Home Sweet Home—for You and Your Pet
Our pets are family, no doubt about it. But when it comes time to sell your home, Fido’s chew marks and Fluffy’s favorite sunning spot can actually make it harder for buyers to see themselves living in the space.
Selling a pet-friendly home in Ventura County requires a little extra TLC—and a whole lot of honesty. As a pet lover and a real estate professional, I understand both sides of this process. Here’s how you can prep your home in a way that honors your pets, protects your equity, and makes buyers fall in love with your home (not just your Labrador).
1. Start with a Deep Clean
Pets leave signs—even when we don’t notice them. Before listing, invest in a professional cleaning that targets:
- Upholstery and carpets (especially for dander and fur)
- Baseboards and walls that may have scratches
- Litter boxes or pet bedding areas
- Air vents and filters that may be harboring hair
Pro Tip: Even if your home smells fine to you, pet odors can linger. Consider an ozone treatment or enzyme-based deodorizer to neutralize lingering smells.
2. Repair Pet-Related Wear and Tear
Take a walk through your home as if you’re a buyer. Look for scratched doors, torn screens, stained carpet, or gnawed baseboards. Small repairs can make a big difference in how move-in ready your home feels.
Don’t worry—this isn’t about hiding the fact that you have pets. It’s about presenting your home in its best light so buyers can focus on the space, not the damage.
3. Stage with Subtlety
If your home is being staged or professionally photographed, aim for neutral. While a cute dog bowl may not bother one buyer, others may see it as a red flag for allergens or wear. Remove:
- Pet beds
- Litter boxes
- Food and water bowls
- Toys (especially the well-loved ones)
Store these items in a discreet bin or closet during showings.
4. Plan for Showings—and Your Pet’s Comfort
One of the most overlooked parts of selling with pets is how to manage showings without stressing out your furry companion. Create a showing plan that keeps everyone safe and comfortable:
- Take pets with you during showings if possible.
- If they must stay home, use a crate or confine them to a room with a clear sign for agents.
- Never leave anxious or territorial pets loose during a showing—it’s not fair to them or your potential buyers.
If showings are frequent, consider asking a friend or hiring a pet sitter to help manage logistics.
5. Be Transparent—But Strategic
Buyers appreciate honesty, and disclosing that pets have lived in the home is the right thing to do. But transparency doesn’t mean oversharing. Focus on the steps you’ve taken to maintain and prepare the home:
“Our dog has always been crated indoors, and we recently had the carpets professionally cleaned.”
This sets a positive tone and shows that you’re a responsible homeowner, not just a pet lover.
6. Highlight the Positives for Pet-Loving Buyers
Not all buyers are turned off by pets—in fact, some are thrilled to find homes with:
- Fenced yards
- Mudrooms or pet wash stations
- Proximity to dog parks or pet-friendly beaches
Let’s tailor your listing to highlight pet-friendly perks if they’ll appeal to your target market.
You Can Sell Well and Keep It Kind
Selling your Ventura County home with pets doesn’t have to be complicated—it just takes a little planning and a lot of love. Whether you’re preparing for your next adventure or simply transitioning into a new chapter, I’ll help you create a strategy that works for everyone in your household (two-legged or four).
Thinking of selling? Let’s talk about how to get your pet-friendly home buyer-ready, without sacrificing comfort or care.
