Key takeaways
- Start by finding an agent who is genuinely pet-friendly, not just one who says they are. Ask for references, review their website and ads for evidence that they work with pet owners, and look for an agent who encourages you to bring your pet along on home tours.
- Evaluate the home's features through your pet's eyes, not just your own. Fencing type, yard landscaping, stair accessibility, water hazards, window screens and traffic patterns near the front door all affect your pet's safety.
- The neighborhood and nearby services matter as much as the house itself. Drive by during early morning or evening hours to see whether other pet owners are walking dogs in the area, and check for nearby dog parks, veterinary clinics, emergency animal hospitals, pet supply stores, groomers and pet sitters before you make an offer.
Most buyers know what they want in a home, but pet owners often overlook features that matter just as much to their animals. If you are selling to a pet owner, knowing which benefits to highlight can help close a deal.
The first step is finding the right agent.
"Before you choose a real estate agent, make sure they are pet-friendly and understand your needs as a pet owner," said Jill Barsky, an agent at Long and Foster Real Estate in North Potomac, Maryland. "Agents want to be helpful and may say they're pet-friendly, but unless they have pets, they may not understand. Ask for references and look at their ads and website. Do they make a point of letting buyers and sellers know they're pet-friendly?"
Barsky advertises herself as "The Pet-Friendly Realtor" so clients know immediately they are in the right place. It is a sizable niche. There are about 71 million U.S. households with a dog and 53 million with a cat, the American Pet Products Association announced in 2026.
Barsky encourages clients to bring their pets along when touring houses. "It's a huge plus for buyers to be able to see how their pet responds to the home, too," she said. She began volunteering at an animal rescue at age 14 and now runs one in addition to her real estate practice.
Put your pet's needs on your list of home features
When building your list of must-haves, think about what would be a deal breaker for your pet. A fenced yard may matter to a dog owner but not to someone with indoor cats. Stairs may be fine for a young pet and a problem for an older one.
Ask whether the current homeowner has pets. If so, they may be able to answer questions about the house, the yard and the surrounding area.
Features to evaluate:
- Fenced yard. This is the No. 1 feature most pet-owning buyers consider, but not all fences are created equal. Some homes use invisible fences or other containment systems. Ask what type of fencing is in place and whether it fully encloses the property.
- Pet-safe landscaping. Buyers often think about houseplants but forget about what is growing in the yard. Common shrubs like azaleas, shade plants like ferns and ivies, and popular spring flowers like daffodils and daylilies are all poisonous to pets. If you buy a home in summer, fall or winter, ask about any bulbs or plants that will emerge in spring.
- Stairs and accessibility. Consider whether an elderly or mobility-limited pet can get in and out of the home, up onto porches or decks and through the yard safely. Look for ramps or space to add one.
"I had an elderly client who thought she would need to move because her elderly dog was having issues in the home," Barsky said. "We looked at other houses but ultimately ended up just putting in a ramp in her existing home so she wouldn't have to move. There are always options if you'll look for them."
- Water hazards. Pools, ponds and water features can be dangerous. Determine whether the water can be made safe with pet-friendly steps or a ramp, or fenced off so an animal cannot fall in.
- Screened windows. Cats falling from upper-story windows is so common that veterinarians have a name for it: high-rise syndrome. Make sure screens are secure and in good condition.
- Traffic. Even leashed dogs occasionally bolt through an open door. Consider whether the home opens onto a quiet cul-de-sac or a busy road.
Evaluate the neighborhood
A pet-friendly house in a pet-unfriendly neighborhood creates daily friction. Before you make an offer, assess the surrounding area.
Drive by in the early morning or after 5 p.m., when most owners walk their dogs. Look for signs of other pet owners: doghouses in yards, people on the sidewalk with leashed dogs, a nearby dog park. Listen for barking from neighboring homes when you tour the property or walk the block.
Your pet will be as much a part of the community as you are. Consider how comfortable they will be in the area day to day.
Check access to pet services
Proximity to pet services matters more than most buyers realize. Before you commit, find out how close the home is to:
- Emergency veterinary clinics and a regular veterinarian
- Pet supply stores
- Dog parks, city parks and sidewalks or paths for safe walking
- Pet sitters, groomers and dog walkers
Search online for pet-friendly city rankings or ask your agent. A good agent will know what a neighborhood offers.
"Take your time. Don't rush the hunt for the perfect house if you have pets," Barsky said. "You'll be happier and so will they."