The Real Homeowner During the Inspection?

A Home Inspector’s Guide to Dogs, Land Mines, and Professional Tail-Waggers

As a home inspector with Midwest Inspect, I inspect a lot of things:

• roofs,

• foundations,

• electrical systems,

• plumbing,

• HVAC systems…

But let’s be honest.

Sometimes the biggest wildcard at an inspection is the 90-pound Pit-Mix named “Tank” launching himself at me like I just broke into the house with a pocket full of bacon.

Now before we go any further: I love dogs.

Big dogs. Small dogs. Old dogs. Weird little gremlin dogs that sound like broken smoke detectors. I love them all.

But home inspections and dogs can create some… interesting situations.

The Greeting Committee

Every inspector knows the moment.

You open the front door and suddenly hear:

“OH DON’T WORRY, HE’S FRIENDLY.”

Meanwhile the dog is:

• sprinting full speed,

• barking like I owe him money,

• and performing aerial maneuvers directly toward my chest.

And honestly? Most dogs are friendly.

The problem is: I’m carrying tools, ladders, cameras, moisture meters, and occasionally balancing on stairs trying not to die.

Even a friendly dog can accidentally create unsafe conditions during an inspection.

The Barking Olympics

Every inspector has experienced it.

The second you walk through the door:

BARK BARK BARK BARK BARK

You move to the kitchen:

BARK BARK BARK

You open the electrical panel:

BARK BARK BARK BARK

You climb onto the roof somehow……and the dog is STILL barking from inside the house like it’s giving live tactical updates.

At some point the homeowner says:

“Oh, he’ll calm down eventually.”

Ma’am…It’s been 2 hours.This dog is operating on pure adrenaline and hatred.

And honestly? Most dogs aren’t being mean. They’re anxious, overstimulated, protective, or confused why a stranger is crawling through their attic.

But constant barking creates:

• stress for the dog,

• stress for the homeowner,

• and distractions during the inspection process.

It’s surprisingly hard to concentrate on a furnace inspection while a Beagle is reenacting a police siren behind you.

The Yard Obstacle Course

Then comes the backyard.

Inspectors don’t just inspect inside the home. We’re walking:

• yards,

• decks,

• roofs,

• garages,

• around AC units,

• through wet grass at 8AM.

Which means we become unwilling participants in:

“Extreme Dog Poop Avoidance.”

Every step turns into tactical decision-making.

You’re scanning:

• grading,

• siding,

• drainage…

while simultaneously trying not to step into something that will stick with you the rest of the day.

Nothing humbles a professional faster than realizing halfway through the roof inspection:

“Oh no… that smell is following me.”

The Aggressive Dog Situation

Now this part gets serious.

Most dogs are wonderful. Some dogs are territorial. A few dogs believe the inspector is clearly an intruder sent by the government.

Aggressive or anxious dogs can create real safety concerns during inspections:

• Biting risks

• Escaping through open doors

• Jumping hazards near ladders or stairs

• Distractions during safety evaluations

And here’s the important thing:

Even good dogs can react unpredictably around:

• strangers,

• tools,

• attics,

• loud noises,

• drones,

• ladders,

• or crawlspace creatures we accidentally disturb.

The “Velcro Dog”

Then there’s the overly affectionate dog.

The one that decides:

“You are my best friend now.”

This dog follows you through:

• every room,

• the basement,

• the crawlspace entrance,

• and possibly onto the roof if given the opportunity.

At some point I’m trying to test a GFCI outlet while a Golden Retriever is leaning emotionally against my leg for support.

I respect the commitment.

Why Removing Dogs During Inspections Helps Everyone

Here’s the truth: The best thing homeowners can do during an inspection is secure pets safely away from the inspection area.

That might mean:

• Crating them

• Bringing them to daycare

• Taking them for a walk

• Keeping them in a separate secured area

Not because inspectors dislike dogs — quite the opposite.

It helps:✅ Keep pets safe✅ Prevent accidental escapes✅ Reduce stress for the animal✅ Allow the inspector to focus✅ Improve overall safety

Because while I’d absolutely love to pet your dog for 45 minutes…

I also need to inspect your electrical panel.

A Quick Word on Training

A well-trained dog makes everyone’s life easier.

Basic obedience and socialization help prevent:

• jumping,

• barking,

• aggression,

• anxiety,

• and dangerous situations around strangers entering the home.

And honestly? Good training protects the dog as much as anyone else.

A calm, confident dog handles visitors far better than one panicking in defense mode.

The Secret Truth About Inspectors

Here’s something most homeowners don’t know:

Half the time, inspectors are fighting every urge to stop working and play with your dog.

We’re professionals. But we’re also human.

And yes: There’s a very high chance I’ve interrupted my own inspection to say:

“Who’s a good inspector assistant?!”

Final Thoughts

Dogs are family. Most homeowners love their pets deeply, and as inspectors, we completely understand that.

But inspections involve:

• open doors,

• ladders,

• electrical systems,

• distractions,

• unfamiliar people,

• and safety risks.

So if you’ve got an inspection scheduled:

• secure the pets,

• clean the yard,

• give the inspector room to work,

• and maybe warn us if your Chihuahua believes he’s head of security.

Trust me: We’ll all have a better experience.

Including the dog.

Inspect Today. Protect Tomorrow.

— Sean Evans, CPI

Founder of Midwest Inspect