So, a home inspection has been scheduled, either by you or the buyer – a crucial step towards selling your house. But what about your furry (or feathered) family members? Can you leave your beloved pets at home during the inspection, or should they accompany you on an adventure elsewhere during the home inspection?
Here at 45th Parallel, we understand the deep bond between homeowners and their pets. While we adore all creatures great and small, a home inspection is a professional service with a specific focus. This guide will explore the potential challenges of leaving pets home during the inspection and offer alternative solutions for a smooth and stress-free experience for everyone involved.
Why Leaving Pets Home is Not Ideal
While it might seem convenient to leave your pets at home while the inspector does their job, there are several reasons why a home inspection with pets might not be the best:
- Escape Risk: Open doors and gates are a recipe for an escape attempt, especially for curious and adventurous pets. An escaping pet can not only get lost but also create a safety hazard for themselves and potentially others. Home inspectors are not liable for pets left at home, their job is to perform the inspection, so if you have a pet that likes to run for it when doors and gates are open, you should crate them or take them with you during the home inspection.
- Inspector Allergies: Unfortunately, some inspectors might have pet allergies. While they would likely disclose this information beforehand, it's best to avoid an uncomfortable situation for both parties.
- Unpredictable Behavior: Even the most well-behaved pets can become nervous or overly excited in unfamiliar situations. A playful puppy might jump on the inspector, while a scared cat might hide in a crawlspace, delaying the inspection process. Protective pets can also become aggressive toward intruders (the visiting home inspector, buyer’s agent, and potential buyers).
- Focus and Efficiency: The inspector's primary objective is to thoroughly examine your home. Having pets present can be a distraction, potentially slowing down the inspection and making it more difficult to access certain areas. Playful puppies are adorable but take away from the ability of the inspector to focus on the job at hand.
- Inspector's Liability: In the unfortunate event of a pet-related accident during the inspection (like a scratch or bite), the inspector's liability insurance might not cover the situation, and it may fall to you, the pet owner to pay for medical bills
The Importance of a Clear and Unobstructed Inspection
A home inspection is a detailed examination of your property's condition. A clear and unobstructed inspection is an absolute must for buyers, sellers, realtors, or property managers. Even leaving your pets in a room with the door shut means that the room can’t efficiently be inspected and potentially not at all. Here’s why we need as much freedom as possible to move around the home:
Thorough Examination
The inspector needs access to all areas of the home, including crawlspaces, attics, and behind furniture. Pets that are not contained in crates or cages can make it difficult to access these areas thoroughly.
Accurate Assessment
A clear view of the property allows the inspector to identify potential problems like structural issues, plumbing leaks, or electrical hazards. Pets present can distract the inspector making it more difficult to focus on inspecting.
Detailed Report
The inspector's report is a crucial document for buyers and sellers. A clear inspection allows for a more accurate and detailed report, avoiding any potential future surprises. Pets left in the home unattended or that are distracting to the inspector may be noted in the report as a limitation. An example would be that a playful doggie following the inspector throughout the home created a situation where the inspector was somewhat limited on inspecting due to the situation or a room could not be properly inspected.
Alternative Solutions for Your Precious Pets
Leaving your pets at home during the inspection isn't the only option, even if you are present for some or all of the inspection. You can enlist the help of a trusted friend, family member, or professional pet sitter to watch your furry companions during the inspection. This ensures your pets are well cared for and minimizes the risk of escape or unexpected behavior.
If you have a crate, and you want to leave your pet at home during the inspection, please place them in the crate to eliminate the possibility of escape or other incidents. We know you hate to crate your furry friends, as do we, but it is safer for everyone, especially your furry family member. Ensure all pets left at home during the inspection are properly secured to prevent escape, injury, or any unwanted event.
For pets who might require a more structured environment, a reputable boarding kennel can offer a safe and comfortable temporary stay. Many kennels provide playtime and socialization opportunities, ensuring your pet isn't lonely during their short stay. Or if you have a close friend or family member who is willing to host your pets for a few hours, this can be a cost-effective and familiar option for your furry friends.
Consider taking your pets with you on errands or for a walk during the inspection. However, be prepared to manage your pets outside the home to ensure they don't disrupt the inspection process. Plan on being out of the home for typically around three hours.
Additional Tips for a Pet-Friendly Inspection (if you must leave them home)
Can pets stay home for inspection? If, due to unforeseen circumstances, leaving your pets at home is your only option, here are some additional tips to minimize the risk of problems. We’ll start by saying DO NOT LEAVE NOTES WITH INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE INSPECTOR. We aren’t here to take care of your pets, we are here to take care of a home inspection, so any instructions such as ‘Please don’t let the white cat escape’ will be ignored and no liability will be assumed.
- Inform the Inspector: Let the inspector know beforehand that you will be leaving your pets at home. In some cases, we may need to reschedule at a later date.
- Secure the Pet: Consider using crates to confine your pets to a specific area of the house. Pet safety during a home inspection is your responsibility. Remember, we’ll be going in and out of the home, the garage, and gates in the yard, and can't be held responsible for keeping your pets contained.
- Provide Ample Food and Water: Leave plenty of fresh water and food for your pets to prevent them from becoming restless or anxious during the inspection.
- Leave Familiar Items: Provide your pets with familiar items like toys, bedding, or a worn t-shirt with your scent to offer comfort and reduce anxiety during your absence.
- Minimize Distractions: Turn off any noisemakers like radios or televisions that might further agitate your pets or that are non-typical for your environment. However, if your home always has some violin concerto in the background, then by all means, try to make the environment as close to typical as possible.
- Have a Backup Plan: In case of unforeseen circumstances, have a backup plan in place. This could involve having a friend or neighbor on standby who can quickly come over and remove the pets if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
It’s generally not recommended. Pets may become anxious or stressed by the presence of strangers moving through the house. Additionally, inspectors need to access all areas, which could inadvertently expose pets to hazards like open doors, ladders, or unfamiliar equipment.
Leaving pets in the home can lead to safety concerns, such as pets escaping through open doors or getting into off-limits areas like crawl spaces or attics. It can also cause distractions for the inspector, potentially slowing down the process or leading to missed details.
Removing pets ensures their safety and minimizes stress for both your pets and the inspector. It also creates a more professional environment, allowing the inspector to focus on their work without worrying about navigating around or avoiding pets.
Arrange for your pets to stay with a friend, family member, or at a pet daycare during the inspection. If that’s not possible, consider taking them on a walk or car ride during the scheduled inspection time. This ensures their safety and helps the inspection proceed without complications.
A Successful Inspection for Everyone
By carefully considering the potential challenges and implementing alternative solutions for your pets, you can ensure a smooth and successful home inspection for everyone involved. Remember, a little planning goes a long way in minimizing stress for you, your pets, and the inspector.
At 45th Parallel, we are dedicated to providing a professional and efficient inspection experience. We understand the importance of your furry family members and are happy to work with you to find the best solution for a successful home inspection.
If you have any further questions or require clarification on our pet policy, don't hesitate to contact our team. We look forward to helping you navigate the home inspection process and achieve your real estate goals!
