Column: Presence of pets can shift buyer's focus away from the home itself

Selling your home is already a detailed process—but when you have pets, there's an extra layer to think about. Buyers don't just evaluate your space; they react to how it feels, smells, and functions. Pets can unintentionally create distractions, so a little planning goes a long way toward keeping your home appealing while still keeping your animals safe and comfortable. Start with photos and listing preparation. Professional photography is one of your most powerful marketing tools, and pets—while beloved—can shift the focus away from the home itself. Whenever possible, it's best to remove pet beds, crates, litter boxes, food bowls, and toys before photos are taken. Even subtle signs like scratching posts or chewed trim can raise concerns for buyers. Lean on the nose of your agent. When you live in a space, you get used to the smells of the home. Ask for the honest opinion of your real estate professional and understand their advice is not criticism of you or your pets. Their goal is to help you get the most buyers interested in your house. So if deep cleaning is recommended; you will be helping yourself in the long-run. Carpets, rugs, and upholstery hold odors the most and can be shampooed and deodorized. If you've had dogs or cats for years, consider having vents cleaned and walls wiped down, especially near feeding areas or litter boxes. When it comes to showings, different types of pets require different strategies. For dogs, the safest and most buyer-friendly option is to remove them from the home entirely during showings. This eliminates concerns about barking, jumping, or unpredictable behavior—especially around strangers. If removing them isn't possible, crating can work, but it's not ideal. Some buyers feel uncomfortable entering a home with a barking or confined dog, even if the animal is friendly. If your dog tends to bark at unfamiliar noises, that can create tension and rush buyers through the showing. If your dog needs to remain in the home, crated or not; this should never be a surprise. Make sure agents showing the property are aware so they can let buyers know in advance. Also, be mindful of your yard—clean up thoroughly so potential buyers can walk the yard without surprises. Unlike dogs, cats are often left in the home during showings, but that requires careful planning. One of the biggest concerns is escape. Cats can slip out open doors quickly. It's smart to leave a note for agents asking them to be cautious, and ask your agent to notify buyer's agents when they request a showing. Litter boxes should be clean—ideally hidden or temporarily relocated—and scooped frequently. Also consider access points: cats can hide in basements, crawl spaces, or closets, so make sure those areas are either secured or add an additional note on the door to that area to remind buyers. Exotic pets and rescue animals require even more consideration. Not every buyer is comfortable around snakes, reptiles, birds, or small mammals, and some may have strong reactions—positive or negative. Enclosures should be clean and well-maintained, with no odors or visible debris. If possible, relocating these pets during showings is ideal. For animals that can't easily be moved, like large aquariums or secured reptile tanks, presentation matters. Keep the area tidy and neutral, and avoid drawing unnecessary attention to the pet itself. Birds can also be noisy, which may distract buyers, so timing showings during quieter periods can help. Finally, plan ahead for showing schedules. Having a go-to routine—where pets go, how quickly you can tidy up, and what gets removed—will reduce stress for both you and your animals. If any animals will remain in the home, communication between you and your agent and any agents showing the property is key. Selling a home with pets doesn't have to be complicated, but it does require intention. By thinking through photos, cleaning, and showing logistics for your specific animals, you create a smoother experience for buyers—and ultimately increase your chances of a faster, more successful sale. —Kira Witherwax is a licensed associate real estate broker and member of the National & NYS Association of Realtors® and is past president of the Clinton County Board of Realtors®

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Column: Presence of pets can shift buyer's focus away from the home itself

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