How to stage a pet-friendly home that appeals to all buyers

While some buyers will tour a home and barely notice features such as scratch-resistant flooring or a sofa in front of a large, sunny window, a significant portion will not only notice, but applaud enthusiastically about how it’s perfect for their pet.

Francine Viola, an agent with Coldwell

Banker Evergreen Olympic in Olympia, Washington, says she regularly sees buyers “looking for homes to accommodate their pets.”

That’s substantiated by a 2020 study from the National Association of Realtors, which found that 43 percent of households say they’d be willing to move to better accommodate their pet.

But showcasing a pet-friendly home is a nuanced art. The aim is to attract pet lovers without turning off other buyers.

Here are a few things to consider:

Pets shouldn’t be seen, heard or smelled. Even the most devoted dog or cat owner may not love the sight or smells of your pet.

Neither does anyone else, including agents showing the property, want to see or hear your furry friend. “We definitely want the dogs out of the house,” says Viola, and it’s best to move them off the property completely.

If they’re left in a garage or backyard, it prevents buyers from examining those areas.

An indoor cat may be adept at hiding but distract agents who worry it might make an escape, Viola adds.

It’s best to only showcase the designated square footage. Only feature pet products such as leashes and baskets of toys in spaces including a mudroom or laundry room, especially if there’s a dog washing station there, advises Courtney Schomburg, chairperson of the Real Estate Staging Association.

Remember that most pet paraphernalia is clutter.

“We don’t want to clutter floor space, so I would remove any small rugs, food bowls or large beds around the house so buyers can easily walk through the property,” concludes home stager Tori Toth.