By Demari Monico, Nebraska Home Sales Realtor

Pets, conventional or unconventional, have become a big part of the American way of life. Our love affair with our pets goes all the way back to the 50’s when Lassie and Mr. Ed captured our hearts and made their way into the homes of so many. Many of our pets have beds, strollers, clothes, toys, cages, hygiene products and the list goes on and on. Our pets are an integral part of our families. So what happens to them when we put our homes up for sale?

Last fall I met a buyer for a showing on an acreage just outside of town and as we approached the front door we were confronted by a territorial rooster strutting his stuff. I tried to shoo him and scare him by hitting sticks on the railing, but nothing would bring that old bird down from his post. As soon as I would step up on the porch he would start flapping his wings and crow at me. This rooster clearly ruled this roost and I was not welcome. It took a long time and some trickery before we were finally able to sneak into the home, but all the commotion took away from the experience for the buyers.

What do we do with our pets when our house is up for sale? The best answer for pet, seller and buyer is to remove the pet from the home during showings and open houses. Your pet is used to your family and may be used to strangers being in your home when you are home, but there is no way to tell how they will behave when you are not there. Whether it is a cat, dog or other pet they may fiercely protect their roost. It is in their nature. There are a lot of options for pet care from pet sitters, boarding, doggie/cat daycare, or your local vet office may provide supplemental pet care services.

Don’t let a buyer be deterred from touring your home because you have a rooster at your door.