Opinions on Animals at Open Houses?

I think it really just depends on the attitudes of the people attending the open house.  If they like cats then they will feel more comfortable having them around during the open house.  Personally I wouldn't be able to tolerate having pets around during an open house.  But to each his own.

Maria - When I first saw your post I thought it was going to be about the potential buyers! lol

Maria, I'm glad it worked out for you but I don't think animals have any business at an Open House. There are folks that are allergic and that would definitely turn a sale off.

I also don't think I would want to be responsible for them darting out, either.

I have to agree that I don't want animals at my open houses no matter how much I love cats, some people don't or are allergic to them.  That is such a cute  photo though. :)

Maria I love animals, but I don't think an open house is the place for them especially since you constantly had to watch so the one did not run out the door.

It would be situational.  It certainly sounds like you made the best of a trying situation.  I'm glad it worked out for the best.

I'm against pets at open houses in spite of how much I love them. I think it causes too many distractions, as happened in your case.

Cats.., NO, Not into that idea. No cats no dogs no chickens, pigs. The only animal i want at an open house is the one that fits on a bun.

Cats.., NO, Not into that idea. No cats no dogs no chickens, pigs. The only animal i want at an open house is the one that fits on a bun.

Maria - I like cats and dogs, ok, horses and goats and chickens, etc. But, they should not be at either an open house or left out during a showing. As you mentioned, they might try to get out, they could trip someone, scratch kids, dogs could bite, etc. Plus, you don't want to detract from the home.

Being more of a dog lover than a cat lover, I would not like to sit at an open house with cats. IMO, I don't think any animals should be there especially if they need to be jumping and looking for more attention than the house.

Maria, apparently you had a good experience.  I don't think I would want a pet at an open though.  One of my client's always leaves her Yorkie at the house during showings...so far so good.  I know a few people with allergies that would not appreciate it.

Maria, You had a really good experience with these kitties.  I think if pets have to be at an open they should be caged, and non barking dogs only.  We have had successful opens with caged cats and dogs.  It gives the visitors the option to go to the animal instead of the other way around.  And besides allergies, some people are just afraid of dogs - maybe they were bit as a youngster, so there is an immediate bad association with that house.

Cute photo, they know where the action is.

Gloria

I often take my friendly little Jack Russell girl along to my condo open houses.  I'll put her on the lanai, which is ground floor, so she can sit there in the shade (tied up).  People who walk out to see the pool will see her and everyone just loves her.  It breaks the ice and they always want to tell you about their dogs back home. I'm always surprised at how many people have dogs.