Selling Your Home with Pets: Love Your Animals, But Stage for the Buyer

At The Cobb Group, we get the love of animals—because we’re a team of pet lovers ourselves. Allison and David have three dogs (plus a bird!), and Natalie has two sweet pups and a cat who definitely run the household. We know firsthand how our pets bring joy, comfort, and personality into our homes.

But we’ve also taken out hundreds of buyers over the years—and here’s the reality: not every buyer is an animal person.

As much as we love our fur babies, when it comes time to list a home, we always encourage our sellers to put on their buyer hats. That means looking at their home with fresh eyes and asking, “What would I want to see if I were buying this home?”

The goal is to create a clean, inviting, and neutral space—one that appeals to everyone, including buyers who may not share your enthusiasm for animals.

Here’s how we help sellers strike the perfect balance:

1. Clean Like You Mean It

We can’t stress this enough: A clean house sells.
Pet smells, fur on the baseboards, or mystery spots on the carpet are a major turn-off.

Start with a deep clean:

Steam clean carpets and upholstery
Wipe down walls, windowsills, and baseboards
Vacuum all pet hair—even from the corners you rarely see
Use air purifiers or natural deodorizers to keep things fresh

You want your home to smell like a dream—not like a dog wash.

2. Hide the Pet Evidence (Even the Cute Stuff)

We know your cat’s custom climbing wall and your pup’s handwoven toy basket are adorable—but let’s keep the focus on the home.

Store away:

Food and water bowls
Litter boxes
Dog beds and crates
Leashes, toys, and grooming tools

Less is more. You’re helping buyers imagine their lifestyle in the space—not your pet’s.

3. Repair the Ruff Spots

Buyers notice everything—from scratched doors to chewed trim to trampled flower beds. It’s worth the time to fix up any areas your pets may have loved a little too much.

Patch and paint scuffed walls
Replace damaged flooring
Fill holes in the yard
Freshen up outdoor areas for curb appeal

These small repairs help your home feel turnkey—something every buyer wants.

4. Highlight the Right Features (Subtly)

Got a fenced yard? Nearby trails or parks? A mudroom that doubles as a pet-washing station? Great! These features can appeal to pet owners and buyers with kids or an active lifestyle.

Let us craft your listing to emphasize these details without making it feel like a home designed solely for pets.

5. Relocate Pets During Showings

We know—it’s hard to think about removing your dog or cat during showings. But trust us, it makes a huge difference.

Some buyers are allergic
Others are scared of animals
And barking or movement can distract from the showing itself

Whenever possible, we recommend taking your pets with you or arranging a pet sitter or doggy daycare during showings.

Our Best Advice: Think Like a Buyer

We lovingly remind our sellers that when you list a home, you’re stepping into a different role. You’re not just the homeowner—you’re the marketer. And great marketing starts with empathy.

Ask yourself:

If I were seeing this home for the first time, would I notice pet smells or fur?
Would I be distracted by crates, beds, or food bowls?
Does the home feel fresh, spacious, and neutral?

When sellers approach their home with a buyer’s mindset, magic happens—and so do faster sales.

Need Help Navigating the Pet-Friendly Prep?

That’s what we’re here for. We’ve helped countless clients throughout Hilton Head Island, Bluffton, and the entire Lowcountry stage their homes for maximum appeal—without losing sight of the lifestyle that makes their space special.

Ready to list? We’ll help you get buyer-ready—fur and all.
Contact The Cobb Group

To stay inspired, connected, and in-the-know, check out our Home Matters! May 2025 Newsletter for more Lowcountry lifestyle tips, listings, and local favorites.