How Pets Can Affect the Sale of Your Home

How Pets Can Affect the Sale of Your Home

How Pets Can Affect the Sale of Your Home – And What You Can Do About It

For many homeowners, pets are beloved family members. They provide comfort, companionship, and joy—but when it comes time to sell your home, they can also present a few unexpected challenges.

While pet lovers will likely understand the presence of a furry friend, it’s important to remember that not all buyers are pet people. And even those who are may be turned off by signs of pets inside the home. From lingering smells and fur-covered furniture to scratched floors and backyard damage, animals—no matter how well-behaved—can impact how your property is perceived.

 

Fortunately, with some thoughtful preparation and proactive steps, you can ensure your home appeals to the widest range of buyers, pets or no pets.

Why Pets Can Be a Problem When Selling

1. Allergies and Sensitivities

Some buyers are allergic to pet hair, dander, or even pet shampoo. A property that shows signs of dogs or cats may be a deal breaker for those with sensitivities—even if your pet is clean and well-groomed.

2. Smells and Odours

Pet odours are one of the biggest issues when selling a home. You might be used to the smell of your pet, but buyers with a fresh nose won’t be. Lingering smells from litter boxes, wet dogs, or pet bedding can be a major turn-off. Strong odours create a sense that the property hasn’t been well maintained, even if it has.

3. Visible Damage

Even well-trained pets can leave marks behind:

  • Scratched timber floors and doors

  • Chewed skirting boards or furniture

  • Worn or stained carpet

  • Patchy lawn or dug-up garden beds

These issues might seem minor to a pet owner but can signal "work to be done" to a buyer—reducing the perceived value of your home.

4. Distracting During Inspections

If pets are home during open inspections, they can be a distraction. Dogs might bark or jump on visitors. Cats might hide or wander underfoot. Buyers may be too focused on your pet—and not your property.

And for those who are fearful or uncomfortable around animals, the presence of a pet can make them rush through the inspection or avoid it entirely.

How to Minimise Pet Impact When Selling

With some planning and care, you can present your home in its best light—without any distractions caused by your four-legged friends.

1. Deep Clean Everything

Start with a top-to-bottom clean of the entire home, focusing on:

  • Carpets and rugs (professional steam cleaning is best)

  • Upholstered furniture

  • Curtains and blinds

  • Pet bedding and cushions

  • Windows and sliding doors (paw prints and nose smudges)

Also clean hard floors, skirting boards, and walls where pets may have rubbed or shed fur. Deodorise the entire house with pet-friendly, neutral-smelling cleaners.

Tip: Avoid using overly strong air fresheners or candles—they can make buyers think you're trying to cover something up.

2. Remove Pet Items for Photos and Inspections

When it comes time to photograph your property or hold an inspection:

  • Hide pet bowls, beds, toys, scratching posts, and litter trays

  • Store food and accessories out of sight

  • Remove photos featuring pets from walls or fridges

This helps buyers imagine a clean, neutral space—without the reminder that animals live there. You want buyers to picture their life in your home, not yours.

3. Repair Minor Damage

Buyers notice the little things. If your pet has caused visible wear, take the time to fix it:

  • Patch or replace scratched floorboards

  • Repaint damaged walls or skirting

  • Replace torn flyscreens

  • Reseed or repair damaged patches of lawn or garden

These small fixes can go a long way toward restoring buyer confidence and protecting your home’s value.

4. Eliminate Odours at the Source

Odour control is key. Don’t just mask smells—remove the source.

  • Empty and clean litter boxes and pet waste areas regularly

  • Wash pet bedding and store it away

  • Keep windows open to circulate fresh air

  • Use odour-neutralising sprays designed for pet homes

If smells persist, consider professional odour removal services. It may cost a little, but the difference can be the reason a buyer stays longer—or walks out early.

5. Relocate Pets During Inspections

The best plan for inspections and open homes is to remove pets altogether. Ask a friend or family member to pet-sit for a few hours, or take dogs for a walk while buyers tour the property.

Cats are trickier, but if possible, relocate them or place them in a secure carrier in an out-of-the-way spot (not visible to buyers). This ensures buyers aren’t distracted or uncomfortable during their visit.

6. Clean the Yard

Outdoor spaces often bear the brunt of pet activity. Make sure the backyard is looking its best:

  • Remove all pet waste before inspections

  • Fill in holes and patch lawn where needed

  • Sweep patios and paths

  • Clean pet hair off outdoor furniture

  • Remove pet food bowls and toys from sight

A tidy, well-kept yard shows buyers the property is well maintained—and it ensures pets don’t become a red flag.

7. Be Honest but Strategic

If your home is heavily pet-influenced, be honest with your agent. They can advise on how best to present the property and what steps to take to avoid buyer objections.

However, there’s no need to advertise that pets live in the home. The goal is to appeal to the broadest range of buyers possible. Neutralise the home, remove pet indicators, and let the property speak for itself.

Should You Mention Pet Suitability as a Selling Point?

If your home has pet-friendly features—like a large yard, secure fencing, or nearby off-leash parks—it may be worth highlighting these in your listing. Many buyers are pet lovers and appreciate homes that suit their lifestyle.

The key is to mention those features as general lifestyle benefits, rather than focusing on your current pets. It’s about presenting the potential, not the personal.

Final Thought: Pets Are Loved, But Presentation Comes First

We all love our pets—but when it comes to selling, your goal is to appeal to as many buyers as possible. For every pet-loving buyer, there may be one who’s allergic, wary, or simply focused on spotless presentation.

By deep-cleaning, removing odours, hiding pet items, and temporarily relocating your animals during inspections, you create a neutral, welcoming space that maximises your chances of a smooth and successful sale.

 

Selling with pets? We’ll help you get your home market-ready without the stress.
Call now to see how much we can achieve for your property in today’s market.
John Lewis – 0423 487 266 | [email protected]
Karen Day – 0490 242 303 | [email protected]