Enjoy your Pets and Save your Home

Almost everyone has pets, and they are often much loved members of the family. Unfortunately, pets can inadvertently damage your home's value. But that doesn't have to be the case, if you follow a few tips when it comes time to sell.

I looked at a home recently that had terrible scratching on the back door from a pet, presumably a dog, scratching to get in. While this is a natural response for dogs, this damage is preventable. If you have a dog, or even a cat, and you know they tend to scratch on the door to get in or out, consider installing a piece of plywood over the area most likely to be affected, or perhaps even the entire bottom half of the door. This can be painted to match the rest of the door, so it isn't making your home ugly. Then, when it's time to sell, remove the wood panel and the only damage done is a couple of tiny screw holes. These can be easily patched and touched up to match the door.

This house I looked at also had scratch and chew marks on the inside and outside of the bathroom door. I have no idea how this happened. I can only presume that the owner left a dog, perhaps a puppy, locked in the bathroom while they were away from the house. But then how to explain the chewing on the outside of the door? Perhaps they had another dog, and the two needed to be separated but fought through the door? I really don't know, but I do know that this home needs the door and door frame replaced. Instead of locking your pets in a room, consider buying a large plastic pet crate. This will keep them, and your house, safe and sound while you are at work. Please don't leave them locked up for too long, and remember to provide dogs with a toy or treat to chew on.

If a crate won't work, consider looking for a "doggy day-care" in your area. Many professional kennels have day programs for dogs, and some trainers I have heard of have opened up day-care for dogs, complete with a group trip to the nearest off-leash park. This can be a better option for high-energy dogs, or those that need some socializing.

If you have carpets, the chances of a dog peeing or cat spraying on it eventually is high. Luckily there are plenty of products on the market now to dissolve pet odors. Some tend to mask odors while others have enzymes that are supposed to actually dissolve the cause of the odor.

When it is home showing time, consider your pets impact on a potential buyers impression of your home. Clean carpets and drapes to have a fresher smell. Empty and wash out litter boxes. Pick up any toys or "dog bombs" in the yard. Since dogs tend to find just about anything to take outside and chew, be sure their garbage has been picked up. Also, think about where your pet's feeding dishes are located. It is best to wash these and store them out of site on days when your home is being shown.

Finally, consider where your pet will be on showing days. It is not a good idea to have a dog home when a Realtor® comes by, especially if you aren't home. This could turn into a safety issue if the dog gets protective, or at the least, highly unpleasant for anyone who doesn't really like dogs.

Although outdoor cats might be fine hanging about on a showing day, if they are indoor pets only, having strange people come and go could give them too much opportunity to run outside and get lost. It is probably best to rent a kennel for any open-house or showing days.