Selling Your Home? Why You Should Remove Pets and Pet Supplies Before Showings

When you're preparing your home for sale, every detail counts—from the scent in the air to the way the light hits the kitchen counter. But one element that many homeowners overlook is their beloved pets and the supplies that come with them. While your furry companions are part of the family, they can actually hinder the selling process if not properly managed during showings.

In this post, we’ll explore why removing pets and pet-related items during home showings is essential for making the best first impression and ultimately securing top dollar for your home. Whether you’re a dog mom, cat dad, or exotic pet enthusiast, this guide is packed with practical, SEO-rich tips to help you sell your home faster and smarter.

🐶 Why Removing Pets Matters When Selling Your Home

1. Buyers Want to Imagine Themselves Living There—Not Your Pets

When potential buyers walk through your home, they’re trying to picture their lives in the space. Seeing a litter box, a dog crate, or even a pet food bowl can be distracting and emotionally disconnect them from the vision. Neutralizing the space helps buyers connect on a personal level.

2. Not Everyone Loves Animals

It might be hard to believe, but not everyone is a pet lover. Some people have allergies, fears, or cultural beliefs that make the presence of animals a deal-breaker. Pet hair on furniture, dander in the air, or a barking dog in the backyard can instantly turn off prospective buyers.

3. Pets Can Create Odors That You’ve Gone Nose-Blind To

One of the most powerful senses during a showing is smell. What’s familiar to you may be off-putting to someone else. Lingering pet odors—whether from a litter box, wet dog, or small animal cage—can be a major red flag for buyers and lead them to question how well the home has been maintained.

🧹 How to Prep Your Home for a Pet-Free Showing

✔️ Remove All Pet Supplies

• Pet beds, crates, and litter boxes
  
  

• Food and water dishes
  
  

• Leashes, toys, and scratching posts
  
  

• Aquarium filters or small pet enclosures
  
  

Store these in a closet, garage, or better yet—off-site with a friend or in your car during the showing.

✔️ Deep Clean & Deodorize

• Vacuum all carpets, rugs, and upholstered furniture
  
  

• Wash pet bedding and blankets
  
  

• Use an enzymatic cleaner to neutralize any lingering odors
  
  

• Consider using an air purifier for a few days before showings
  
  

✔️ Repair Pet-Related Damage

• Patch and repaint scratched walls or door frames
  
  

• Replace chewed or clawed baseboards
  
  

• Fix any stained carpets or hardwood floor damage
  
  

🐕 Where Should Your Pet Go During Showings?

Leaving pets at home during showings is not ideal. It can be stressful for them and distracting—or even dangerous—for visitors. Instead, consider:

• Taking them to a friend’s house or pet daycare
  
  

• Scheduling showings while you're out on a walk or trip to the dog park
  
  

• Crating them in the garage only if absolutely necessary (but try to avoid this)
  
  

📸 Bonus Tip: Stage for a Clean, Pet-Free Look

Staging your home isn’t just about furniture and lighting—it’s about creating an emotional response. A clean, pet-free environment photographs better for online listings and gives buyers peace of mind about cleanliness and maintenance.

🔑 Final Thoughts: Pet-Free Showings Help You Sell Faster and For More

Removing pets and their supplies isn’t about hiding a part of your life—it’s about marketing your home to the widest possible audience. In a competitive real estate market, these small but strategic steps can have a big impact on your home’s selling potential.

If you're planning to sell and want a custom staging plan that includes how to handle your pets, reach out today. I'm here to guide you through every step of the selling process—from pre-listing prep to final closing—with expert advice that gets results.

📍Serving Sammamish, Issaquah, Redmond, Bellevue, Kirkland, and beyond.
🏡 Ready to make a move? Let’s talk strategy.
📞 Contact me today for a complimentary home selling consultation.

Your Realtor for Life,
Kristi Jenkins