Pets are part of the family, but when it comes time to sell, they can change how buyers experience your home. Preparing a home with pets does not mean hiding the fact that animals live there. It means making sure buyers focus on the space, layout, condition, and lifestyle instead of odours, fur, scratches, noise, or distractions.
For many buyers, pets are not a problem. In fact, plenty of buyers have pets themselves. However, when someone walks through a listing, they are quietly asking one question the entire time: “Can I see myself living here?”
A strong showing helps them answer yes.
Start With Odour Before Anything Else
Pet odour is one of the fastest ways to shift a buyer’s impression. Even a clean home can carry subtle smells that the owner no longer notices.
Before listing, focus on:
- Washing pet beds, blankets, and soft toys
- Deep cleaning carpets, rugs, and upholstery
- Replacing or professionally cleaning heavily used area rugs
- Cleaning litter boxes, crates, and feeding areas daily
- Opening windows before showings when weather allows
- Avoiding heavy air fresheners that can feel like they are covering something up
A fresh home feels cared for. A heavily scented home can make buyers wonder what they are not seeing.
Repair the Small Signs of Wear
Pets can leave behind small clues that buyers notice quickly. Scratched doors, chewed trim, worn flooring, damaged screens, stained carpet, and marked baseboards can all create the impression that the home has been harder used than it really has.
Before photos and showings, look closely at:
- Door frames and trim
- Baseboards
- Flooring near entryways and feeding areas
- Backyard lawn damage
- Patio doors and window screens
- Carpet stains
- Scratches on hardwood or laminate
Not every mark needs a major repair. However, small fixes can help buyers see the home as well maintained rather than worn down.
Reduce Visual Pet Clutter
Pet items are practical, but they can create visual noise in photos and during showings. Buyers are often trying to understand room size, storage, flow, and natural light. Too many beds, toys, bowls, gates, crates, and scratching posts can make spaces feel smaller.
Before listing photos, remove or minimize:
- Extra pet beds
- Food and water bowls
- Litter boxes
- Leashes and harnesses near the entry
- Large crates
- Pet toys
- Scratching posts
- Pet gates
You do not need to erase all signs of a pet. The goal is to simplify the space so buyers can focus on the home.
Have a Showing Plan for Your Pets
The best option during showings is usually to remove pets from the home. This protects the buyer experience and keeps your pets safe and less stressed.
Consider:
- Taking dogs for a walk during showings
- Arranging daycare for busy showing days
- Asking a friend or family member to help
- Using a secure off-site option during open houses
- Creating a clear plan for short-notice showings
Even friendly pets can distract buyers. Some people are nervous around animals, some have allergies, and some simply find it hard to concentrate when a pet is present.
Do Not Forget the Yard
For detached homes, townhomes, and ground-level units, outdoor space matters. If pets use the yard, make sure it feels clean, functional, and ready for the next owner.
Before showings:
- Pick up waste daily
- Repair lawn patches where possible
- Store pet toys out of sight
- Clean patios and deck areas
- Check fencing for obvious damage
- Remove strong odours from artificial turf or pet areas
A well-kept yard helps buyers picture relaxing, entertaining, gardening, or letting their own pets enjoy the space.
Be Thoughtful With Strata and Pet Rules
If you are selling a condo or townhouse, pet policies can matter to buyers. Some buildings have restrictions around size, number of pets, types of animals, or rental-related pet rules.
Have key information ready, including:
- Pet bylaws
- Number of pets allowed
- Size or weight limits, if applicable
- Any breed or animal restrictions
- Common area rules
- Move-in and elevator rules for pet owners
Clear answers reduce uncertainty. For buyers with pets, this information can affect whether the home feels like a real option.
Make the Home Feel Easy to Maintain
Buyers are not only looking at how a home looks today. They are also thinking about future upkeep. If they see pet damage, strong odours, or clutter, they may assume the home will need more work after possession.
That can affect:
- Perceived value
- Buyer confidence
- Offer strength
- Inspection concerns
- How emotionally connected buyers feel during the showing
Preparing a home with pets is really about removing doubt. When the home feels clean, calm, and well cared for, buyers can focus on what matters.
Final Thought
Pets do not have to hurt your sale. With the right preparation, a pet-friendly home can still show beautifully, photograph well, and make buyers feel comfortable from the moment they walk in.
If you are preparing a home with pets and want advice on what to clean, repair, remove, or adjust before listing, reach out to Faber Real Estate Group for practical guidance before you go to market.
Justin V., 5-Star Review, via Google
“Scott and Cal were absolutely phenomenal! From the moment we met them, we knew we were in good hands. Their in-depth knowledge of the Victoria market was impressive, and they guided us through the entire home selling and buying process with expertise and patience. They were always available to answer our questions, and their negotiation skills were top-notch. Thanks to their hard work, we found our dream home! We highly recommend The Faber Group to anyone looking to buy or sell a property.”
Faber Real Estate Group
Royal LePage Coast Capital Realty
📞 250-244-3430
📧 scott@fabergroup.ca
ℹ️ Scott Faber Personal Real Estate Corporation
ℹ️ Cal Faber Personal Real Estate Corporation
Vanessa Wood, Zachary Parsons, and Sophie Taylor
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