Selling Your Charlotte Area Home With Pets

Selling a home with pets takes a little extra planning- and a lot of vacuuming.

As a pet parent myself, I know that our furry family members are part of what makes a house feel like a home. But when it comes time to sell, buyers aren’t just evaluating your space- they’re also picking up on every sight, sound, and scent. Even the most pet-loving buyer doesn’t want to walk into a showing and be greeted by floating fur tumbleweeds or the faint smell of “wet dog.”

With some simple prep, thoughtful staging, and a few insider strategies, you can keep your pets comfortable while showing your home at its very best.

1. Clean First—Always

Pet hair, odors, and clutter are the fastest way to distract buyers. Even if someone loves animals, they don’t want a home to look or smell messy. Hair balls and pet scents can make buyers question how well the rest of the home has been cared for.

Here’s where to start:

Vacuum and mop before every showing or open house. Hair hides everywhere, especially in corners and on baseboards.
Avoid overpowering air fresheners. Heavy scents make buyers wonder what’s being covered up. Instead, open windows or use a light, neutral fragrance.
Clean soft surfaces. Wash rugs, upholstery, and bedding to remove pet odors and dander.

I’ve literally sprinted into a listing with a vacuum before a showing because the seller’s broke down while they were out of town. It’s surprisingly easy to break a sweat as a listing agent prepping for photos and showings- but the payoff is worth it when the home feels spotless and inviting.

Looking for more home-selling advice? Here are a few more posts you might find interesting:

2. Managing Pets During Showings & Open Houses

Showings can be stressful for pets. Strangers coming and going, doors opening and closing, and unusual activity can trigger anxiety. It’s best to remove pets from the property whenever possible.

My best advice:

Take dogs for a long walk, car ride, or drop them off at doggy day camp.
If you have cats, you can either take them with you or include a showing note in the MLS instructing agents to keep doors closed and be mindful.
Some sellers have family or friends temporarily host their pets during showings to reduce stress.

The calmer your pets are, the calmer your showings will be. It’s better for them- and it helps buyers focus on the home, not the barking or the cat trying to sneak out the door.

Looking for more Charlotte-area pet care advice? I’ve put together a helpful guide with everything from pet spas, dog parks, veterinary services, and more!

3. Staging a Pet-Friendly Home (the Right Way)

You don’t have to hide that you own pets- you just need to make sure it looks like your pets coexist cleanly and comfortably in the home.

I’ve helped many sellers highlight features that appeal to other pet owners without turning the listing into a “pet house.” Words like “fully fenced yard,” “new carpet,” “single-story layout,” or “dog washing station” stand out to buyers with pets.

If your home has custom touches like a built-in feeding area or pet shower, that’s worth showcasing. Even a flex room that doubles as a “dog room” can be presented beautifully. I’ve staged homes with tasteful pet sketches on the walls—not bold or distracting, but enough to subtly reinforce the lifestyle buyers can picture themselves enjoying.

Pro tip: Avoid leaving out bowls, toys, litter boxes, or crates during photos or showings. Instead, store them neatly and keep one “quick hideaway bin” nearby to stash items before buyers arrive.

4. Repair & Refresh Before Listing

Pets are wonderful- but they can be tough on surfaces. Before listing, address any visible wear and tear.

Focus on:

Scratched doors, trim, or flooring
Damaged landscaping or worn grass patches
Torn window screens or chewed edges
Stains on carpet or furniture

If you’ve invested in features like a dog run or invisible fence, make sure they’re in great condition before marketing the home. And if you’ve replaced mulch (like we did to avoid copperhead hiding spots), freshen it before showings- it’s the small details that communicate care.

Do you have specific questions about selling your home in the Charlotte area? Here are a few more posts to read next:

5. Safety and Courtesy During the Sale

The chaos of showings and open houses can create opportunities for accidental escapes, so it’s important to plan ahead:

Update your pets’ ID tags and microchips with your current contact information.
Keep leashes, carriers, and treats in one spot so you can move your pets quickly.
Store food, cleaning products, and pet medications safely- buyers often open cabinets and closets.
Communicate any special instructions for agents regarding pets (e.g., “Please don’t let the cats out”).

It’s also courteous to inform your agent about your pets’ temperaments so we can manage showings with their comfort in mind.

6. Marketing a Pet-Friendly Home

Not every buyer has pets- but many appreciate pet-friendly features. The key is knowing how to position them strategically.

What to highlight:

Fully fenced or landscaped yards
Durable flooring (like LVP or tile)
Convenient mudrooms or pet washing stations
Flexible floor plans that make great pet areas

A well-marketed pet-friendly home appeals to more buyers, not fewer. It’s about showing that your home has been loved and cared for, without letting the “pet factor” dominate the impression.

7. Transitioning to Your Next Home

Moving is hard on pets, too. If your home sells quickly, plan ahead for where they’ll stay between moves- whether it’s a trusted family member, a boarding facility, or with you in a pet-friendly temporary rental.

Keep their routines as consistent as possible, pack familiar blankets or toys, and maintain normal mealtimes.

For tips on how to make the move easier for your pets, see my companion blog: Buying a Home with Pets.

Final Thoughts

Selling a home with pets requires a balance between preparation and empathy- for both buyers and your furry family members. A clean, fresh home helps buyers focus on your property’s features, not the presence of pets, while careful planning keeps your companions comfortable and safe.

If you’re preparing to sell and want guidance on showing strategies, staging advice, or how to position your home to appeal to all buyers (including pet lovers), I’d love to help.

Ashley Horton | Premier Sotheby’s International Realty | 704.975.5418 | ashley.horton@charlotteluxehomes.com