How Do I Handle Pets During Showings When Selling My Home in Minnesota? (2026 Home Seller Guide)

If you’re selling your home and you have pets, there’s a good chance you’ve already wondered:

“What am I supposed to do with my pets during showings?”

It’s one of the most common concerns sellers have.

After all, pets are family.

They’re part of your everyday routine.

They’re comfortable in the home.

And for many Minnesota homeowners, life revolves around dogs, cats, or other animals.

Then your house goes on the market.

Suddenly you’re trying to coordinate:

Showing appointments

Work schedules

Pet routines

Walks

Feeding times

Last-minute buyer requests

And it can get stressful fast.

Many sellers assume buyers won’t mind because:

“Everyone loves pets.”

The reality is a little different.

Some buyers love animals.

Some are afraid of them.

Some have allergies.

Some get distracted by them.

Some worry about odors.

Some worry about property damage.

The goal isn’t hiding the fact that you own a pet.

The goal is making sure buyers focus on your home, not your pets.

The easier it is for buyers to feel comfortable during a showing, the easier it becomes for them to picture themselves living there.

Let’s talk about the best ways to handle pets while your Minnesota home is on the market.

Why Pets Can Affect Buyer Reactions

As homeowners, we’re used to our pets.

We stop noticing many things because they’re part of everyday life.

Buyers walk into the home with fresh eyes.

They immediately notice:

Pet odors

Pet hair

Scratched floors

Pet beds

Food bowls

Litter boxes

Animal sounds

Again, this doesn’t mean pets are bad.

It simply means buyers notice things differently than homeowners do.

And during a showing, every distraction matters.

The Best Option Is Usually Removing Pets During Showings

Whenever possible, the best strategy is simple:

Take your pets with you.

This creates a better experience for everyone involved.

Buyers can:

Relax

Explore freely

Focus on the home

Spend more time touring

Meanwhile your pet avoids:

Stress

Strangers

Unexpected interactions

Most agents agree that removing pets during showings creates the smoothest experience.

Dogs Often Create the Biggest Challenges

Dogs are wonderful companions.

But during showings they can create complications.

Even friendly dogs can:

Bark

Jump

Follow buyers

Become excited

Make buyers uncomfortable

Remember:

Not everyone is comfortable around dogs.

And buyers shouldn’t have to navigate pet interactions while trying to evaluate a home.

Cats Present Different Challenges

Many cat owners assume cats are easier because they’re independent.

Sometimes that’s true.

But buyers still notice:

Litter boxes

Cat odors

Pet hair

Scratching damage

Hidden pets

Some cats also become stressed during showings.

And an anxious cat can be difficult to manage.

Never Assume Buyers Like Animals

This is one of the biggest mistakes sellers make.

They think:

“My dog is friendly.”

“My cat stays out of the way.”

“Nobody will care.”

But buyers have different experiences and preferences.

Some may have:

Allergies

Phobias

Cultural concerns

Safety concerns

Young children

The goal is making all buyers feel comfortable.

Pet Odors Are Often the Biggest Issue

This is where many sellers get surprised.

You may no longer notice pet odors.

Buyers often do.

Common concerns include:

Dog odors

Cat odors

Litter box smells

Pet bedding

Accidents

Even mild odors can influence buyer perceptions.

Some buyers immediately start wondering:

“What else am I not noticing?”

That’s why odor management matters so much.

Create a Pet Showing Plan Before Listing

The best time to think about pets isn’t after the first showing request arrives.

It’s before the home goes live.

Ask yourself:

Where will the pets go?

Who will take them?

What happens during work hours?

What about weekends?

Having a plan reduces stress significantly.

Temporary Relocation Works Well

Many sellers use simple solutions such as:

Dog parks

Walks

Pet daycare

Family members

Friends

Local pet services

Even short-term arrangements can make showings much easier.

Crates Are Not Always the Best Solution

Some homeowners think:

“I’ll just crate the dog.”

While this may seem convenient, it can create new problems.

Buyers may feel uncomfortable around a barking dog.

Dogs may become stressed.

The crate itself becomes a distraction.

Whenever possible, removing the pet entirely is usually better.

Litter Boxes Need Special Attention

If you own cats, litter boxes become part of the showing experience.

Before appointments:

Scoop regularly

Clean surrounding areas

Minimize odors

Keep the area tidy

Buyers often pay close attention to laundry rooms, basements, and utility spaces where litter boxes are commonly located.

Remove Visible Pet Items When Possible

Pet ownership isn’t a problem.

But excessive pet-related items can become distractions.

Consider temporarily storing:

Extra pet beds

Food containers

Toys

Training pads

Excess accessories

A cleaner, simpler presentation helps buyers focus on the home itself.

Address Pet Damage Before Listing

Buyers notice signs of wear.

Common concerns include:

Scratched doors

Damaged trim

Worn flooring

Stained carpets

Chewed materials

Minor repairs before listing can improve buyer impressions significantly.

What If You Have Multiple Pets?

The challenge increases with additional animals.

More pets often means:

More odors

More hair

More logistics

More distractions

Planning becomes even more important.

Many sellers benefit from arranging temporary care during peak showing periods.

Fish Tanks, Birds, and Other Pets

Dogs and cats get most of the attention.

But other pets deserve consideration too.

Buyers may notice:

Large aquariums

Bird cages

Reptile enclosures

Specialty habitats

These items aren’t necessarily negative.

But they can distract from the home itself.

Buyers Need to Focus on the House

This is really what it comes down to.

Every showing should answer one question:

Can the buyer imagine living here?

When pets become the center of attention, buyers spend less time evaluating:

Layout

Space

Features

Condition

Lifestyle fit

The fewer distractions, the better.

Real Situation I See Often

A seller has two large dogs.

Initially they leave them home during showings.

Buyer feedback includes:

Strong dog odor

Difficulty touring

Barking concerns

We create a simple pet plan.

The dogs leave during appointments.

Extra cleaning is completed.

Feedback immediately improves.

The house didn’t change.

The showing experience did.

Buyers Often Spend More Time in Pet-Free Homes

This is something many sellers don’t realize.

When buyers feel comfortable:

They stay longer

They explore more thoroughly

They ask more questions

They engage emotionally

That additional time can be valuable.

FAQ: Handling Pets During Showings

Should pets be removed during showings?

Whenever possible, yes. It creates a better experience for buyers and reduces stress for pets.

Can I leave my dog in a crate?

You can, but removing the dog entirely is usually a better option.

What about cats?

Cats should ideally be removed as well, though some sellers choose to leave them home if necessary.

Do buyers notice pet odors?

Absolutely. Pet odors are one of the most common concerns mentioned during showings.

Should I remove pet toys and beds?

Reducing visible pet items often helps buyers focus more on the home itself.

Final Thoughts

Selling a home with pets can be challenging.

But it’s absolutely manageable with a little planning.

Remember:

Buyers aren’t judging you for owning pets.

They’re evaluating whether the home feels comfortable, clean, and easy to imagine as their own.

The less attention buyers spend on pets, the more attention they’ll spend on your home.

And that’s exactly where you want their focus.

Next Step

If you’re preparing to sell your Minnesota home and want advice on staging, showings, pet preparation, and attracting stronger offers, I’d be happy to help.

https://sell.dreamhomesminnesota.com/

Lesley The Realtor is a Minnesota real estate agent helping homeowners prepare, market, and sell their homes throughout Minneapolis, St. Paul, and the Twin Cities metro area.