Selling a Home with Pets: Tips to Minimize Odors, Damage, and Distractions
🐾 Selling a Home with Pets: Tips to Minimize Odors, Damage, and Distractions
We love our pets like family—because they are family. But when it’s time to sell your home, your furry friends can create challenges that even the best real estate photos can’t hide.
Buyers in 2025 are more particular than ever. They want move-in-ready homes with neutral scents, clean floors, and minimal distractions. And while your dog’s wagging tail or your cat’s curiosity might be charming to you, it can make buyers uncomfortable—or worse, make them walk away.
Whether you live in Chattanooga Valley, East Tennessee, or nearby North Georgia, this guide will help you navigate the home-selling process with pets in tow—while keeping your space show-ready, your buyers impressed, and your stress levels low.
🧼 1. Odor Control: Your #1 Priority
Let’s start with the elephant—or Labrador—in the room: smell. You may be nose-blind to it, but buyers won’t be.
✅ Quick Fixes:
Deep clean carpets and rugs (rent a cleaner or hire a pro)
Wash pet bedding, toys, and blankets
Scrub litter boxes and litter areas thoroughly
Air out the home before showings (open windows, use fans)
🚫 What NOT to Do:
Don’t overdo air fresheners (they can raise suspicion)
Don’t try to mask pet odors with candles or sprays alone
💡 Pro Tip: Use a HEPA air purifier and baking soda-based carpet treatments a few weeks before listing.
🐕 2. Hide the Evidence—Temporarily
Yes, buyers know pets live in homes—but they don’t want to see or smell that during a showing.
What to Tuck Away:
Litter boxes
Food/water bowls
Leashes and toys
Pet beds and scratching posts
📦 Keep a bin near the door to quickly stash pet items before showings.
🧱 3. Repair Damage Before Listing
From scratched doors to chewed baseboards, pet wear-and-tear can impact your appraisal and buyer interest.
Most Common Pet Damage:
Scratched hardwood floors
Chewed corners of doors or stairs
Torn window screens
Stains on carpet or upholstery
Fix-It Checklist:
Sand and restain or replace scratched flooring
Patch walls and repaint
Replace destroyed trim, carpet patches, or screens
Use pet-safe odor-blocking primer before painting
🎯 Did You Know? Homes with visible pet damage often receive lower offers or inspection repair requests.
🐾 4. Plan for Pet-Free Showings
Buyers want to explore freely—and many are uncomfortable around pets, even friendly ones.
Best Practice:
Remove pets entirely during showings (daycare, walk, friend’s house)
If removal isn't possible, crate them securely in a low-traffic area
Leave a note with your agent about pet presence (“cat inside—please don’t let out”)
🚪 Don’t forget to vacuum and lint roll beforehand—especially if you have shedding pets.
📷 5. Prep for Photos Like a Pro
Your listing photos are your first (and sometimes only) chance to make a great impression.
What to Do:
Remove all pet-related items before photo day
Clean windows and floors thoroughly
Use lighting to make the space look bright and fresh
📸 Pro Tip: Don’t include pets in your real estate photos—it can make buyers worry about hidden smells or damage.
💬 6. Address Buyer Concerns with Transparency
If a buyer’s agent asks about pets, don’t panic—just be honest and proactive.
Be prepared to answer:
“Has the home been deep-cleaned?”
“Is there any damage from pets?”
“Were pets ever allowed on carpet or furniture?”
Offer receipts for cleaning or repairs to build trust and ease concerns.
🧠 Featured Snippet: Top Tips for Selling a Home with Pets in 2025
How to Sell Your Pet-Friendly Home Smoothly:
Deep-clean to eliminate all odors
Repair pet-related damage before listing
Hide pet items during showings
Remove pets from the home during showings
Keep photos clean and pet-free
Be honest—but show you’ve taken action
🏡 Local Insight: What East Tennessee Buyers Expect
In Chattanooga Valley, Lookout Mountain, and East Ridge, many buyers are outdoor lovers and may be pet-friendly themselves—but they still expect clean, well-maintained homes. Pet odors, dander, and damage can lower perceived value, even in a hot market.
Homes that show well, smell fresh, and feel move-in ready—regardless of pets—sell faster and for more.
🎯 Final Thoughts: You Don’t Have to Choose Between Pets & Profit
Selling your home with pets may take a little extra effort—but it’s absolutely doable with the right preparation. By minimizing distractions, repairing damage, and creating a clean, neutral space, you’ll ensure buyers fall in love with your home—not your hound.
📞 Need help prepping your home for sale with pets? Hanson Capital Homes offers customized home staging and seller prep consultations—perfect for pet parents getting ready to move. Click Here!
💬 Do you have a pet-selling success (or disaster) story? Share it in the comments—or tag a fellow pet parent who’s planning to list in 2025!
