Selling Your Home with Pets: What Every Pet Owner Needs to Know
Pets are beloved family members, but when it comes time to sell your home, they can present unique challenges. As empathetic pet lovers ourselves, we understand how difficult it can be to juggle the needs of your furry companions while trying to present your home in its best possible light. From lingering odours to unexpected pet behaviours, here are some practical and compassionate considerations to keep in mind when selling a home with pets.
1. First Impressions Matter: Odour Control
You may be used to the scent of your pets, but potential buyers aren’t—and unfortunately, strong odours can be a dealbreaker. Before listing your home, invest in a deep clean. This includes carpets, upholstery, litter boxes, pet beds, and any surfaces your pets frequent. Consider professional cleaning services, and avoid masking smells with heavy fragrances. Fresh air, clean surfaces, and subtle, natural scents make the best impression.
2. Showings and Availability
Buyers often request showings with short notice, and it’s essential your home is ready to go—pets and all. If possible, remove pets from the home during showings. Arrange for them to stay with a friend, neighbour, or take a quick trip to the dog park or pet daycare. Not only does this keep your animals safe, but it also allows buyers to tour freely without distraction or concern.
3. Safety First: Aggressive or Anxious Pets
Even the friendliest pets can become stressed by strangers in their space. Pets that are anxious, territorial, or prone to nipping may react unpredictably. In some cases, buyers may have allergies or a fear of animals. Never leave pets unattended or loose during showings. Use crates when absolutely necessary—but know that removing the pet altogether is the safest and most professional option.
4. Backyard Clean-Up
It may sound simple, but it’s often overlooked: clean up after your dog before every showing. Pet waste in the yard is an instant red flag for many buyers. A tidy, fresh-smelling backyard signals to potential buyers that the home has been well cared for—and allows them to imagine themselves using the outdoor space.
5. Pet Damage and Repairs
Scratched floors, chewed baseboards, and torn screens can all stand out to potential buyers. Before listing, take stock of any wear and tear caused by pets and address it proactively. Minor fixes go a long way toward showcasing your home’s condition. Also consider touching up paint in areas that have been repeatedly rubbed or scratched.
6. Staging Without the Pet Presence
While your pet may be adorable, personal items like food dishes, litter boxes, crates, scratching posts, or toys should be tucked away during showings. Don’t forget to store food bowls, water dishes, litter boxes, toys, leashes, and pet beds out of sight before every showing. These items, while comforting to us, can signal extra maintenance or mess to a buyer. Removing these items helps depersonalize the space and makes it easier for buyers to imagine their own lives in your home. A clean, neutral setting is the goal.
7. Full Disclosure
If your pet has caused any notable damage, such as urine stains on flooring or lingering odours, it’s best to be upfront with your real estate agent. They can help you navigate how to address the issue—either through repairs or transparent communication with buyers. Honesty helps avoid surprises later in the negotiation process.
8. Additional Considerations
Homes with pets can accumulate more allergens and dander than you might realize—especially if you’ve lived there for many years. Having your HVAC system and ductwork professionally cleaned can improve indoor air quality and reassure allergy-prone buyers. Vacuum thoroughly, use HEPA filters, and eliminate any signs of pet hair or fleas that may raise concerns during a showing or home inspection.
9. Managing Pet Stress
Emotionally, it’s important to remember that moving can be stressful for pets too. Sudden changes in routine, packed boxes/moved furniture, strangers walking through the home, and being relocated—even temporarily—can cause anxiety in animals. Consider a quiet room, trusted pet-sitter, or temporary stay with a friend or family member during the most active showing period. This can reduce your stress and your pet’s.
10. Showing Availability
Lastly, declining showings due to pet logistics may seem like a short-term fix, but it can actually hurt your chances of selling quickly or for top dollar. If pets make showings difficult, work with your REALTOR early to create a flexible, pet-friendly showing plan. At The Dan Gemus Real Estate Team, we’ve helped many Windsor-Essex County homeowners navigate this exact scenario with compassion and clarity.
Selling with Compassion
We know that selling your home is emotional—especially when pets are part of the equation. At The Dan Gemus Real Estate Team, we’re not only experienced professionals, but many of us are pet owners too. We understand how to market your home effectively while respecting your routines and keeping your pets’ wellbeing in mind.
If you’re thinking of selling and aren’t sure how to juggle it all, reach out to our team. We’ll guide you with care, strategy, and respect—for you and your four-legged family members.
Ready to sell your pet-friendly home? Contact The Dan Gemus Real Estate Team Ltd., Brokerage for a free home market evaluation in Windsor and Essex County.
Thinking about buying or selling your next home in Windsor or Essex County? Contact The Dan Gemus Real Estate Team today for expert advice and a free home evaluation!
About The Dan Gemus Real Estate Team
The Dan Gemus Real Estate Team is a top trusted real estate team located in the heart of Windsor and Essex County, ON, offering exceptional service and expertise with helping clients successfully buy and sell homes and navigate the homebuying and selling process in Windsor and Essex County with ease. With a proven track record of success and deep roots in the community, The Dan Gemus Team is committed to helping clients achieve their real estate goals with integrity, professionalism, and a client-first approach. Whether you’re thinking of buying, selling, or investing, we’re here to guide you every step of the way. Tune in to The Dan Gemus Real Estate Show for expert insights and Windsor and Essex County market updates, and don’t forget to explore our exclusive VIP Perks Program, offering incredible discounts and benefits from local businesses. Discover how we can make your real estate journey exceptional at DanGemus.com.
This blog is intended for informational purposes only and not intended to replace legal or financial advice, nor is it intended to solicit those under contract with another brokerage.