Pets Play a Role in Showings

NEW YORK — Many of us share our homes with pets. Whether they live in a tank of water, cage with a running wheel, or rule over the place in their fur coats, they are part of the family and must be considered when making a decision to sell or buy a home.

There are many, many stories about experiences with pets during showings that we've experienced or heard about. Usually, it's that they got out. The cat or dog that was to be kept inside made their break and is running down the street.

That is particularly fun in the heat of summer when the agent has to go running to catch or herd them back to the safety of their home. Needless to say, the wonderful rhythm of showing the home is totally whacked at this point.

Agents and buyers alike must be diligent in making sure doors and gates are closed and latched properly. If a gate is latched and chained there is a good chance that there is a donkey in the pasture that can open the gate.

Other times it is the wind that vibrates the gate open if it doesn't have a safety chain to back up the latch. Leave it like you found it. Animals that aren't used to getting out usually aren't used to cars. Keep them safe.

When your house is being shown be sure to clean up after your pets. If the prospective buyer doesn't have pets they may not be as appreciative of their toys all over the place creating trip hazards.

Likewise, the recently used litter box isn't a sign of regularity for them as it might be for you. They will remember your house as the one with the eau de cat. Clear the "landmines" from the yard so their visual memory is one they can relate to.

When visiting a home with snakes or other reptiles, don't tap the glass to see them move. That is for kids at the zoo … not! Appreciate you are intruding into their space, their comfort zone. It is their nap time, and they don't need someone making noise to wake them up.

Birds, too, have their comfort zone and don't need you to try to get them to talk or squawk. Many inside animals get very nervous when there is a stranger in the house. They hide and will bolt quickly when you find them under the bed, or suddenly wake them up.

Outside animals are usually more attentive to changes in their surroundings but be careful around them as well. Dogs may appear happy, but if you get too close to their kennel they may frighten and do the unexpected.

You aren't visiting a petting zoo so don't try to touch all the outside animals unless the property owner is there and advises you and how to approach them. Move carefully when looking at a home with animals in it.

They sense the changes and have heightened awareness abilities. If you are the seller, be sure to secure your animals for their safety as well as that of people looking at your home. You are there to look at the home, not the animals.

The critters are part of the family. Sometimes animals are left with the property. We've seen chickens, a donkey, barnyard cat, and others that were not moved from their home when the ownership changed.

Some animals have their games that they play. Be ready. We've had cats jump off a bookshelf onto our shoulder… a game they play as it turned out. You are in their home, give them their due respect.

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