How to Sell a Home With Pets: 10 Essential Tips for Pet Owners

Selling a home is stressful enough on its own—add pets into the mix and things can get a lot more complicated, very quickly.

Our pets are part of the family. They greet us at the door, curl up on the couch, and bring a lot of joy into our homes. But when it’s time to sell, those same pets can create extra hurdles: odors, fur, damage, allergy concerns, and logistical challenges around showings and open houses.

Whether you’re selling a home with one cat, three dogs, or a whole crew of furry (or feathered) friends, it’s important to understand how buyers will perceive your home and what extra steps you’ll need to take. Many buyers are extremely sensitive to odors, cleanliness, and signs of wear—and some may have allergies or even be afraid of certain animals.

If you’re a pet owner thinking about listing your home for sale, the good news is that you absolutely can sell successfully—and for top dollar—if you prepare properly. Below, I’ll walk you through the most important tips on how to sell a home with pets, from deep cleaning and repairs to showing strategies and avoiding common mistakes.

Chapters – How to Sell a Home With Pets

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1. Understand How Pets Can Impact Your Home Sale

When you live with pets every day, it’s easy to become “nose blind” or overlook wear and tear. Buyers, however, are walking in with fresh eyes—and sometimes heightened sensitivity. Even if they love animals, they may have concerns about:

• Odors: Litter boxes, accidents, and general pet smell are some of the top ways to scare away buyers.
• Allergies: Pet dander can trigger allergic reactions for some people the moment they walk through the door.
• Cleanliness: Visible fur, stains, or chewed trim can signal to buyers that the home hasn’t been well maintained.
• Future damage: Buyers may worry about lingering odors, hidden stains, or additional cleaning they’ll need to do after moving in.
• Fear or discomfort: Some buyers are afraid of dogs or uncomfortable around certain animals.

From a buyer’s perspective, a “pet home” sometimes equals “extra work.” Your job as a seller is to remove as many of those concerns as possible upfront so that buyers are focusing on the layout, condition, and value of your home—not your Labrador or cat tower.

One of the best starting points is to walk through your home (inside and out) with a top local listing agent and ask for honest feedback. A strong listing agent should be willing to tell you what buyers in your market will notice and what absolutely needs to be addressed before photos and showings.

2. Give Your Home a True Pet-Grade Deep Clean

A quick vacuum and wipedown isn’t enough when you’re selling a home with pets. You need a true, top-to-bottom deep clean specifically focused on eliminating odors, fur, and dander. Pet odors are one of those issues that can quietly kill a sale even if everything else looks great.

A proper pet-focused deep clean should include:

• Floors: Vacuum all carpets and rugs thoroughly (multiple passes), then have them professionally steam cleaned if there’s any sign of staining or odor. Hard-surface floors should be swept, mopped, and checked for scratches or chew marks.
• Baseboards and trim: Hair and dust love to cling to baseboards and trim, especially in corners and behind furniture.
• Behind and under furniture: Move couches, beds, and chairs—don’t just clean around them. Pet hair tends to collect in those hidden areas.
• Upholstery: Use a pet hair remover or vacuum with upholstery attachments on couches, chairs, and fabric headboards. Consider a professional upholstery cleaning if your pets spend a lot of time on the furniture.
• Closets and storage areas: Buyers open closets. Make sure you vacuum and dust inside them, especially if you store pet carriers, beds, or litter there.
• HVAC vents and filters: Replace your furnace filter and consider having ductwork cleaned if you’ve had pets for many years and/or have visible dust and fur buildup.

Even if you’re a clean person by nature, it’s often worth hiring a professional cleaning company at least once before photos and showings. A third party can give you an honest assessment of whether odors are still present, and they’ll often catch things you overlook.

If you’re not sure whether your home has lingering pet smell, invite a friend or family member who doesn’t live with pets to walk through and give you unfiltered feedback. If they notice an odor, buyers will too—and it’s better to fix it now rather than after negative feedback from multiple showings.

3. Declutter and Contain Your Pets’ Belongings

One of the most affordable and impactful ways to prepare any home for sale is to declutter. When you own pets, that includes decluttering their stuff, too. Buyers are not just evaluating space—they’re also forming an emotional impression based on how clean, organized, and calm the home feels.

Common pet-related items you’ll want to minimize or neatly contain include:

• Litter pans and litter supplies
• Dog and cat beds
• Blankets and pet throws on furniture
• Cat towers and scratching posts
• Toy bins and scattered toys
• Collars, leashes, harnesses, and sweaters
• Pet food bags, treats, and storage containers
• Food and water dishes
• Travel kennels or carriers

You don’t have to hide every single trace of your pets—completely erasing them isn’t realistic—but you do want to reduce the visual impact. A huge cat tree in front of the window, chew toys in the middle of the living room, and a line of bowls in the kitchen can all make spaces feel smaller and more chaotic.

A simple strategy is to create a “pet station” in a low-traffic area such as the basement, mudroom, or a neatly organized corner of the garage. Keep daily essentials there in covered bins or baskets, and store everything else in labeled totes so you can quickly access items when needed without leaving them out during showings.

