While almost 71 million Americans own a pet, when you’re viewing potential homes to buy, the last thing you want to see is a barking dog or finicky cat. Many homebuyers consider pets to be smelly, noisy and damaging, so it’s important to make sure that a pet isn't the reason you don’t sell your home. If you’re a loyal pet owner and a home seller, use the following tips to create the illusion of a pet-free home.

The easiest thing to do is relocate your pet to a friend or family member’s home, or consider pet daycare when showing your home.

For those who choose to keep their pets inside the house during a home viewing, tuck them away in a carrier or kennel with a note attached warning buyers not to disturb them. The last thing you want is somebody sticking their hand inside and getting bit or scratched—especially a child who has come along for the look.

• 
• 
•