Buying & Selling........With Pets!

Brittany Barnes
Nov 19, 2014
2 min read

We all know that moving can be a bit stressful...

Packing, changing utilities, scheduling moving trucks...I could go on. (Luckily my job makes it less stressful for you!)

But, have you thought about how moving can cause stress on your pets?

Here are some quick tips to help you when buying or selling with pets.

1) Make sure your pets tags are updated with the correct phone number and address. (Trust me, this could realllllllyyyyy help you out in the long run.

2) Have a friend, family member or neighbor temporarily pet-sit during showings. It's important for buyer's to stay focused on the bones of the home and not the items inside the home. Also, this prevents the animal from bolting out of the front door while potential buyers leave. If you don't have a pet sitter, just ask your realtor to advise the showing service of pets on the property.

3) "Can't live with 'em, can't live without 'em." We love them to pieces, but they just aren't the most respectful roommates in town. Before you put your home on the market, repair any pet damaged areas around the property such as holes in the backyard, scratched fences or back doors, unmanageable carpet, etc. As I mentioned before, we want the bones of the home and it's features to be the highlight of your showings.

4) Remove any and ALL pet odors before showings. Some people don't have or even like animals...and those "some people" might be your potential buyer. If they feel that there is too strong of a pet odor, they might be persuaded to pass on your home. I'm not saying that you need to bake cookies or leave 5 different Scentsy's on before a showing, just be mindful and think like a buyer.

5) If you are moving out of the area, be sure to grab a copy of your pet's records from your current veterinarian. While you're there, you can ask them for a recommendation on a vet clinic near you. See which puppy shop will fit your pets needs best.

6) When traveling with your animals, it's always safest to use a crate or kennel. This can also help them feel secure and not so overwhelmed during the move. If you don't have a kennel, you can use a restraining harness to keep them secure in the car.

7) Your pet might be a bit overwhelmed with emotions by the time that you get to your new home. He's excited, curious, scared, confused, and relieved all at once. You can help make them feel more at ease by familiarizing the place for them. Put down their water and food bowls, litter box's for the kitties, any doggy beds and of course, toys.

Hopefully these tips on moving with pets can help you in your next move! Until next time, adios Houston!