, such as walking pets or playing with them in the yard during showings and discuss any additional compensation for these services.

7. Clean Pet Stains

Regularly wipe down pet stains on walls (e.g., slobber from a mastiff). Keep your home clean to maintain its appeal. If needed or recommended, and if possible, shampoo carpeted areas.

8. Combat Pet Fur

Use a self-vacuum or iRobot vacuum morning and night to manage pet fur. Use sticky pet rollers on sofas and chairs and dust hard surface furniture frequently.

9. Maintain HVAC Systems

Ensure HVAC filters and vents are free of fur and changed regularly during the listing period. This demonstrates proper care of your HVAC system and improves air quality.

10. Prepare for Moving Day

• Crate Training: Crate training helps during moving day and can prevent pets from running away in a new neighborhood.
• Introducing Pets to a New Home: Gradually introduce pets to their new home and yard.
• Litter Box Placement: Place the litter box in a suitable location and be patient while retraining your cat.
• Boarding Pets: Consider boarding pets at a puppy daycare or cat facility that offers playtime while you show the home, move, or unpack.

Managing Stress on Animals During Showings

While the best option is to remove pets during showings, if they must stay:

• Pheromone Diffusers: Use products like Feliway or Adaptil to help calm pets.
• Calming Probiotics and Treats: Provide anti-anxiety supplements or treats.
• Exercise: Give pets a long walk or car ride to help them expend energy and stay calm.
• Sedatives: Some pets are just special and may need prescription sedatives from your veterinarian. 

Doing a Trial Run

Before the first open house, do a trial run to familiarize your pets with the process and ensure they are comfortable.

Discussing Showings with Your Realtor

Discuss with your realtor if you will allow last-minute showings. Understand that limiting showings may reduce buyer interest. Ensure the realtor informs potential buyers about any pets.

Removing Pets Before Showings

Remove pets at least 30 minutes before showings to facilitate setup. Request a courtesy call when the showing ends.

Realtor Assistance

If pets stay at home, inform the listing agent to notify the buyer’s agent. Specify where pets are located and any necessary precautions. Consider asking your agent for help with pet care during showings.

Getting Rid of Pet Odors

Use pet stain removers, odor removal sprays, and pet-safe diffusers. Regularly clean to maintain a fresh-smelling home.

Wiping Down Pet Stains

Clean any pet stains on walls or surfaces promptly to keep the home looking its best.

Combatting Pet Fur

Use vacuums, sticky pet rollers, and dusting tools to manage pet fur. Keep furniture and floors clean.

Maintaining HVAC Systems

Regularly change HVAC filters and clean vents to remove pet fur and ensure proper system maintenance.

Preparing Pets for Moving Day

• Crate Training: Crate training helps keep pets secure during the move.
• Introducing to New Home: Gradually introduce pets to their new environment.
• Litter Box Placement: Place the litter box in an appropriate location and be patient with retraining.
• Boarding Pets: Consider boarding pets for a "staycation" at a daycare facility during the move or unpacking process.
• Prepare Your New Home: If the previous owners had pets, don’t risk your pet’s health; use flea removal products to eliminate any potential threats and talk to your veterinarian about the flea life cycle as it’s in your best interest to use the flea management process throughout one full life cycle so you and your pets can enjoy your new home to its fullest.

By following these tips, you can ensure a smoother home selling process while keeping your pets comfortable and stress-free.

My Favorite Pet Products

Pet Odor Management

• Eco-88 Pet Stain and Odor Remover (#ad)
• Aroma 360 Wireless Pro Essential Oil Diffuser (#ad)
• UCC Plant Based All Natural Wax Melts (#ad)
• Specialty Pet Products Lavender & Chamomile Pet Odor Candle (#ad)
• Enerzen Ozone Generator (#ad)

Anti-Anxiety Products for Pets

• Adaptil Calming Pheromone Diffuser (Dogs) (#ad)
• Feliway Calming Pheromone Diffuser (Cats) (#ad)
• Feliway Calming Pheromone Diffuser (Multiple Cats) (#ad)
• Purina Pro Plan Calming Care Probiotic (Dogs) (#ad)
• Vetri-Science Composure Pro Advanced (Dogs & Cats) (#ad)

Fleas (The Flea Life Cycle)

• Virbac Knockout ES Area Treatment Carpet Spray (#ad)
• Virbac Knockout Room and Area Fogger (#ad)
• Ortho Home Defense Max Indoor Insect Barrier (#ad)

Combat Pet Fur

• Chom Chom Reusable Pet Hair Roller (#ad)
• Meiqi Home Extra Sticky Disposable Pet Hair Rollers (#ad)
• Shark Pet Hair Robot Vacuum (#ad)
• Roomba Pet Hair Robot Vacuum (#ad)

I hope you found this information useful!

Cynthia Benbow, Realtor, DVM

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