25/06/2026
𝗣𝗲𝘁 𝗣𝗲𝗲𝘃𝗲𝘀: 𝗔𝗿𝗲 𝗕𝘂𝘆𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝗣𝘂𝘁 𝗢𝗳𝗳 𝗕𝘆 𝗖𝗮𝘁𝘀, 𝗗𝗼𝗴𝘀 𝗼𝗿 𝗢𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗖𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲𝘀?
As it’s National Pet Day on April 11, let’s look at what impact animals can have on the sale of a home.
Pets bring joy and happiness to many people's daily lives, but when it comes to selling a home, they can add an extra layer of complication.
While many people love animals (60% of Brits have a pet*, cats, dogs, birds and rabbits are the most popular), others feel rather differently.
So much so that the sight, smell or sound of a pet when they view a property can be off-putting.
For this reason, many property experts recommend that sellers eliminate all signs of animal life from a home before photographs and viewings.
That way, there’s no chance an unpleasant odour or a rogue pet hair will negatively influence a potential buyer.
𝗕𝘂𝘁 𝗶𝘀 𝗶𝘁 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝗻𝗲𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝘁𝗼 𝗴𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗳𝗮𝗿?
We tend to take a more balanced view. There are definitely some things all sellers with pets should do to prepare their property for sale (we’ll get to those in a minute).
But we’re not convinced that you need to wipe all traces of your pet from your property.
In fact, if you’re selling a family home, an interior shot that includes a satisfied cat relaxing by the fire, or a regal dog sunbathing in the garden, can add character.
We’re not suggesting you overdo it, marketing photos are there to showcase the property first and foremost, so any inclusion of an animal has to be subtle. But done well and sparingly, the inclusion of a pet can create an emotional connection. It may even help buyers picture themselves living in your home with their own beloved dog or cat.
That said, there are a few hard-and-fast rules we’d suggest pet owners follow when presenting their home for sale.
𝗖𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗻: Your home should be sparkling clean, so no muddy pawprints or chewed toys in the hallway.
𝗖𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗿: Always check the garden before a viewing and clear away any animal mess.
𝗥𝗲𝗽𝗮𝗶𝗿: Make good any scratch marks, chewed door trims or marks on walls. This shows buyers that you’ve taken good care of the property overall.
𝗙𝗶𝗹𝗹: If you have a pet who loves to dig, fill any holes in the garden.
𝗧𝗶𝗱𝘆: Put all toys and pet paraphernalia, such as pet beds, hutches or cages together in one place.
𝗦𝗲𝗰𝘂𝗿𝗲: Pet owners will want a property with a sturdy and secure fence, so ensure yours is in good condition.
If you’d like more advice about how to best market your home, contact us today.
*Source: Kantar/Soulor Consulting
