Do Pets Reduce Your Home Value?

Pets are more than just animals. They are companions who make us laugh, comfort us during tough moments, and fill our homes with energy and love. But when it comes to selling your home, pets can also raise questions. Some people worry that owning pets might reduce their home value. Others believe having pet-friendly features could make their homes more appealing.

So, do pets actually reduce your home value? The answer is not simple. It depends on your pet, how you care for your home, and the type of buyer you attract. Let’s break this down in a clear way so you know what to expect.

Home Modifications: Helpful or Not?

Most pet owners make certain changes to their homes to accommodate their animals. Some adjustments are simple and blend in quietly. Others stand out. And how they were done matters.

For example, a well-built fence can be seen as a plus. Even buyers who don’t currently have pets often appreciate a secure backyard. But a fence that looks uneven, blocks sunlight, or makes the yard feel smaller can have the opposite effect. The same goes for dog runs, cat doors, or built-in pet zones. If the work looks professionally planned and fits the home’s style, it can improve appeal. If it looks rushed or overly customized, buyers may see it as something they will need to remove or replace.

For cat flaps and pet doors, many homeowners simply cover or replace the door before listing. A clean, neutral look is always safer when preparing to show a home.

Features added for pets should feel intentional and useful, not like extra work. If a modification looks like something most future buyers would appreciate, it can be a selling point. But if it appears too personal, poorly built, or difficult to reverse, it may be worth removing or upgrading before listing your home.

The Smell Issue: A Real Estate Deal-Breaker

Even the cleanest pet owners know that animals come with distinctive smells. These scents can settle into carpets, curtains, furniture, and even the subfloor over time. And while you may not notice the smell anymore, a new visitor will.

Many real estate agents say that unpleasant odors are one of the fastest ways to turn buyers away. A buyer may step into a home, take one breath, and mentally decide against it. And once that happens, it’s hard to change their mind.

If you’re preparing to sell, this is worth addressing early:

• Wash curtains and sofa covers
• Have carpets properly cleaned
• Replace air filters and clean vents
• Use enzyme-based cleaners instead of scented sprays
• Let fresh air circulate often

If the smell has reached the flooring or walls, it may require more involved cleaning or replacement. While this costs money upfront, it can prevent bigger price reductions later.

A fresh-smelling home signals good maintenance. And that is something buyers pay for.

Wear and Tear From Claws and Paws

Pets live with us, so naturally, they leave traces of their life in our homes. Dogs can scratch hardwood floors over time. Cats may leave claw marks on door frames. A bored puppy might chew the corner of a stair. Even small pets can leave marks on carpeting where cages were placed.

These signs of wear are normal in a pet-loving home. But buyers tend to look at them as repair costs. And when buyers start mentally adding up repair costs, they usually respond by lowering their offer or walking away.

If you plan to sell, it’s worth tackling the most visible marks.

• Repainting a scratched door.
• Buffing or refinishing floors.
• Replacing torn carpet edges.

These fixes are usually less expensive than you might think, and they can make a meaningful difference in how the home is viewed.

Small repairs give the impression that the home has been cared for, not just lived in.

The Yard and Garden Factor

Many pets spend time outdoors, which is great for them, but sometimes tough on your lawn. Grass can wear down in running paths. Digging can loosen soil or damage flower beds. Dogs may leave yellow patches in the grass.

Since curb appeal matters a lot when selling a home, a worn yard can make a negative impression before buyers even step inside. The good news is that yards can recover with a bit of time and care.

Raking, reseeding, patching, and adding mulch can restore a garden’s appearance. If you know you’ll be selling soon, try to limit your pet’s yard time while the lawn grows back. Even a few weeks can make a difference.

A neat, healthy-looking yard tells buyers the home has been maintained overall.

But Pets Can Also Increase Home Appeal

Now for the positive side. Not all buyers will see your pets as a drawback. In fact, many buyers actively look for homes that are already set up for animal life.

A fenced backyard, easy-clean flooring, or a layout with good natural light can appeal strongly to pet owners. And since more than 60% of households have pets, this is a large portion of the buyer pool.

For these buyers, your pet-friendly features can make the home feel like a perfect match. They may even be willing to pay more because the home saves them time and effort.

So while pets can influence value negatively, they can also create an advantage if you present the home cleanly and thoughtfully.

How to Protect Value While Living Comfortably With Pets

You don’t need to choose between your home and your pet. You can enjoy both by being consistent with small habits:

• Clean regularly
• Keep pet bedding and litter areas tidy and low-odor
• Trim nails to reduce scratches
• Use washable rugs or blankets to protect furniture
• Address small damage quickly before it becomes large damage

These small things add up over the years. And when it’s time to sell, your home will reflect care and not wear & tear.

Final Thoughts

Pets make homes warm, lively, and full of heart. But they do come with responsibilities that matter when selling. The key is maintenance. A clean home, small repairs, and thoughtful design choices help protect your home’s value.

So, do pets reduce home value?

They can, but they don’t have to. A well-cared-for home will always shine.

If you’re looking at how pets (and possible home renovations or refinishing) could affect your home equity or refinance options, working with a lender like Total Mortgage can be helpful. They can guide you on how much loan amount you might qualify for, how modifications may affect appraised value, and what works best given your property’s condition.

Ref: https://dashly.com/magazine/got-pets-here-are-some-unexpected-ways-pets-impact-your-home-and-your-mortgage