How to keep your pets safe during a home inspection

 

What to do with pets during a home inspection is often a challenge when selling a home. Ensuring the safety and managing the emotional needs of dogs or cats when others are in their home takes some planning and sometimes help. Our inspection team has several dogs and cats, and we love meeting new pets, but not all inspectors do. Here are a few suggestions to make this process as easy as possible.

1. When possible, always take your furry family members with you and leave the house. Pets can be a distraction during the inspection. Pets are often territorial and having strangers in the home can result in uncharacteristic behavior such as aggression or fear. Asking the inspector in advance how long the inspection is likely to take and plan to walk your dog or take them to the park if weather permits is often a good idea.
   
   
2. Crating can be a great alternative. If removing your pet from the home is not possible, consider using a crate. If your pet is accustomed to spending time in a crate this can allow them to remain in the home and be safe during the inspection. Covering the crate with a blanket or blackout cover can also help if that is something they are familiar with.
   
   
3. Confine them to a secure location. If a backyard kennel is available, this can be an excellent option, or a bedroom that can confine your pet safely. Remember, the inspector will need to access the attic and plumbing, so a room that contains the attic access or a bathroom would not be a good choice. Also, the inspector will need access to the backyard, so while a kennel is a good plan, a fenced in backyard is not.
   
   
4. Leave notes for the inspector. If your pets need to stay in the home and cannot be confined, leave notes for those attending the inspection. This is quite common with cats. Leave a note on the main entry door that is visible before the door is opened warning of pets inside that cannot be let out so everyone knows before the door is opened to be on the lookout for pets. Leave additional notes on attic or basement doors informing if your pets are permitted in these areas or not. Also, leave a note with your contact information in the event there is an issue requiring someone to call you. If your pets are permitted to leave the house, include that in the note so everyone knows not to trap them inside.
   
   
5. Consider a pet sitter. If pets must remain in the home, ask someone to take responsibility for them. You may be tempted to ask your real estate agent for this, but remember they are strangers to your pet too. A better choice is a family member or friend who is known to your pet. If needed, let your agent know you plan to attend the inspection only to care for your pet at that time. During the inspection people will be in and out of the house numerous times. While care is always taken to insure the safety of your pets, remember the inspectors' primary responsibility is the inspection of the home.

No one wants to return home after an inspection and find a traumatized or lost pet. Your pet's safety and health is extremely important to us. With a little planning and information a complete inspection can be performed even if pets remain home during the process.