It's time to show your home - and you don't want the potential buyers to know that you have pets - how do you "de-pet" your home before a showing?
There are many buyers that are turned off by pets in the house. Some people are allergic to cats and others believe if there was previously cats and dogs in the house then the new owners will fight like cats and dogs. Either way, as much as we may love our pet, its in your best interest to make them as invisible as possible.
The first thing to do is make sure that the house is freshly vacuumed as well as the furniture. Put the dog bed and leashes away.
Put dog/cat bowls in a cupboard for the showing. Move the cat litter to a discrete place and make sure it is clean.
If possible, take all of the animals out of your house. At the very least, please take your dog with you. I have shown houses to buyers with dogs in crates and it is not a pleasant experience for anyone involved. The dog is upset because there are strangers in their house and they tend to bark. The buyers touring your home will not stay as long, nor will they fill welcomed, and it lowers the chances of you selling your home for top dollar.