Selling your home when you have pets
Pets bring so much joy to our homes, but when it comes to presenting your property for sale, it’s important to consider how your furry friend might impact potential buyer. If you’re preparing to sell, here are a few key things to think about as you get your home ready for marketing photos and viewings.
Making them part of the story
Let’s start with the positives. Pets can absolutely enhance a home’s appeal. A friendly, well-groomed pet can make a space feel lived-in and loved, something buyers often connect with emotionally. Listing photos and videos with your pet (used sparingly) can highlight lifestyle features. A pup snoozing by the fire, or a cat curled up in a bay window can showcase the warmth and character of the home. We’ve included some of our favourite shots captured by photographer, Scott, on camera, throughout this piece to give you an idea of the sort of thing that buyers love.
What to do about viewings
If your pet is calm and well-behaved, they could be okay to stay for viewings. But some buyers may be allergic, nervous, or just not "pet people". It might be better to arrange for your pet to be out of the house during viewings or the open house appointment (e.g. arrange a dog walk, or a trip to a friend or family member’s home). If that’s not possible, create a comfortable, secure space for your pet in a separate room and pop a polite sign on the door.
Eliminate odours
As pet owners, we often become so used to our pets that we no longer notice their scent, but that doesn’t mean others won’t. Even in the cleanest of homes, potential buyers will likely pick up on subtle smells you’ve gone nose-blind to over time.
- Deep clean everything, especially carpets, rugs, sofas and anywhere your pet likes to nap.
- For the carpets, consider hiring a professional. While a buyer may still plan to replace them down the line, a thorough clean will help eliminate lingering odours and make the space feel fresher and more cared for.
- Neutralise, don’t just mask. Use pet-safe odour removers and avoid overly strong air fresheners, which can raise suspicions and lead buyers to wonder what you're trying to cover up.
- Groom your pet regularly to help reduce dander and shedding during the selling period.
- Keep windows open when you can to allow fresh air to circulate, especially before viewings.
Fix the evidence & de-clutter
Claw marks, chew damage and wear-and-tear from little paws might go unnoticed day-to-day, but eagle-eyed buyers will spot them!
- Touch up scuffed paintwork and baseboards.
- Replace or repair chewed corners, scratched floors or damaged garden patches.
- You might love your dog’s toy basket or your cat’s climbing tower, but removing the visual signs of your pet’s presence will help buyers picture their own lives here. Tuck away pet beds, food bowls, leads and toys before each viewing.
- Don't forget outside! Take time to tidy up the garden before viewings, clearing away any chewed toys or well-loved balls.
- Use stylish baskets or hidden storage for pet supplies if they need to stay in the house.
- Organise your marketing video and photos to be taken after all this decluttering, so you’re presenting the calmest, cleanest version of your home. Less visual ‘noise’ means more focus on your home’s best features.
We offer free home staging for all our vendors, helping you present your property at its absolute best, from layout to lighting and everything in between. It’s just one of the ways we make sure your home stands out from the rest.
Selling your home in Cardiff this year? Book a free valuation or call our team on 02920 454555.
The information contained within this article was correct at the date of publishing and is not guaranteed to remain correct in the present day.
