The 5-Point Pet & Showing Plan
Let’s be honest — selling a home is stressful enough without having to manage pets on top of it.
Whether it’s your dog barking at strangers, your cat hiding in the closet, or your buyer with pet allergies, animals add an extra layer of logistics most homeowners don’t think about until the first showing is booked.
That’s why I created a simple, repeatable 5-point Pet & Showing Plan — so you can keep buyers focused on your home (and keep your furry family members happy and safe).
1. Have a Game Plan for Every Showing
Buyers will want to explore every corner — and the last thing you need is a stressed-out pet in the mix.
Whenever possible, take pets with you during showings (even short ones). A quick drive, a walk, or a visit to the park works wonders.
If you can’t leave, create a designated safe zone — one room or crate with a note to agents that a pet is present.
Pro tip: Leave a calm playlist on or white noise near your pet’s area — it helps minimize stress from voices and footsteps.
2. Hide the Evidence (and the Smells)
Even the cleanest pet parents can go “nose blind.”
Before each showing, double-check for:
- Pet hair on furniture or rugs
- Litter boxes or puppy pads in view
- Water bowls in walkways
- Toys scattered in main rooms
Then, swap air fresheners for subtle neutral scents — buyers prefer “fresh” over “floral.”
3. Patch, Polish, and Neutralize
Buyers subconsciously connect pet wear-and-tear to “home maintenance.”
A few quick touch-ups make a huge difference:
- Touch up baseboards or door trim with fresh paint
- Replace scratched screens
- Neutralize odors with an enzymatic cleaner (not perfume sprays)
It’s not about hiding pets — it’s about removing distraction.
4. Stage Like You Don’t Have Pets (Even Though You Do)
Buyers need to picture their life here — not yours.
Store pet beds, crates, and dishes out of sight for photos and showings.
A minimal, well-staged space signals “this home is move-in ready.”
Pro tip: If your dog’s bed is their happy place, use a neutral cover or place it in a calm, corner nook that blends into the room.
5. Communicate Clearly with Your Agent
Let your agent know your pet’s routine — feeding times, walking hours, crate rules — and note any specific instructions (like “cat must stay indoors”).
A well-informed showing agent keeps everyone safe and stress-free.
Pro tip: Add a small sign near the door: “Friendly pets on site — please don’t open interior doors.” Simple and effective.
Your home should shine — and your pets shouldn’t suffer to make it happen. With a simple plan in place, you’ll protect your furry family members and create a smoother, more professional showing experience for every buyer.
Because selling your home shouldn’t mean stressing your pets.
Cheers,
Robyn Lehrman
Texas House & Home
