Pets are part of the family, but they can make selling your home harder. Buyers notice smells, fur, and scratches before anything else. If you want to make a good first impression, you need to deal with pets and pet smells before listing your home for sale.
Start with a deep clean
Vacuum every surface—floors, furniture, curtains, baseboards. Wash or steam-clean rugs and carpets. Mop hard floors. Clean walls and baseboards where pets rub or lean. Don’t skip behind furniture.
Handle the smell
Pet smell is usually in fabric and air. Open windows and air the house out. Use a HEPA air purifier while the home is listed. Sprinkle baking soda on carpets before vacuuming. Avoid heavy sprays—they don’t fix the problem, just cover it up.
Clean or replace pet bedding
Pet beds, blankets, and toys hold strong odors. Wash everything you’re keeping. Store them out of sight during showings. If the bedding is old or heavily used, get rid of it.
Groom your pets regularly
Brush them more often to reduce shedding. Wipe their paws after walks. Keep litter boxes, cages, and tanks clean every day. Buyers may be sensitive to these smells.
Repair visible damage
Fix scratched doors or chewed trim. Touch up paint where needed. Replace stained carpets or cover them with neutral area rugs. These details affect how buyers see the home.
Remove pets for showings
Take dogs and cats with you during viewings. If that’s not possible, keep them in crates in a garage or other space away from buyers. Not everyone is comfortable with animals.
Hide the signs
Tuck away bowls, toys, leashes, and litter boxes. Remove pet photos from the fridge. Make the space feel neutral so buyers focus on the home, not your pets.
Selling with pets takes extra effort, but it makes a difference. Clean thoroughly, manage smells, and clear out signs of pets before you list. Buyers will notice the care you’ve taken—and your home will make a better impression.
