Selling a Home with Pets? Here’s How to Keep It Clean, Fresh, and Buyer-Ready

We love our pets. They’re part of the family — full of personality, unconditional love, and yes… fur. But when it’s time to sell your home, your four-legged friend can create some unexpected challenges.

Buyers want to imagine themselves living in your space. That can be hard to do if they see pet hair on the couch, smell a litter box in the hallway, or hear barking during a showing. Even pet lovers may hesitate if the home feels or smells like it belongs to someone else’s pets.

So, how do you keep your house clean, fresh, and market-ready — without kicking your pet out?

Here are smart, realistic tips homeowners are using to keep their homes spotless while still living with pets.

1. Deep Clean Before Listing

Before you even take listing photos, invest in a professional deep clean — including carpets, baseboards, furniture, and pet-frequented areas. Pet odors tend to cling to soft surfaces, and a deep clean will neutralize smells and make the entire home feel fresher.

Pro tip: Use an enzymatic cleaner on any “accident” spots. These break down the odor-causing bacteria that regular cleaners miss.

2. Hide the Evidence

Before showings, remove visible pet items like food bowls, litter boxes, crates, toys, scratching posts, and beds. These items signal to buyers, “A pet lives here,” which can raise concerns about odors, stains, or damage.

Pro tip: Store pet items in a large lidded tote in the garage or trunk of your car. Easy in, easy out.

3. Vacuum. Often. Like, Really Often.

Pet hair is the #1 culprit when it comes to homes feeling “unclean.” Daily vacuuming — especially on carpets, rugs, furniture, and baseboards — is a must while your home is on the market.

Invest in a vacuum designed for pet hair (like a Shark or Dyson), and use a lint roller or rubber glove to remove hair from upholstery quickly.

4. Deodorize Naturally

Don’t just mask odors — eliminate them.

• Use air purifiers with HEPA filters to remove dander and airborne allergens.

• Set out bowls of baking soda or activated charcoal in rooms pets frequent.

• Use unscented plug-ins or lightly scented candles like vanilla, linen, or citrus — nothing overpowering.

Warning: Strong air fresheners can backfire. Buyers may think you’re trying to cover up a problem.

5. Make a Plan for Showings

Buyers don’t want to be greeted by barking dogs, a litter box in the laundry room, or a parrot yelling “Don’t touch that!” during a tour.

Make a showing plan that includes removing or crating pets, and ideally, take them off-site altogether. Ask a friend, neighbor, or pet daycare to help if needed.

6. Repair Pet Damage

Claw marks on doors, scratched floors, chewed baseboards, or yard damage should be addressed before showings.

These small repairs go a long way in protecting your asking price and showing buyers the home is well cared for.

7. Clean Bedding & Upholstery

Your nose may be used to that dog bed in the corner — but a buyer’s isn’t.

Wash all bedding, throws, and sofa cushions regularly. Steam clean if possible, especially if your pets sleep on your furniture.

8. Don’t Forget the Yard

Pick up pet waste daily while your home is listed — especially if there are showings or open houses. Buyers will walk the yard, and you don’t want a mess ruining the tour.

Also, try to repair any “bald spots” or holes your pup may have created in the lawn.

9. Consider a Scent-Free Zone

If you have pets that live in just one or two rooms, keep the rest of the house completely pet-free and odor-neutral. That way, buyers can experience large portions of the home without any pet traces.

Final Thoughts

Selling your home with pets doesn’t mean you have to choose between your furry family and a fast sale. With a little strategy, some daily effort, and the right support, you can keep your home clean, inviting, and buyer-ready — without sending Fluffy or Fido packing.

Need help preparing your home for sale — pet and all? I’m here to walk you through every step of the process, from cleaning tips to staging strategies that help your home shine.

📞 Call/Text: 318-453-0021
📧 Email: ShawnOusley@epique.me
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