Selling a home that has long been a sanctuary for pets has benefits and challenges. A pet-friendly property is a major plus for many buyers but could be a turn-off for others. The key is to use this quality as an advantage rather than allow it to set you back. 

Here are some tips to help you navigate selling a pet-friendly home.

1. Encourage Sellers to Clean Up and Eliminate Odors

Although keeping the property clean is necessary to sell any home, it's especially critical when selling one accustomed to having pets on the premises. 

To keep the property clean and smelling fresh, if applicable, sellers should start by getting their pets groomed frequently and brushing their hair daily to prevent any sort of shedding. They should also use a lint roller or another device to remove any pet hair that does reach the home's surfaces. Next, they should wash their pets' toys and bedding regularly. They should additionally be sure to vacuum carpets and remove surface stains. Finally, they should invest in placemats and furniture covers to prevent new stains during the sale process.

2. Market the Home as Pet-Friendly 

The next thing you must do when selling a home that has previously housed one or more pets is to get creative and use this to appeal to the right customers. 

The best place to start this marketing is with your property listing. Whether the home has a big yard, a sturdy fence, a dog park across the street, or a dog groomer just down the road, use these features and amenities as selling points to lure in buyers in your listing description. Also, appeal to them visually by using high-quality images of the home's backyard, corner pet nook, or neighborhood walking trail. Lastly, use targeted advertising to get the property seen directly by pet lovers in the market for a new home.

3. Advise Sellers to Make Necessary Repairs

Homes that have housed pets at any time are far more likely to have wear and tear, like scratched floors, chewed-up furniture, or damaged landscaping. These issues can deter buyers, cause concern during the home inspection, and even lower the property value. So, it's in the seller's best interest to make necessary repairs before the home goes on the market. 

Once they finish these repairs, make sure the seller does their best to prevent any new damage from occurring before the sale is complete.

4. Ensure Pets Aren't Present During Showings

Even if you target people who enjoy pets, having them present while buyers are touring the home can be an issue for both you as the agent and the seller. The only pets not likely to impact your home sale are goldfish and other creatures kept in a tank. Otherwise, they should be off the property. So you should ask your sellers to devise a plan to take their pet with them or find a pet sitter anytime you need to show the home. 

The key to a successful showing is making the buyers feel comfortable. While they may be animal lovers, a barking dog, a purring cat with sharp claws, or a loud bird likely won't help their comfort level. Having these animals in the home could impact their decision even before they take the tour. Not only can the presence of pets turn away potential buyers, but it also puts the seller at risk of being liable in the event of an injury, such as a bite or an allergic reaction. 

Some sellers may ask if they can leave their pet in an upstairs bedroom, outside, or crate somewhere in the home. But even if the buyers can't interact with them, they may still be able to hear them. Plus, you never want any part of the home to feel "off-limits" during the tour.

5. Be Transparent About the Home's Pet History

When selling a pet-friendly home, the last thing you want to do is lie about or leave out the home's pet history. It's best to be upfront about what animals currently roam the property and what has lived there.

While you don't want pets to be present during home tours, you should inform potential buyers of any pets that live there so they are not surprised by any odors, stray hairs, or scratches found within the home. After all, the fastest way to lose a buyer's trust is by making them feel like all the necessary information on a property was not disclosed.

6. Be Strategic With Staging

As you want your listing to show prospective buyers how pet-friendly the home is through the photos and description, this should also be evident through the staging.

A minimalist style is often more suitable for pet owners since it offers more room for pets to run around, so try to stay moderate with the furniture and decorations. Also, make sure that the home isn't just accessible for pets but appears safe for them. You can accomplish this by removing dangling wires, avoiding certain houseplants, and keeping items like trash cans tucked away in a cabinet. You can also show off the opportunity for a designated pet nook or highlight the home's pet door. 

While it's great to showcase pet-friendly features, you don't want to overwhelm prospects or make it difficult for them to envision themselves living in space. To avoid this, have your sellers remove any feeding bowls, pet toys, and pet bedding from plain sight. 

More Households Have Pets Than Ever Before

According to Forbes, in 2024, 66% of households in the U.S. have pets. Up 10% from 1988, the percentage of pet owners significantly increased during the pandemic and with the increase in remote work. 

With about two-thirds of the population owning a pet today, be prepared for sellers to have at least one, if not multiple, pets. While pets do provide obvious obstacles, this also offers the opportunity to appeal to other pet owners searching for a new home. 

Understanding the basics of how to sell a pet-friendly home is beneficial for the success of your real estate business, and it will only become more necessary over time. Use these tips to make the selling process seamless and attract the best buyers!