Selling a home can be a challenge when you have pets. Although Americans love pets, they hate the idea of buying a home that smells like someone else’s furry companion. In fact, any sign of pets can turn off buyers who associate pets with a lack of cleanliness -- and make the job of selling your home harder.

Some real estate experts advise shipping your pet off while you’re showing your home. That way, there are no litter boxes, half-chewed dog bones or smells to make buyers think about potential pet-related problems with your home. This may be an especially good idea for those who keep rodents or reptiles.

If that’s not practical over the weeks it may take to sell your home -- and it isn’t for many who consider their pets companions -- real estate experts advise that you take the pet out of the house during showings. Some people are afraid of animals, and some animals are afraid of strangers. If possible, remove the litter box as well. If not, make sure it, and the area around it, is clean and odor-free. Also be sure to clean up after your dog in the yard.

Selling a home is also easier when it is spotlessly clean. Many people are allergic to cats and dogs, so it is especially important to keep the carpet vacuumed and the furniture free of pet hair. Placing throws over your furniture between showings can make it easier to keep it clean while you’re selling your home.

Of course, the biggest issues pet owners face when selling a home are stains and odors. Here are some tips from the Humane Society of the United States on how to rid carpets of both:

• Before selling your home, use a black light to search for evidence of pet accidents. Even old accidents will glow in the dark.
• Rent an extractor or wet vacuum to remove all traces of heavy stains in carpeting. Use plain water. Do not use steam cleaners, which can permanently set the stain and odor by bonding the protein into the carpet fibers.
• If the stain is still visible after the carpet dries, apply a carpet stain remover. (Make sure you follow all of these steps well to ensure all the odors are gone before trying to sell your house.)
• Enzyme-based pet stain and odor removers will work only if all traces of other chemicals are removed first using plain water.
• If urine has soaked through to the carpet padding, the odor will remain unless it, too, is cleaned. You may need to replace that section of carpet and padding -- or consider replacing all the room’s carpeting if you’re selling your home.

The Humane Society says also recommends removing and replacing varnish or paint discolored by urine. Enzyme cleaners may work on washable paints and wallpapers. If you’re selling a home, it might make sense to clean and then repaint. Hardwood floors can be sanded and refinished; the clear finish coat generally seals in any lingering odor so pet smells won’t be so noticeable and won’t torpedo your chances of selling your home.