What do I do with pets during showings?
What do I do with my pets during showings? (The blunt checklist that saves time, gets offers, and keeps your pet safe)
Why this matters in Milton, ON
Selling while living in the home is hard. Selling while living in the home with pets is harder. Milton buyers are families who value clean, safe, move-in-ready homes. They picture their kids playing in the yard, weekend hikes at the escarpment, and easy commutes to the GTA. A home with lingering pet smells, visible fur, or an anxious barking dog on viewing day makes them hesitate — and that hesitation costs you money and time.
I’m Tony Sousa, Milton realtor. I sell homes fast for full value. Here’s a direct, no-nonsense plan for what to do with pets during showings so your listing looks like the home buyers want to buy the minute they walk in.
The simple, non-negotiable rules (follow them)
- Remove the pet from the property for every showing when possible.
- Walk the dog. Drop off the cat with a friend. Use a neighbor, family member, or paid pet sitter.
- A short 30–90 minute walk or doggy daycare visit prevents barking, shedding, and buyer allergies from ruining the first impression.
- If you can’t remove the pet, secure them in a calm, quiet room with a clean litter box, fresh water, and a sign on the door.
- Use a crate or an interior room away from the front entrance and showing traffic.
- Put a blanket or shirt with your scent to calm them.
- Confirm showing windows. Give the agent details: dog reacts to strangers? Hides or tries to escape? Mention any medical needs.
- The agent will tell buyers in advance to expect a pet area. That prevents surprises.
- Remove all visible signs of pets before buyers arrive.
- Put toys, food bowls, and litter boxes out of sight. Vacuum and use odor neutralizers (not heavy perfumes). Clean carpets and upholstery frequently.
- Offer alternatives to buyers allergic to pets.
- Keep windows open before showings. Air purifiers on low can help. Wipe down high-contact surfaces.
A tight Milton-specific showing schedule that works
- Morning showings (8–10 AM): Good for families getting kids ready; pack pets away or walk early.
- Midday showings (11 AM–2 PM): Best time to send pets to daycare or a neighbor; shows capture families on lunch break or remote workers.
- Evening showings (6–8 PM): Avoid unless necessary — buyers are tired, and pets are often more anxious.
Milton‘s market moves quickly. We schedule short, tightly controlled windows that maximize buyer turnout and minimize pet stress.
Quick-action checklist to keep on the fridge
- Leash, collar, and carrier ready.
- Supply of zip-lock bags for litter or accidents.
- Lint roller and handheld vacuum.
- Crate, closed bedroom, or trusted neighbor contact.
- Calming treats and water.
When the showing call comes, you should be able to execute this in five minutes. That speed keeps buyers coming through without delays.
Practical options if you can’t leave the house during the showing
- Use a pet crate in a back bedroom with a sign for the agent: “Please close this door — pet inside.”
- Offer to step outside for a 20–30 minute walk during the showing — your agent can do the showing while you’re gone.
- Work with your agent to schedule private showings by appointment only; no open houses.
The cost-benefit: why removing pets is worth it
A clean, neutral home drives offers. In Milton‘s market, buyers are often willing to pay a premium for a move-in ready house. A pet-free showing reduces risk of allergy reactions, removes visual distractions, and speeds up emotional connection to the home. That means better offers, often faster.
Staging tips that hide the pet but highlight the lifestyle
- Keep the yard tidy: pick up toys, secure dog runs, maintain the lawn. Milton buyers love outdoor lifestyle — make it look like one they can step into.
- Neutral bedding and rugs that don’t show fur. Hide pet beds in the garage or a closet during showings.
- If you must show a pet-friendly home, position pet items neatly to communicate care rather than clutter.
Handling cats — they need a different approach
Cats can be harder. They hide. They get stressed. Do this:
- Place the cat in a quiet room with the litter box and a cozy bed well before the showing.
- Tape a sign on the door with emergency contact and instructions for the agent.
- Consider a cat sitter if multiple showings are scheduled back-to-back.
Service animals and buyers with pets
- Service animals are allowed; plan to keep your pet secure and disclose any aggressive behavior you’ve observed.
- If a showing visitor brings a pet, your agent should politely manage the interaction.
Liability and safety for buyers and pets
- Secure household hazards: put away small dog treats, keep gates closed, and remove breakable items.
- Keep pet vaccination and microchip information handy in case of emergency.
How this strategy fits Milton’s market and lifestyle
Milton’s buyers are practical. They imagine weekend hikes at Rattlesnake Point, trips to Kelso, and safe streets for kids and dogs. They want a home that’s clean, functional, and effortless. Even though Milton is pet-friendly with parks and greenspace, buyers still expect the home they tour to feel neutral and ready for their own lives.
Sellers who present a spotless, pet-managed home get more showings and better offers. That’s a local truth in Milton’s competitive neighborhoods like Dempsey, Old Milton, and those commuter-friendly pockets near the 401 and Trafalgar Road.
Sample script for sellers on showing day
On the call from your agent: “I’ll be out for the 30–45 minute showing. The dog will be with Neighbor Name at 123 Street. The cat is in the spare bedroom; door will be closed. Litter box cleaned and bed removed.”
This short, specific script builds trust and removes friction. Agents and buyers appreciate directness.
FAQ — Milton sellers ask these about pets during showings
Q: Do I have to disclose pets to buyers?
A: You don’t need to announce a pet on the listing, but you and your agent should disclose behavioral risks if asked. Honesty about aggressive tendencies protects you from liability.
Q: What if the buyer is allergic?
A: Offer to schedule a showing after a professional clean or with a short pet-free window. Let your agent mention precautions taken (air purifiers, deep clean). In Milton, buyers appreciate transparency.
Q: Should I hold open houses if I have pets?
A: Avoid large open houses if pets are present. Private, scheduled showings are safer, reduce stress for animals, and filter out casual traffic.
Q: Can pet odors hurt my sale price in Milton?
A: Yes. Odors create a negative emotional reaction. Invest in professional cleaning and odor neutralization — it pays off in better offers and faster sales.
Q: How do I manage multiple pets?
A: Use a combination of pet sitters and secure rooms. Stagger showings to limit stress. For multi-day photo shoots and peak showings, consider short-term boarding.
Q: Are Milton buyers pet-friendly?
A: Many are — Milton is a family and pet-loving community. But even pet-friendly buyers want neutral, clean spaces to picture their lives.
Q: What if I can’t leave my house during showings because of work or caregiving?
A: Coordinate with your agent for scheduled windows. Use pet sitters, neighbors, or short-term boarding on heavy showing days. Communication is everything.
Final, blunt advice
If you want the best price in the least amount of time, make your home look, smell, and feel neutral. Your pet is part of your life — protect them. But on showing day, think of the buyer first. Make the home a blank canvas for them to imagine their life. That single step wins offers.
If you want a custom plan that fits your Milton neighborhood and timeline, reach out. I build fast, pet-smart showing plans that reduce stress and increase offers.
Tony Sousa — Milton Realtor
Email: tony@sousasells.ca | Phone: 416-477-2620
Website: https://www.sousasells.ca
If you want a free checklist tailored to your home and pets in Milton, email me and I’ll send it today.
