Pets are part of our families — and in Washington, many homes include dogs, cats, or even more unique companions. But when it comes to selling, pets add a layer of complexity that most sellers don’t see coming.
As a Realtor who works with families across Pierce, Thurston, King, and Kitsap counties, I’ve helped countless sellers prepare their homes while juggling everything from shedding dogs to indoor cats to large breeds that make showings more complicated.
This guide will help you understand how to sell your home smoothly, protect your pets, and create the best first impression for buyers.
1. Pet Odor Is the #1 Buyer Objection in Washington
Washington’s climate doesn’t help — our rain and moisture can intensify pet smells in:
Carpet
Rugs
Upholstery
Flooring
Walls
Bedding
Mudrooms
Buyers will sometimes overlook older finishes, but strong pet odor is one of the fastest ways to lose interest before they even finish the tour.
A clean, fresh-smelling home always performs better in the first 72 hours — something this guide explains well:
Why Washington Sellers Lose Buyers During the First 72 Hours on Market (2025 Guide)
2. Remove Pet Smells Before Buyers Walk In
The most effective odor-prevention strategies include:
Deep carpet and upholstery cleaning
Replacing heavily stained carpets
Professional deodorizing treatments
Washing pet bedding
Cleaning litter boxes daily
Using enzyme-based cleaners
Shampooing rugs
Ventilating the home regularly
If the smell is strong and the carpet is older, replacing it is often the more effective solution.
Homes that are fresh and odor-free create better showing energy and stronger buyer confidence.
3. Repair Pet-Related Damage Before Listing
Even minor issues can impact how buyers view the home’s condition.
Common pet damage includes:
Scratched floors
Torn window screens
Chewed trim
Damaged door frames
Stubborn stains on carpet
Worn or claw-marked walls
Backyard patching or digging areas
Small repairs help your home feel more move-in ready, which matters more in older Washington homes with competing inspection concerns.
This guide explains the hidden repair costs sellers should anticipate — especially if the home already has age-related issues:
The Hidden Costs of Selling an Older WA Home (2025 Guide)
4. Clean Up Yard Messes and Pet Wear-and-Tear
Outdoor impressions matter just as much as indoor impressions.
Make sure to:
Pick up all waste before each showing
Patch bare grass areas
Refresh bark or mulch
Remove chew toys
Repair holes or digging spots
Clean patios and decks
Replace torn screens or damaged exterior trim
A clean yard signals pride of ownership — especially in Washington neighborhoods where outdoor space is a major selling point.
5. Plan Where Your Pets Will Go During Showings
Buyers touring a home with loose pets can feel stressed or distracted.
Even the friendliest dog or calmest cat can affect the showing experience.
Your options:
Take pets with you during showings
Have a friend or family member watch them
Use a daycare or boarding facility
Crate them (only as a last resort and only for very short windows)
This helps buyers focus on the home — not your pets.
Preparing the home quickly is part of your overall showing strategy. This guide pairs well with that process:
WA Sellers: How to Prepare Your Home in 7 Days (2025 Guide)
6. Remove Pet Items Before Photos and Tours
Even when pets are clean and well-behaved, their belongings can make the home feel cluttered.
Before showings:
Hide food bowls
Store toys
Remove pet beds
Clean and store litter boxes
Take down pet crates
Remove scratching posts
Cover or remove pet blankets
This helps the home feel neutral and spacious.
7. Be Honest About Pet Damage on the Seller Disclosure Form
Washington requires sellers to disclose known issues.
If your pets have caused:
Flooring damage
Wall damage
Odor issues
Past accidents
Training-related wear-and-tear
…it’s better to disclose upfront than risk losing a buyer during inspection.
Problematic inspection findings can derail deals quickly, as explained in this guide:
WA Inspection Red Flags Buyers Should Never Ignore (2025 Guide)
8. Avoid Leaving Pets Loose During Buyer Tours
Even friendly pets can:
Jump
Bark
Escape through open doors
Act defensively
Distract buyers
Trigger allergies
Loose pets make buyers rush their tour — and rushed buyers rarely write strong offers.
A calm, focused showing experience always leads to better results.
9. Create a Showing-Ready Routine That Works for Your Family
When selling with pets, predictability matters. A typical Washington seller routine includes:
Cleaning high-traffic areas daily
Vacuuming pet hair
Leaving lights on for showings
Opening blinds
Running an air purifier
Removing pet clutter
Taking pets out during showings
Consistency helps reduce stress on both your pets and your family — especially when showings are frequent early on.
10. If Your Pets Are Reactive, Plan for Buyer Safety
If your pets:
Bark aggressively
Nip
Scratch
Experience anxiety
Have a history of reacting to strangers
…it’s important to protect both your pets and the buyers.
That may mean boarding, daycare, scheduled showing blocks, or removing them from the home entirely during the first weekend.
This supports early momentum — the most important window for sellers.
Final Thoughts
Selling a home with pets in Washington is absolutely doable — it just takes a little extra preparation and planning. When your home smells clean, looks well-maintained, and feels inviting, buyers focus on what truly matters: the home itself.
If you're planning a move in Washington, I’d love to help you create a plan that actually makes sense for your timeline and budget.
Written by Lani Fisher — Washington State Realtor, founder of Lani Fisher Homes, and real estate professional with over 400 successful home sales specializing in relocation, military moves, and buy-sell transitions.