Can You Bring Your Dog to a Real Estate Viewing?
If you’re a dog owner house-hunting in North Vancouver or West Vancouver, it’s natural to wonder whether your furry companion can join you at showings. After all, they’re part of the family — and in a competitive market, you may be rushing from listing to listing with little time to run home.
But here’s the short answer:
No, you generally should not bring your dog to a real estate viewing — unless they are a certified service animal.
Below, we break down why, what the exceptions are, and how to plan your home search when you have pets.
Why You Shouldn’t Bring Your Dog to a Home Showing
There are several important reasons why dogs should stay at home during viewings:
1. Homeowners may have allergies or health sensitivities
Even if the home looks spotless, the sellers could have severe pet allergies.
Introducing your dog — even for a few minutes — could trigger reactions, contaminate furniture, or leave dander behind.
Agents have a responsibility to protect the seller’s health, and even the perception of risk could create problems.
2. It’s unsafe for your dog and the home
You don’t know:
- Whether the seller has pets of their own
- If there are chemicals, traps, or hazards on the property
- Whether the yard is secure
- If there are food items, plants, or breakables within reach
A stressed dog in a new environment can also act unpredictably, increasing the risk of accidental damage.
3. It’s discourteous to the homeowner
When viewing someone’s home — even if they’re not present — you’re still an invited guest.
Bringing animals inside without permission is considered inappropriate and is almost always against showing instructions.
4. The listing agent may be afraid of dogs
Not everyone is comfortable around animals. Some listing agents — and even the sellers — may have a genuine fear of dogs, which can make the showing uncomfortable or unsafe. Real estate professionals are expected to maintain control of the environment, and introducing an unexpected animal can create unnecessary stress.
5. It distracts from your viewing
Showings are your opportunity to:
- Check sight lines
- Assess storage
- Evaluate layout
- Look for repairs
- Get a real feel for the space
Managing a dog (even a calm one) takes attention away from your decision-making.
Service Dogs Are the Only Exception
If you rely on a certified service dog, they are legally permitted to accompany you into a home.
This includes dogs that assist with:
- Mobility
- Visual impairment
- Hearing impairment
- Medical alerts
- PTSD or other recognized conditions
Service animals are not pets. Sellers and agents cannot refuse or restrict access.
If you use a service dog, your REALTOR® can give listing agents advanced notice to ensure the showing runs smoothly.
What About Emotional Support Animals?
Emotional support animals are not considered service animals under BC law.
Because the seller’s comfort, health, and property remain the priority, emotional support animals are generally not allowed at showings. If you rely on your dog for support, ask your REALTOR® to contact the listing agent in advance — some sellers may be open to accommodating with notice, but approval is entirely at their discretion.
What To Do Instead: Dog-Friendly Showing Tips
Here are practical alternatives if you’re touring multiple homes:
Leave your dog at home
The simplest and most respectful option.
Bring a partner or friend and rotate
One of you views while the other waits outside with the dog.
Ask your REALTOR® whether a video or virtual tour is available.
Most listing agents offer robust marketing packages — often including video walkthroughs, virtual tours, or floor plans — that can help you determine whether the home is a good fit before you book an in-person showing. This saves time and ensures you’re only visiting properties that genuinely meet your needs.
Schedule showings with breaks
If you’re seeing several homes in North Vancouver or West Vancouver, spacing them out gives you time to check in on your pet.
Final Takeaway: Pets Should Stay Home During Showings
Bringing your dog to a showing might feel harmless, but it puts the homeowner, the listing agent, and even your pet at risk.
Unless your dog is a trained service animal, it’s best — and most courteous — to leave them at home.
If you’re a buyer with pets and need help planning showings around your schedule, we're happy to work with you to make the process easy and stress-free.
Reach out anytime for buyer support, pet-friendly neighbourhood advice, or upcoming listings in North Vancouver and West Vancouver.