4. Clean Up and Refresh the Exterior and Yard

Curb appeal sets the tone for the rest of the showing. When you’re selling a home with pets, the exterior needs just as much attention as the interior—especially if your pets spend time in the yard.

Be sure to:

• Pick up after your pets: This is non-negotiable. A buyer stepping in something unpleasant in the backyard is a quick way to lose an offer.
• Fill in holes and worn spots: Dogs, in particular, love to dig. Fill holes with soil, level out uneven areas, and reseed bare patches if time allows.
• Freshen landscaping: Trim bushes, edge beds, and remove any damaged or chewed plants. Make sure pathways are clear and safe.
• Clean patios and decks: Hose down patios, decks, and walkways to remove dirt, fur, and paw prints. Check for chew marks on railings or posts.
• Address fencing: Repair broken boards, latches, and gates. A well-maintained fence is a positive feature, especially for buyers who have (or want) pets.

Remember, the exterior is the first impression buyers get of your home. If what they see outside suggests heavy wear-and-tear from pets, they’ll often assume the interior has similar issues—even before they walk in the door.

5. Repair Pet-Related Damage Before You List

If your pets have caused visible damage, it’s almost always better to address it before you list rather than leaving it for buyers to find. Many buyers mentally “overprice” repairs and will either offer significantly less—or skip your home altogether—if they see obvious issues.

Common pet-related repairs to look for include:

• Stained or damaged carpet, especially around doors and in high-traffic areas
• Scratches on hardwood floors from nails
• Chewed or clawed trim around doors and windows
• Ripped or damaged window and slider screens
• Claw marks on doors (interior and exterior)
• Gouged drywall near crates or favorite sleeping spots
• Cabinet corners chewed by puppies or curious cats

Some fixes are simple DIY touch-ups; others may require a professional. A good listing agent can help you prioritize which repairs will give you the best return and which ones buyers in your price range are most likely to notice.

In many cases, refreshing flooring, patching damaged trim, and repainting scratched walls can make your home feel significantly newer and better cared for—regardless of how many pets you’ve had.

6. Address Fleas, Allergies, and Health Concerns

No seller wants to think their home might have fleas or other pests—but it happens, and buyers will absolutely notice if there’s an issue. Even if your pets are mostly indoors and well cared for, it’s smart to do a quick check before listing.

Consider:

• Checking pets for fleas: Talk with your vet about prevention and treatment options, especially if your pets go outside regularly.
• Watching for signs of pests: Excessive scratching, tiny black specks (flea dirt), or small bites on your own ankles can be warning signs.
• Professional pest inspection: If you suspect fleas or other pests, hire a licensed company to inspect and treat the home before showings.

It’s also worth thinking about buyers with allergies. While you can’t make your home allergy-proof, the deep cleaning you’ve already done (and limiting pet presence during showings) can make a big difference. Keeping fur under control and minimizing fabric surfaces covered in pet hair will help allergic buyers stay more comfortable during showings.

The goal is not perfection—it’s to demonstrate that you’ve taken your pets’ health, your home’s condition, and buyers’ comfort seriously.

7. Prepare Your Home (and Pets) for Showings

Once your home is cleaned, decluttered, and repairs are handled, the next challenge is keeping it show ready while you and your pets still live there. Selling a home requires flexibility, and restricting showings too heavily can absolutely hurt your chances of selling.

Before your home hits the market, talk with your real estate agent about:

• Notice for showings: Ideally, you’ll have at least a couple of hours’ notice so you can tidy up, remove pets, and do a quick “sniff test.” Just remember that being too inflexible with showings can cause buyers to move on to other homes.
• Showing windows: Decide what hours generally work best for you while still offering buyers plenty of opportunities to see the home.
• Pet routine: Create a simple plan for what happens when a showing is scheduled—who handles the pets, where they go, and what needs to be picked up before you leave.

Right before showings, it’s smart to:

• Quickly vacuum or Swiffer main traffic areas
• Hide toys, leashes, bowls, and litter scoops
• Make sure litter boxes are scooped and freshly topped with litter
• Empty pet garbage or waste bags from indoor trash cans
• Do a fast walk-around outside to pick up any missed pet waste

You don’t need to make your home look like it’s never seen a dog or cat—but you do want buyers to walk in and think, “Wow, this home feels clean and well cared for,” instead of immediately noticing the pets.

8. Decide Whether to Relocate, Remove, or Crate Pets During Showings

One of the biggest questions pet owners face when selling is: What do we do with the pets during showings? There isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer, but there are three main options—each with pros and cons.

Option 1: Temporarily Relocate Your Pets

For some sellers, the cleanest solution is to temporarily relocate pets while the home is on the market. That might mean:

• Having a trusted friend or family member care for them
• Using a longer-term boarding or pet hotel option
• Utilizing a pet daycare during weekdays when showings are most active

This is often the least stressful approach for showings because you’re not scrambling to move animals every time a buyer wants to visit. It also reduces ongoing hair and odor in the home.

