Your Home and Pets: Moving, Buying, and Selling with Care

Pets are part of the household, and a move works better when they are planned for from the start. I am Cynthia Benbow, DVM, REALTOR®, with eXp Realty, LLC, a licensed veterinarian and a realtor serving the Northshore, including Mandeville, and the New Orleans area. I use both parts of that background when we talk about a move, a purchase, or a listing, without replacing your own veterinarian.

This page covers three parts of home life with pets: moving day and settling in, what to look for when you buy, and how to prepare a home for sale when pets already live there. These are general tips, not veterinary, legal, or insurance advice, and they are not a promise about any sale, purchase, or animal. For health or travel questions, ask your own veterinarian.

Moving with Pets

A move is noisy and out of routine, which can be hard on dogs, cats, and other animals. A little planning before moving day, during travel, and after you arrive can keep them safer and calmer. If your animal has a medical condition or gets very anxious, ask your veterinarian what is appropriate for that animal before you go.

Moving day. Keep your pet in a secure crate or a quiet, closed room with familiar bedding, water, and a collar or harness and ID tag while doors are open and people are coming and going. Crate training, if your pet already has it, can help on moving day and in a new place. If the house will be too hectic, boarding or a trusted sitter for the day is a reasonable option. Watch doors and gates so no one slips out.

Travel. Use a secure carrier or crate, pack water, and plan breaks on longer trips. In south Louisiana heat, never leave an animal in a parked car. If your pet needs medication, a special diet, or help riding in the car, ask your veterinarian before the trip. Do not give a new supplement or sedative unless your veterinarian has directed it.

Settling in. Set up food, water, and a litter box before you let a cat or dog wander the new house. Keep familiar beds, toys, and feeding times at first, and introduce the yard gradually, on a leash if needed, until they know the space and the fence line. Be patient if a cat is slow to use a new litter box location.

Update the microchip and records. As soon as you have a new address and phone number, update the microchip registry and any ID tags. Ask your current veterinarian for a copy of vaccine and medical records, and keep them with you during the move. If a license or registration is required in the new parish or city, check those rules after you arrive.

Find a veterinarian in the area. I work with clients on the Northshore, including Mandeville, and in the New Orleans area, and I am happy to talk through practical timing, but I am not a replacement for a local veterinarian. Look up a clinic near the new home before or soon after you arrive, and have records sent ahead if you can, rather than waiting for an urgent visit. Additional moving-day notes also appear in the selling section below.

Buying a Home with Pets in Mind

When you tour a property, it helps to look at the lot, the floors, and the written rules the same way you look at the floor plan. The features below are about the home and the documents, not about who lives nearby. I can help you ask these questions while we look, and your own veterinarian, insurer, and (when needed) a legal advisor can speak to the rest.

Yards and fencing. Walk the full fence line. Look for a fully enclosed yard, gates that latch, and no obvious gaps at the ground, corners, or side yards. Shade and drainage matter in this climate. Ask who owns and maintains the fence, whether it sits on the property line, and whether a homeowners association or parish rules would affect any change you would need to make. Do not assume a fence can be added or raised after closing until you have checked.

Flooring and the interior. Hard-surface floors such as tile or vinyl plank are often easier to clean than wall-to-wall carpet, especially after wet or muddy walks. Look at baseboards, door frames, and existing floors for scratching or moisture, and notice whether there is a rinse-off spot, a place for crates or litter boxes, and a way to keep animals out of certain rooms. If a home is fully carpeted in the main rooms, consider the cost of a change rather than assuming it will work as-is.

HOA and condo pet rules. If the property is in a homeowners association or a condominium, check the HOA documents, including the covenants, bylaws, and current pet rules, before you are committed. Look for limits on the number of animals, size or weight caps, breed rules, deposits or fees, and rules about common areas, balconies, or outdoor runs. Do not rely on a listing remark that says pets are allowed. Under the Fair Housing Act, assistance animals are not pets, and HOA or condo pet limits may not apply to them; that is a legal determination for a given situation, not something this page can decide.

Parks and veterinarians nearby. It is reasonable to ask how close a property is to a clinic you would actually use and to outdoor spaces where animals are allowed. Park and trail rules differ by location and can change, so confirm current posted rules rather than assuming a path or park allows pets. For Mandeville- and Northshore-specific notes on yards, fencing, flooring, HOA and insurance rules, and parks, see Pet-Friendly Homes in Mandeville.

Questions worth asking. Who maintains the fence, and can it be altered? Are the HOA or condo pet rules in writing, and do they fit the animals you already have? Will your homeowners insurance cover those animals? Is there shade and drainage in the yard? Where would crates, litter boxes, or food be kept? I work the Northshore, including Mandeville, and the New Orleans area, and I am glad to walk a property with these questions in mind.

Selling Your Home With Pets

Pet-Friendly Home Selling Tips

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