Managing pets while our home was on the market required some organisation, but with a bit of planning, it went smoothly-and it even turned out to be a positive! My dog is quite energetic, so for viewings, I made sure she wasn't home to keep things calm. Sometimes I'd take her out for a walk myself, but when things got busy, I used a local pet sitter through MadPaws. It was a real lifesaver, especially for last-minute viewings, as I knew she was getting her exercise and enjoying herself while I focused on preparing the house. Our cat was a little more sensitive to the changes, so we created a cosy "safe zone" in the laundry room. We set her up with her favourite bed, food, and water, and kept the door closed during viewings, with a small note for agents asking them not to enter. It kept her relaxed and made the process far easier for everyone. One of the best surprises was how our dog actually helped sell the house! The garden was one of the property's best features-spacious, green, and ideal for pets. When the buyers found out we had a dog, they said it reassured them that their own dog would love the space too. That personal connection made them even more excited about the property, and I'm pretty sure it helped close the deal. For other pet owners in the same situation, here are a few things that worked for us: Use pet services like MadPaws or doggy day care-having someone take your pet out means you won't need to rush or stress about viewings. Create a safe, quiet space for pets-whether it's a crate, a spare room, or staying with a friend, having a designated spot helps keep pets comfortable. Communicate with your estate agent-it's helpful to get a bit of notice before viewings so you can prepare your pets and the home properly. Minimise pet clutter-store toys, beds, and bowls out of sight so prospective buyers can focus on the property, not the pets. Consider air fresheners or an air purifier-even the best-behaved pets can leave behind smells that buyers may notice more than we do. Highlight pet-friendly features-if you have a garden, pet-friendly flooring, or access to nearby parks, make sure to mention it! Buyers with pets will love knowing their furry friends will enjoy the home just as much as they will. Balancing pets and viewings can seem daunting at first, but with some planning and the right help, it's entirely manageable-and in our case, it even became a selling point!
Selling a home with pets can be challenging, but with the right approach, you can keep things smooth for both you and potential buyers. When our home was on the market, we chose to temporarily relocate our pets during showings. Whether they stayed with friends or went to daycare, this step ensured they were safe, reduced their stress, and created a more appealing, distraction-free environment for viewers. For other pet owners facing this situation, one of the best moves you can make is to deep clean frequently. Pet hair and odors can be noticeable, so vacuum regularly, use pet-safe deodorizers, and consider professional cleaning if possible. These small steps go a long way in keeping your home fresh and inviting. It's also smart to stage your home with a minimalist approach when it comes to pet items. Hide food bowls, litter boxes, and toys before each showing. By keeping pet items out of sight, buyers can better focus on your home's features rather than the presence of pets. Finally, have a plan for each showing. Ideally, pets should be removed from the home, but if that's not possible, create a comfortable, confined space for them in a spare room or garage. This helps keep them calm and ensures they're not a distraction during the tour.
It is important that the dog(s) are calm and relaxed during showings. The best way to achieve this is to make sure they are well exercised for several days prior to the open house. I generally recommend exercising the dog with three or four days of vigorous runs or hikes prior to the showing and then a more moderate fitness session on the morning of the showing. This will put the dog in a resting state for the rest of the afternoon. A wagging tail and a leisurely demeanor will only add to the positive ambiance of the house!
When we were selling our house, we made sure to take the pets out during showings to avoid any distractions or allergies for potential buyers. My advice is to plan ahead and have a trusted friend or pet daycare on standby-it keeps things stress-free for both you and your pets.