Maine consistently ranks as one of the most dog-friendly states in the country, with more than half of Maine households owning at least one pet, it’s clear that “The Way Life Should Be” means owning pets. Our state offers an abundance of pet-friendly spaces and opportunities for outdoor adventure. Acadia National Park is one of the few national parks in the U.S. that welcomes leashed dogs on most of its carriage roads, trails, and campgrounds. In Portland, the 85-acre Fore River Sanctuary is a local gem, offering off-leash access for dogs under voice control, miles of shaded trails, and even the city’s only natural waterfall – a favorite spot for dogs to splash and cool off. Whether you're in the mountains, the woods, or along the coast, Maine is a place where pets truly feel at home.
Buyers are significantly less motivated to make a strong offer on a property that doesn’t suit their pet’s needs. Even if they do submit an offer, it’s often less competitive—and they may be less emotionally invested in the outcome—if the home doesn’t accommodate every member of the family, including their pets.
For many homeowners, pets aren’t just animals, they’re beloved members of the family. It’s not uncommon for decisions about remodeling or even relocating to be influenced by the needs of their furry companions. Whether it’s adding a fenced-in yard, creating a mudroom for easier cleanup, or finding a home with better access to walking trails, pet-friendly features can be a major driving factor in both home improvements and real estate choices.
For many of today’s buyers, especially pet owners, proximity to pet-related services can be a key consideration. Knowing how close a home is to a trusted veterinarian, groomer, dog park, kennel, pet supply store, or even dog-friendly trails and beaches can significantly influence their interest in a property. Just as important are the features inside the home that make daily life easier for both pets and their people. A fenced-in yard offers peace of mind and freedom for dogs to roam safely, while a mudroom provides a practical space for wiping paws and storing pet gear. Flooring choices also matter—durable, low-maintenance materials like concrete, tile, or laminate tend to be more pet-friendly and appealing than surfaces like carpeting or hardwood, which are more prone to damage and wear.
In the rental market, pet-friendly units are in especially high demand. Listings that allow pets typically receive more online views, saves, shares, and applications, and they’re often rented out faster than those with strict no-pet policies. With such a large portion of renters owning pets, offering a pet-friendly space can significantly widen your applicant pool. It also helps foster longer tenancies, as renters with pets tend to stay put longer due to the limited availability of suitable housing. For landlords, this can mean reduced vacancy rates, more stable rental income, and less turnover-related cost in the long run.
When you purchase a home using financing, securing a homeowner’s insurance policy before the closing date is a requirement. If you’re a pet owner – especially one with a dog – it’s important to check with your insurance provider to confirm whether your pet’s breed is covered under their policy. Some insurers have restrictions or exclusions for certain dog breeds and failing to address this in advance could delay your closing or limit your coverage. If your current provider doesn’t cover your pet, you may need to shop around for a policy that does. Taking the time to verify this detail early on can save you from unexpected surprises at the final hour.
Preparing to Sell Your Pet’s House
Ask a trusted friend or family member to stop by and give your home an honest “sniff test.” We often become nose-blind to the everyday smells of our own pets, but a fresh set of senses can help identify any lingering odors that might turn off potential buyers. Resist the urge to mask smells with heavy fragrances or air fresheners – buyers will see (and smell) right through it, which can create feelings of mistrust. Instead, take a transparent and proactive approach: address any pet-related damage head-on. That might mean hiring a professional cleaner, replacing soiled flooring, treating subflooring, or even removing sections of drywall if odors have deeply permeated the space. A clean, neutral-smelling home gives buyers confidence and allows them to focus on the property’s potential—not its past.
Before showings, make sure all pet hair is thoroughly removed from upholstered furniture, rugs, and other soft surfaces. Even buyers who love animals may be turned off by signs of shedding, especially if they have allergies. Take the extra step to vacuum thoroughly, use lint rollers, and consider having upholstery professionally cleaned if needed. It’s also best to make arrangements for your pets to be out of the home during showings—whether with a friend, at daycare, or on a car ride. This helps create a calm, distraction-free environment where buyers can fully focus on the home, not the pets.
Nicole Foster is a real estate broker with over 20 years of experience and a Windham parent who loves real estate and people. <
