Our pets bring so much love, joy, and personality to our homes — but when it’s time to sell, not every buyer will appreciate the evidence of a furry family member quite as much as we do. The goal isn’t to hide that you have pets, but to make sure your home feels fresh, clean, and welcoming to everyone who walks through the door.

With a few simple steps, you can keep your home looking (and smelling) its best while making the selling process easier for both you and your pets. Here’s how to prepare your home so it shines — without stressing out your four-legged friends.

Cleaning & Freshening

• Deep Clean – Vacuum carpets, furniture, and drapes to remove fur. This is a great tool for removing pet hair from furniture.
• Neutralise Odours – Use enzyme cleaners for litter boxes or accidents, and avoid heavy air fresheners.
• Air It Out – Open windows daily to keep fresh air circulating.
• Change Filters – Replace furnace/AC filters to reduce pet dander. Most homeowners should change filters every 3–4 months, but if you have pets (especially ones that shed), aim for every 1–2 months for best results.
• Professional Clean – Steam clean carpets, upholstery, and rugs before listing to remove odours and fur. If hiring a professional isn’t an option, you can rent a steam cleaner from most hardware or grocery stores for a budget-friendly deep clean.
• HEPA Purifier – Run an air purifier with a HEPA filter during the selling period to capture pet dander, fur, and odours. It helps keep the air feeling fresh and clean — especially important if buyers have allergies.

Showings & Open Houses

• Relocate Pets – Take dogs for a walk, board cats, or arrange for pets to stay with a friend during showings.
• Hire a Dog Walker – You can book a dog-walking service, such as Rover or Let the Dog Out, to take your dog out during showings if you’re unable to remove them. Most services just need about a day’s notice, making it an easy way to keep your home pet-free and stress-free while buyers visit.
• Remove Evidence – Put away food bowls, litter boxes, scratching posts, cages, and toys.
• Tidy Yards – Pick up waste and fill in holes before showings..
• Pet Bag Packed – Include food, leash, water, and toys so you can leave quickly with your pet.

Furniture & Surfaces

• Protect Upholstery – Use washable throws to minimise fur buildup.
• Repair Damage – Patch scratched doors, chewed trim, or damaged flooring.
• Clean Windows & Glass – Remove nose and paw prints.

Outdoor Spaces

• Repair Lawn Damage – Reseed worn grass spots.
• Hide Outdoor Items – Store away pet houses, agility gear, or large toys.
• Fence Check – Repair loose boards or latches to show a well-maintained yard.

Photos & Marketing Prep

• Hide Pet Evidence – Ensure no cages, beds, or litter boxes are visible in listing photos.
• Freshen First – Deep clean carpets and furniture before photography day.

✅ Extra Pro Tip: Ask a friend who doesn’t own pets to walk through your home. They’ll notice smells, fur, or clutter you might overlook.