If you have pet, you probably wonder what you can do to keep them safe after you decide to put your home up for sale. With all the disruption going on during a home sale, it’s all too easy for pets to get lost, frightened or even injured. Learn how to keep your beloved pets safe during your home sale.
Provide An Oasis During Repair Work
Most home sellers make a few repairs before allowing agents to show the home for sale. In some cases, repairs can be extensive, leading to a lot of construction materials, tools and strange new items in the home. This can be frightening for pets as they watch their once familiar setting undergo changes.
Make sure your pet has someplace to get away. They should have their own oasis where everything is still the same. It may be their doghouse, a spot in the corner in your bedroom, or a basement, as long as they can escape to familiar surroundings.
Keep Routines
Pets are creatures of habit. They can easily become disoriented or frightened when their routine is disrupted, as is so often the case during a home sale. Meals may be sporadic, food and water dishes may get moved around the room, and regular walk times can be overlooked.
To keep your pets safe from stress, try to keep their routines as unchanged as possible, including small things like those quiet moments when they like to sit on your lap at the end of the day or during your morning coffee.
Take Them With You During Showings
Your real estate agent advises that you and your family leave the home during showings. But you should bring your pets with you, too. Leaving pets behind in the garage, barn, basement or behind a closed door really isn’t a great idea. Curious homebuyers could inadvertently come upon your pet, giving both parties a shock. A startled pet might even run off or lash out.
Instead, keep a pet carrier in the car for use when you and your family have to leave for showings. You’ll keep the whole family together and your homebuyers can freely explore your entire property.
These pet safety tips will ensure that your pet will get through the home sale process as smoothly as possible. It’s really just a matter of providing a little oasis, maintaining routines, and avoiding buyer and pet interactions.
Your trusted real estate agent can offer advice about pets and other important criteria for a successful house showing. Be sure to make contact as soon as you are thinking about putting your home on the market.