Option 2: Remove Pets From the Home for Each Showing

If relocation isn’t realistic, the next best option is to physically remove pets during showings. That could mean:

• Taking the dog for a walk or drive during showings
• Bringing portable carriers with cats or smaller pets in the car
• Scheduling showings around your routine so you know when to be out with your animals

This approach takes more coordination, but it dramatically reduces risk. Nervous buyers aren’t forced to interact with your pets, and there’s no chance someone accidentally lets a dog or cat escape during a showing.

Option 3: Secure Pets in Crates or a Confined Area

If you truly can’t relocate or remove your pets, the last resort is to crate them or confine them to a specific room during showings. If you go this route:

• Choose a low-traffic space (for example, a corner of the basement or a mudroom).
• Make sure crates are clean and free of strong odors.
• Leave a clear note on the door if a room is off-limits due to a crated pet (“Please don’t open—cat inside”).
• Let your agent know exactly where pets will be so buyers aren’t surprised.

Allowing pets to roam freely during showings is almost never a good idea. In addition to making some buyers uncomfortable, there’s a real risk of an escape or even an injury—neither of which you want to deal with in the middle of a sale.

9. Market a Pet-Friendly Home the Right Way

If your home has genuinely pet-friendly features—like a fully fenced yard, durable flooring, or nearby parks—that’s a plus. Many buyers in the Rochester area have pets and will appreciate those amenities. The key is to market the features without advertising heavy wear-and-tear from animals.

Smart ways to highlight pet-friendly features include:

• Mentioning the fully fenced backyard in the listing description
• Calling out durable, easy-to-clean flooring (LVP, tile, hardwood)
• Highlighting proximity to walking trails, parks, and dog-friendly areas
• Noting a mudroom or entry space that works well for pets and gear

What you don’t want to do is make your listing sound like it has been dominated by pets (“Perfect for multiple dogs, cats, and indoor rabbits!”). That can accidentally signal to buyers that there may be lingering odors, stains, or damage.

Your agent should balance the marketing message so buyers with pets see the home as a great fit, while buyers without pets don’t feel like they’ll have a massive cleanup project on their hands after closing.

10. Common Mistakes Sellers With Pets Need to Avoid

Over the years, I’ve seen some recurring mistakes that pet owners make when selling. Avoiding these can save you time, stress, and money.

Mistake #1: Assuming “Everyone Loves Pets”

You might be surprised how many buyers are scared of dogs, uncomfortable around animals, or highly allergic. Even buyers who do love pets may still be turned off by odors, fur, or damage. Always prepare your home as if the buyer walking through has never had a pet.

Mistake #2: Ignoring Odors Because You’re Used to Them

Sellers often underestimate just how powerful pet odors can be—and how quickly buyers will notice them. If more than one person mentions a smell, you can be sure buyers are noticing it, too. Deep cleaning and, in some cases, replacing carpet or padding is worth the investment when odors are strong.

Mistake #3: Restricting Showings Too Heavily Because of Pets

Limiting showings to a narrow window because it’s “easier for the dog” can significantly reduce the number of buyers who see your home. Serious buyers will keep looking at other homes—they won’t rearrange their entire schedule just to accommodate strict showing rules.

Mistake #4: Leaving Pets Loose During Showings

Allowing pets to roam freely while buyers and agents walk through is risky. Even the sweetest dog can react unpredictably if they feel threatened or surprised. At a minimum, it can make buyers uncomfortable; at worst, it can lead to an injury and liability issues.

Mistake #5: Waiting Until After You List to Address Problems

If you know there’s damage, strong odors, or serious clutter from pets, don’t wait for buyer feedback to address it. By the time buyers are leaving negative comments about smell or condition, you’ve already lost potential offers—and your home may sit on the market longer than it needs to.

A better approach is to be proactive. Walk through your home with a critical eye (and a trusted agent), create a punch list of pet-related items, and take care of them before your professional photos are taken and the listing goes live.

Final Thoughts: Selling Successfully With Pets in Rochester

Selling a home with pets does add extra steps—but it doesn’t have to derail your sale. With the right preparation, smart showing strategies, and a top listing agent in your corner, you can absolutely sell your home quickly and for a strong price without sidelining your furry family members.

By deep cleaning, repairing visible damage, decluttering pet belongings, refreshing the yard, and creating a clear plan for showings, you’ll dramatically improve how buyers perceive your home. Instead of focusing on your pets, they’ll be focused on the things that really matter: layout, condition, location, and value.

Thinking about selling a home with pets in the Greater Rochester NY area? I’ve helped hundreds of local sellers (many with dogs, cats, and other pets) navigate the process smoothly. I’d be happy to walk through your home, give honest feedback, and put together a customized game plan for getting you top dollar—while keeping the process as low-stress as possible for you and your animals.

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About the Author & Rochester’s Real Estate Blog

The above article, “How to Sell a Home With Pets: 10 Essential Tips for Pet Owners”, was written by Kyle Hiscock, a top Greece NY Realtor with Hiscock Homes at REMAX Realty Group.

Since being launched in 2013, I’ve published more than 150 in-depth, unique real estate articles on the Rochester Real Estate Blog, covering topics from home buying and selling to pricing strategies, inspections, mortgages, and detailed local market insights. In addition to real estate content, you’ll also find many helpful resources about living in the Greater Rochester NY area.

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