When preparing your property for a real estate photo shoot, there are many things to consider — staging, lighting, and even making sure everything is tidy and clean. But one key detail that often gets overlooked is removing pets and pet items from your property. If you’ve ever wondered, “Why do I need to do this?” we’ve got some important reasons to share.
1. MLS Regulations
Many Multiple Listing Services (MLS) have strict guidelines about what can and cannot appear in property photos. Pets and pet items (like pet beds, toys, and food dishes) are typically not allowed in the photos for listings. This is because they can distract potential buyers and may even negatively influence their perception of the property. By removing these items, your photos will comply with MLS standards, helping your listing stay on track.
2. Appeal to a Broader Audience
When buyers are looking for a new home, they often want to imagine themselves in the space — and that means focusing on the property itself. If potential buyers see pet items in the photos, it could create an image of the home as being "for pet owners only," making it harder for those who don't have pets to envision the space as their own. You want the home to appeal to as many buyers as possible, and the presence of pet items can limit that appeal.
3. Allergies Matter
Did you know that pet allergies are a common concern for many people? Seeing pet items in your listing photos can be a turn-off for buyers who have allergies, even if they don’t see a pet in the actual space. Just the sight of pet-related items (like pet beds, leashes, or even pet food dishes) can raise concern about potential allergens in the home. To prevent this, it's best to remove pet items to ensure your property appeals to a wider range of buyers.
4. Clean and Tidy Appearance
Pets can sometimes create a mess, whether it’s fur on furniture, scattered toys, or pet-related stains. Even if your home is generally clean, pet-related items can detract from the overall polished look of your property in photos. A clean, clutter-free environment is key to showing off the best features of your home. By removing pet items and ensuring your space is free of distractions, you’ll have a better chance of making a great first impression.
5. Less Distraction in Photos
In real estate photography, the goal is to highlight the space and layout of the home. If pets or their items are in the photo, it can draw attention away from the features you want to showcase, such as your spacious living areas, modern kitchen, or beautiful backyard. Removing pets and pet items ensures the focus stays on the property itself and not any distractions.
6. Help Potential Buyers Visualize Their Future Home
When potential buyers look at listing photos, they need to see a blank canvas that they can imagine making their own. Pet items can subconsciously tell buyers, "This home is for someone else." By removing pets and pet-related belongings, you allow buyers to picture themselves in the home, without any preconceived notions about who previously lived there.
