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.