For pet owners in New Hanover, Pender, and Brunswick counties, our dogs and cats aren't just pets; they are family. They are our beach buddies at Freeman Park and our copilots on the boat.

But when it comes time to sell your home, your four-legged family members can become a major logistical hurdle.

Buyers want to visualize themselves living in the home—not your Golden Retriever. In a humid coastal market like ours, pet odors can be magnified, and sand tracked in by paws can ruin a first impression. Here is your guide to managing showings, staging for success, and keeping your sanity while selling a pet-friendly home in coastal NC.

1. The "Invisible Pet" Strategy: Pre-Listing Prep

The goal is simple: A buyer should not know a pet lives there until they see the water bowls in the garage.

The "Coastal" Deep Clean: In our region, it’s not just fur; it’s sand.

• Vacuum Vents: Sand and pet hair accumulate in HVAC returns. Vacuum these grates thoroughly; buyers look up!
• Enzyme Cleaners: Humidity reactivates old odors. Use a high-quality enzyme cleaner on any rugs or upholstery, even if you think they smell fine.
• Repair the "Door Scratch": If your dog scratches at the door to go out, you likely have damage on the frame. Sand and paint this before photos. It’s a red flag that screams "deferred maintenance."
• The Yard Check (Fire Ants & Sand Spurs): Buyers will walk your yard. Ensure you have treated for fire ants (common in sandy soil) and removed sand spurs. Nothing kills a showing faster than a buyer getting bitten or stuck with a prickly burr.

2. Showing Day Logistics: Where Do They Go?

You typically get 1–2 hours notice for a showing. You need a "Go Bag" and a plan.

Option A: The "Ride Along" (Best for Dogs) Load them in the car. Drive to a local park or just grab a coffee.

Wilmington Tip: Long Leaf Park has plenty of shaded walking trails if you need to kill an hour.
Hampstead Tip: Kiwanis Park is a great spot to let them sniff around while your home is being toured.

Option B: Daycare (Best for Full Days of Showings) If you have a busy Saturday with back-to-back showings, drop them off at "Camp."

Wilmington: Hounds Town (Castle Hayne Rd) or The Dog Play Spot offer great day-stay options.
Leland: Leland Pet Resort is a favorite for Brunswick Forest and Compass Pointe sellers.
Hampstead: Pawville (formerly Surf City Pet Hospital) or Bleu Starr K9 are excellent local options.

Option C: The "Safe Room" (Best for Cats) Cats are harder to move. If you can't take them, crate them.

Do Not: Leave them roaming free. They can bolt out the door when an agent opens it.
Do: Place them in a large carrier in a secondary room (laundry or garage) with a note on the door: "Indoor Cat in Crate – Please Do Not Disturb."

3. Dealing with the "Stuff"

Pet gear is clutter.

• Hide the Bowls: Don't just leave them in the kitchen. Tuck them in a cabinet or the dishwasher during showings.
• The Litter Box: This is the single biggest deal-breaker. It must be scooped daily. If possible, move it to the garage or a less central location during the listing period.
• The "Dog Bed" smell: If your large dog bed has a "lived-in" scent, hide it in the trunk of your car during showings. No amount of Febreze covers that specific musk.

4. Turn Your Pet into a Selling Point

Once the house is clean, flip the script. Use your pet-friendliness as a marketing asset for the neighborhood.

Highlight Amenities: If you live in Riverlights, mention the Wag Park. If you are in Brunswick Forest, highlight the miles of walking trails.

Fence Value: A fenced yard is a massive value-add in our area. Market it as "Pup-Ready Fencing" in the listing remarks.

5. The "Breed Restriction" Note

Be aware that many buyers in HOAs like Compass Pointe or Landfall are conscious of breed restrictions.

The Tip: If you have a restricted breed (often Pit Bulls, Rottweilers, or Dobermans), ensure your yard is secure during showings so buyers don't feel "guarded" when they look at the exterior.

The Bottom Line

You can sell a home with pets, but it requires diligence. The extra 20 minutes it takes to vacuum the sofa and hide the chew toys can make the difference between an offer and a "pass."

At Aspyre Realty Group, we love animals (most of us have them!). We know how to schedule showing blocks to give you time to wrangle the cats, and we can help you verify which local neighborhoods are the most welcoming for your specific furry friends.