Fortunately, I’ve had sellers who were very understanding about removing or caging pets for showings.

I sold a home last year that had two Dobermans. At first, I was terrified of them. But the owners took them away for showings and put them in the backyard when I was over. It was never a problem – only because the sellers were such responsible pet owners. I currently have a home on the market (over $1.5 million) that has 8 cats and a dog. The sellers have to be vigilant about keeping it clean and odor free, but the dog is removed for showings and the cats don’t bother anyone.

On the other hand, I have shown homes to buyers that have had a loud dog locked in a room or a cage and the barking simply drives the buyers right out the door. No one wants to relax and visualize themselves in a home where a dog is constantly barking ‘get out’. I always knock and ring the bell before entering even a ‘vacant’ home just in case there are any surprises lying in wait.