Pet owners are a huge share of sellers, and pets are easy to love and easy to overlook when prepping a listing. But signs of pets in photos can distract buyers or, for some, turn them off entirely. The goal isn't to hide that a pet lives there; it's to keep the focus on the home.
Before the shoot
- Remove food and water bowls, beds, crates, and toys from every room.
- Vacuum thoroughly to clear pet hair from floors and furniture.
- Wipe down windows and glass doors where noses leave marks.
- Address odors with a deep clean and fresh air, not just air freshener.
- Touch up scratched doors, trim, or flooring where you can.
- Tidy the yard of any pet waste before exterior and drone shots.
During the shoot
Arrange for pets to be off-site, crated in a closed room out of the shooting path, or with a neighbor. This keeps them safe and stress-free and lets the photographer work efficiently without chasing a curious dog out of frame. A calm, pet-free shoot delivers cleaner photos and a faster turnaround.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I hide that the home has a pet when selling?
You don't need to conceal it, but listing photos should keep the focus on the home. Remove bowls, beds, toys, and hair, and address any odors so the space appeals to every buyer, including those who don't have pets.
Where should my pet be during the photo shoot?
Off-site is ideal. Otherwise, secure pets in a crate or a single closed room out of the shooting path, or with a neighbor, so the photographer can work efficiently and safely.
