As it’s National Pet Day on April 11, let’s look at what impact animals can have on the sale of a home.

Pets bring joy and happiness to many people's daily lives, but when it comes to selling a home, they can add an extra layer of complication.

While many people love animals (60% of Brits have a pet*, cats, dogs, birds and rabbits are the most popular), others feel rather differently.

So much so that the sight, smell or sound of a pet when they view a property can be off-putting.

For this reason, many property experts recommend that sellers eliminate all signs of animal life from a home before photographs and viewings.

That way, there’s no chance an unpleasant odour or a rogue pet hair will negatively influence a potential buyer.

But is it really necessary to go this far? 

We tend to take a more balanced view. There are definitely some things all sellers with pets should do to prepare their property for sale (we’ll get to those in a minute).

But we’re not convinced that you need to wipe all traces of your pet from your property.

In fact, if you’re selling a family home, an interior shot that includes a satisfied cat relaxing by the fire, or a regal dog sunbathing in the garden, can add character.

We’re not suggesting you overdo it – marketing photos are there to showcase the property first and foremost, so any inclusion of an animal has to be subtle.

But done well and sparingly, the inclusion of a pet can create an emotional connection. It may even help buyers picture themselves living in your home with their own beloved dog or cat.

That said, there are a few hard-and-fast rules we’d suggest pet owners follow when presenting their home for sale.

Clean: Your home should be sparkling clean, so no muddy pawprints or chewed toys in the hallway.

Clear: Always check the garden before a viewing and clear away any animal mess.

Repair: Make good any scratch marks, chewed door trims or marks on walls. This shows buyers that you’ve taken good care of the property overall.

Fill: If you have a pet who loves to dig, fill any holes in the garden.

Tidy: Put all toys and pet paraphernalia, such as pet beds, hutches or cages together in one place.

Secure: Pet owners will want a property with a sturdy and secure fence, so ensure yours is in good condition.

If you’d like more advice about how to best market your home, contact us today.