Do You Tell a Client Their House Smells Like Animal Pee? — How to Handle It Without Burning Bridges

Do You Tell a Client Their House Smells Like Animal Pee

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So you walked into a client’s house and it smelled like animal pee. Do you say something?

Short answer: probably don’t. Long answer: there are kinder, more professional moves that protect your work and the client’s dignity.

Here’s the situation in plain language: you were hired to do a job. While working, you noticed a strong smell of house-soiling from animals. You wondered whether calling it out would be helpful or just cruel.

What people think — the quick consensus

• Most people say the client likely already knows about the smell. It’s embarrassing for them and calling it out usually just makes them feel worse.
• Many say it’s not your business unless it affects the job. If you were able to do the work, staying professional and quiet was the right call.
• If the odor prevents you from safely or effectively completing the task, you’re within reason to refuse or reschedule — but be tactful.

Practical, low-drama ways to handle this

• If you can work through it: finish the job, keep it professional, and move on. No need to mention the smell if it doesn’t affect your work.
• If the smell prevents quality work: tell the client privately something like, “There’s an odor I’m concerned may affect the finish/adhesion/inspection. Would you like me to reschedule after it’s aired out or treated?” This focuses on the job, not blame.
• If you need to decline: be honest but kind — “I’m not able to work under these conditions. If you’d like, I can recommend a cleaner or reschedule.”
• Offer solutions, not shame: enzyme cleaners, professional carpet cleaning, ventilating the space, or hiring a pet odor specialist. That helps them solve the issue rather than feel judged.

Short scripts you can use

• “I’m concerned the odor might affect the job. Can we ventilate or reschedule?”
• “I can do the work, but I want you to know the finish might be affected by existing odors. Would you like me to proceed?”
• “I’m not comfortable working in this environment — I can give you candidate referrals for cleaners and come back.”

Be direct when it’s about safety or job quality. Be gentle when it’s about someone’s private life.

The takeaway

Calling out that a home smells like animal pee usually does more harm than good. If it doesn’t stop you from doing a professional job, say nothing. If it does, say it in terms of how it affects the work and offer a solution. That way you protect your standards and keep the client’s dignity intact.