Nov 3, 2026 · 3 min read · Arlington
How Do I Sell My Home When I Have a Dog?
How do I sell my home when I have a dog?
Plan ahead for showings, photos and smells. Take your dog out during showings, put pet things away, clean well and fix any wear, so buyers can picture the home as their own.
The Mike Webb Team (Mike and Claudia Webb, RE/MAX Allegiance) helps homeowners in Arlington, Northern Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, DC get their homes ready to sell and sold.
Why does it matter?
We love dogs. Our own dog, Lucy, is part of our family. But buyers want to picture their own life in a home, and some buyers have allergies or are nervous around dogs. A little planning makes showings easier for everyone, including your dog.
What should I do before the photos?
Put away bowls, beds, crates and toys, and take your dog out of the house during the photo shoot. The listing photos are the first showing your home gets, so they should show the rooms, not the pet gear.
How do I handle showings?
The easiest plan is to take your dog with you during showings: a walk, a drive or a visit with a friend. If your dog has to stay, use a crate in one room and add a note to the showing instructions so agents know. Never leave a dog loose during a showing.
What about smells and wear?
Ask a friend to walk in and tell you honestly what they smell. Wash dog beds and blankets, clean carpets and rugs, and patch scratches on doors and floors. Through The White Glove Home Sale Method, painting, handyman repairs, deep cleaning and carpet cleaning are handled at no additional cost to you.
Do I need to fix the yard?
Pick up the yard every day while your home is for sale, fill holes and rake bare spots. A neat yard tells buyers the home has been cared for. For more ideas, read Stage Your Arlington Home for Fall and Winter.
FAQ
Should I mention my dog in the listing?
No. Keep the listing about the home. Add pet notes only to the private showing instructions for agents.
What if my dog is home during an inspection?
Ask ahead so the inspector can reach every room. It is usually easiest to take your dog out.
Can you help me get the house ready?
Yes. We walk through with you and tell you what to fix and what to skip.
Call or text Claudia at 703-350-3884 or visit claudiawebb.com.
The Mike Webb Team, RE/MAX Allegiance. Arlington, Virginia. Equal Housing Opportunity.