As a REALTOR®, I have met countless four-legged family members over the years.
From energetic puppies to wise old companions, our pets hold a special place in our hearts. They greet us at the door, keep us company during quiet evenings, and somehow always know when we need a little extra love.
When it comes time to sell a property, however, one of my most common staging suggestions is this: put the dog bowls away.
Now, before anyone thinks I am anti-pet, let me assure you that is not the case. I adore animals. I have two of my own.
The recommendation has nothing to do with your furry friend and everything to do with creating the best possible experience for prospective purchasers.
When visitors enter a residence, they begin forming opinions within seconds.
Ideally, their attention should be drawn toward beautiful flooring, natural sunlight, attractive finishes, spacious rooms, and thoughtful design features. Food dishes, water stations, chew bones, scratching posts, leashes, crates, and scattered playthings can unintentionally pull focus away from those selling points.
A tidy environment allows buyers to appreciate the property itself rather than the daily routines of its current occupants.
Another consideration is cleanliness. Even the most devoted pet owners can become accustomed to sights and scents that others may notice immediately.
Removing feeding supplies before appointments helps create a fresher presentation. Wiping surfaces, vacuuming thoroughly, laundering bedding, and storing accessories can make a remarkable difference.
Not everyone shares the same comfort level around animals. Some individuals have allergies. Others may feel nervous around dogs, regardless of size or temperament. A few prospective homeowners simply do not have pets and may become distracted if reminders are visible throughout the house.
The goal is to create a welcoming atmosphere that appeals to the broadest audience possible.
Toys deserve special attention as well. While colourful ropes, squeaky ducks, tennis balls, and stuffed creatures bring joy to our beloved companions, they can make rooms feel cluttered. A basket tucked neatly into a closet works wonders during showings.
Open floor space often appears larger, cleaner, and more inviting.
Water bowls present another challenge. Besides creating visual distractions, they can leave damp spots, water marks, or accidental spills. A simple temporary removal before visitors arrive helps maintain a polished appearance.
Think of staging as preparing for a special event.
You are highlighting the property’s finest attributes while minimizing anything that might compete for attention. This does not mean hiding evidence that a cherished pet lives there permanently. It simply means pressing pause for a brief period while your home is being marketed.
One of my favourite reminders to clients is that buyers are shopping with their emotions.
They are imagining where their furniture will go, how family gatherings might look, and what everyday life could feel like within those walls. The easier it is for them to visualize that future, the stronger the connection becomes.
Your loyal companion will still receive all the treats, cuddles, belly rubs, and affection they deserve once the showing ends. Until then, a little decluttering goes a long way.
Sometimes the quickest path to helping buyers fall in love with a home starts with putting away the dog bowl.
