We all love our furry friends, don’t we?

The simple answer is no, not everyone feels the joy experienced by pet owners, and for some potential home purchasers it can be a detractor from proceeding with an offer.

As well as the cuddles, licks and companionship, pets can also provide stinky odours, hair, and mess.

You need to pet-proof your place when preparing your home for viewings. Here is how, in eight simple steps.

 

 

  1. Wash loose fabrics and items.

Odours can manifest in the air and home fabrics. Unfortunately, Pet owners can become immune to ‘dog aroma.’ It is important to eliminate these smells.

Wash any loose fabrics: bed covers, blankets, cushions, washable rugs and even the dog/cat bed. Use a fabric conditioner for an extra fresh perfume.

It is good practice to do this weekly whilst your property is on the market, especially during wetter months.

 

  1. Clean your carpets

Having your carpets cleaned are a fantastic way for removing pet stains and odours and may not be as expensive as you think. You can get an idea of pricing for carpet cleaning in Bath here Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning Bath – Book Today (perfectcleaningcompany.co.uk).

Alternatively, many local supermarkets and hardware shops offer carpet cleaner rental for a small fee. Just visit in-store services, such as Morrisons in Bath https://www.morrisons.com/help/in-store-experience/in-store-services/

 

  1. Refresh the paint work

Animals can scratch away at wooden skirting boards and door frames and leave muddy marks on the walls. Washing off dirty paw prints, repainting wood damage and giving a fresh lick of paint will really make the difference.

 

  1. Prepare the garden

There is nothing more off putting than walking around the grounds of a lovely a home avoiding poo! Make sure you clean up and dispose of any poo bags.

Clear away any pet toys, you want buyers to notice the flowers and not the mess!

 

  1. Clean up the pet hair

Not only does a layer of pet hair on floors and sofas make your home look messy, but it can also trigger allergies and send potential buyers sneezing and wheezing out the door.

Before each viewing, vacuum, and dust to remove any settled hair. Consider investing in a good vacuum cleaner for pet hair. Ideal home magazine has shortlisted their top vacuum cleaners for pet hair removal https://www.idealhome.co.uk/buying-guide-reviews/best-vacuum-cleaners-for-pet-hair-283961

If your pet sheds, brush him frequently outside, so the hair does not fly around the house. Bathing can help minimise shedding, too.

 

  1. Dog grooming

If you have a dog, regular grooming can help stay on top of ‘pet hygiene.’ Time your dog grooming with the launch of your property. There are some great dog groomers in Bath, Melissa Anderson (Director of Camella) uses Millionhairs dog groomers for her cockapoo. https://www.facebook.com/millionhairsdoggroomingbath/

 

  1. Present your home as ‘pet free’.

When searching for items on eBay, you will find sellers describing their items as from a ‘pet free home.’ This applies when selling your home. Before any viewing, hide any pet food, beds collars, water, and food bowls.

 

  1. Arrange pet free viewings with your agent.

A good estate agent will want to collaborate with you to ensure you and your pet/s are happy and to secure a sale for your property at the highest possible price.

Discuss the best times of the day and week to conduct viewings. You may want to choose an agent who works weekend and evenings, so you can look after your outside working hours.

If you decide to leave your dogs or cats at home, either crate them or confine them to a specific area of the house, and make sure your real estate agent knows where they are.

 

At Camella we are pet owners ourselves and love helping pet owners move. If you are concerned or have any questions about selling your home with a pet, please talk to us.