Selling a Home With Pets: How to Keep Showings Stress-Free (For Everyone)

Selling a home is a lot to manage. Add a dog who barks at the doorbell, a cat who hides under the bed, or a litter box that needs attention, and showing days can feel like a production.

The good news: you don’t have to choose between caring for your pets and presenting your home well. A simple plan can help keep animals safe, make buyers feel comfortable, and reduce last-minute scrambling. Here’s how to prepare for showings when you have pets, whether you’re selling in Schenectady, elsewhere in the Capital Region, or around Springfield, Massachusetts.

Make a pet plan before the first showing

The easiest option, whenever possible, is to have pets leave with you during a showing. Buyers may have allergies, feel nervous around animals, or simply want to view the home without distractions. And pets can be unsettled by unfamiliar people coming and going.

Think through your options before your home hits the market:

• Ask a friend, neighbor, or family member if they can watch your pet during scheduled showings.

• Look into daycare or boarding, especially if you expect frequent appointments.

• Plan a walk, drive, or visit to a nearby park during the showing window.

• Ask your real estate agent how much notice you can expect and how showings are typically scheduled.

If you can’t take your pet out every time, talk with your agent about a safe backup plan. A secure crate or closed room may work for some animals, but it isn’t right for every pet. Tell the showing agent exactly where your pet is, and make sure there’s a clear warning before anyone opens a door or gate. The National Association of REALTORS® seller checklist also recommends taking pets with you when possible.

Keep pets and visitors safe

A showing can create tempting escape routes: the front door opens, buyers walk through the backyard, and gates may get left ajar. Even a normally relaxed pet might bolt when strangers enter.

Before each appointment, confirm that pets are either out of the home or securely contained. Check that exterior doors, windows, and gates close properly. If your pet must stay in a room, place a clear note on the door and tell your agent where the animal is. Don’t rely on a buyer to notice a crate or remember instructions from a text.

If your pet has a history of growling, snapping, biting, or guarding spaces, make a specific safety plan with your agent. Removing the animal from the property is usually the safest approach. The National Association of REALTORS® guidance on dangerous pets stresses clear communication and precautions. If you can’t safely manage an animal during showings, discuss options with your agent before scheduling them.

For cats, smaller animals, and pets that are easily frightened, a quiet stay with someone familiar may be less stressful than remaining home while strangers tour. If you do keep an animal at home, choose a secure, comfortable space where it can’t slip outside or be disturbed.

Tackle odors at the source

Pet odors can be subtle to the people who live with them and obvious to a visitor walking in for the first time. Rather than trying to cover smells with air freshener, find the source and clean it.

Start with pet bedding, blankets, toys, litter areas, and favorite lounging spots. Wash what you can and vacuum upholstery, rugs, and carpets. Clean food and water bowls, remove waste promptly, and empty litter boxes before showings. If an accident has left a stain or lingering smell, use a pet-specific enzymatic cleaner according to its label. Persistent odor in carpet may have reached the padding or subfloor, so consider a professional assessment if regular cleaning doesn’t solve it.

A helpful trick: ask a friend who doesn’t live with pets to walk through the home and give you an honest opinion. A quick “sniff test” can reveal what you’ve stopped noticing.

Avoid strong sprays, candles, or heavy fragrances. They won’t fix the underlying problem and may bother allergy-sensitive buyers. Fresh air and a genuinely clean home make a better impression.

Do a quick reset before each appointment

You don’t need to erase every sign that an animal lives in your home. You do want buyers to focus on the rooms, natural light, storage, and layout, not a trail of toys or a full food bowl.

Use a short checklist before you leave:

1. Take pets, food bowls, litter boxes, and waste outside or put them away.

2. Pick up toys, leashes, beds, and crates where practical.

3. Vacuum visible fur and wipe down surfaces.

4. Open curtains and, if the weather allows, air out the home.

5. Secure pets, doors, and gates according to your plan.

6. Let your agent know if anything changes, such as a pet remaining in the home.

Keep the checklist near the door so everyone in the household knows what to do. If you have multiple pets or a busy schedule, a small “showing kit” with waste bags, cleaning supplies, lint rollers, and a spare leash can make the routine easier.

Set boundaries that work for your household

Showings can involve short-notice requests, but you can tell your agent what works for your family and your pets. You might ask for advance notice, set preferred showing hours, or block off specific times. Clear expectations help your agent coordinate access and help you prepare without rushing.

If your pet becomes distressed by repeated disruption, let your agent know. They can help you discuss a showing schedule that balances buyer access with your household’s needs. For some sellers, arranging a temporary stay with a friend during a busy open-house weekend can make things simpler for everyone.

The ASPCA’s moving guidance also offers useful advice for helping pets handle changes in routine and surroundings. As you get closer to moving day, keep familiar routines where you can, and secure pets away from open doors when movers are carrying items in and out.

Make a plan that fits your pet, and your sale

There isn’t one perfect setup for every household. A relaxed dog might be happy spending an hour with a neighbor; a nervous cat may do better in a quiet, familiar room; another pet may need to leave the property for every appointment. The key is to decide in advance, communicate clearly, and avoid leaving safety to chance.

A little preparation can make showings calmer, protect your pets, and help buyers enjoy the home. If you’re getting ready to sell in the Capital Region or Western Massachusetts, Tanya Harvey Group can help you plan for showings and the other details that come with listing your home.