Keep pets safe and calm during warm weather viewings
Summer viewings are a great opportunity to make your home feel bright, fresh and welcoming, but it is also important to keep pets secure. With doors and windows often left open for ventilation, take a moment before each viewing to check that garden gates are closed and any possible escape routes are safely blocked.
It is also worth planning ahead for warmer temperatures. Choosing cooler walking times, providing plenty of shade and fresh water, and keeping pets away from hot pavements or parked cars can help them stay comfortable. A calm, secure space during viewings can also make unfamiliar visitors easier for them to manage. The RSPCA has good advice on keeping dogs safe in hot weather, including simple things like checking paw-friendly walking times and never leaving a pet in a parked car, even briefly.
Should you arrange temporary care while you sell?
Many sellers choose to arrange temporary care for their pets during the busiest stage of the sales process. This can help pets feel more settled, make it easier to keep the home viewing-ready and allow the estate agent to focus fully on showing buyers around.
A few options worth weighing up:
• Staying with a friend or family member the pet already knows and trusts.
• Daycare or boarding for the day of a viewing, especially useful during summer holidays when catteries and kennels are geared up for exactly this.
• Staying home with them if neither of the above suits, ideally in one contained room, with the agent told in advance.
If you're planning ahead for the move itself, our guide to finding your perfect home this summer is a useful next step once your own sale is underway.
Repair any pet damage before you list
A few simple repairs can help your home make the best possible first impression. Refreshing scratched doors, worn carpets, marked skirting boards or patchy lawns before listing can reassure buyers that the property has been well cared for and may support a smoother sale and stronger offers.
Make your garden work hard for you
Outdoor space is one of the biggest draws for summer buyers, pet owners or not. A tidy, well-kept garden signals that the whole property has been looked after.
• Clear away any mess straight away, every time.
• Patch bare or scorched patches of lawn.
• Mend fencing or gates, particularly anywhere a pet has been digging or squeezing through.
• Add a few pots of colour near the entrance for instant kerb appeal.
If you're selling a flat or a home with a smaller outdoor space, our piece on making the most of your city home this summer has ideas for making a balcony or courtyard feel just as inviting.
Deal with pet odours and stains
A fresh, clean home creates a welcoming first impression for buyers. Consider having carpets and soft furnishings professionally cleaned, treating any stains thoroughly and airing the property each day. Where possible, ventilate the home before viewings so it feels fresh while pets remain safely secured.
