ABSOLUTELY...ANY DISTRACTION, ANY, ANY affects the showing.  People (You and Me) are easily distracted.  Distraction is the opposite of the "Puppy Dog Approach to Sales" (where you sit down with buyers in a home that they obiously like and let them hold the imaginary Puppy!!!)  Distracted folks are fast to exit!!!  Even pet bedding, dishes kennels, etc are distractions!

That's one for the books, Paul.  I've seen one or two parrots at homes I've shown but certainly none that weren't caged.  Yikes!  To answer your question, though, no... I don't think I've ever had a problem showing a home with pets.  The only bad experience I've had in that respect was one house where a family living there was renting it and the wife worked as a Vet's assistant and the instant you walked in the house it stunk big time of cat urine.  We didn't get past the foyer before deciding this wasn't the home for them.

if the pets are running free throughout the home, and they bark as we approach the door, that door will not be opened.... that's our rule.... cage your pets or board them...

I don't mind pets, but occasionally someone will be afraid of dogs and not want to go in even if the dog is in a crate. i hope that seller you mention was offering a huge discount. Rediculous to sell with birds flying loose.

Uhhh, YES! I would call the listing agent and tell him/her this was a turn off and possibly a health hazard too. 

I don't, but there are times when my clients have an issue and then I adjust as needed.

Wow, yes those birds should certainly have been handled better for showings.  I am concerned when pet instructions include wording such as "do not let out".  It should not be on the buyer or their agent to manage someone else's pet.

Hi Paul -- Yikes!  The example you cite is beyond crazy and the listing agent should have made that issue much more clear.   

I appreciate when a listing agent's private remarks discuss the pet situation. Things like friendly blind cocker spaniel Misty will be in the service porch which can be seen from the kitchen.  I'm okay with that.

I am a bit more wary of four dangerous dogs in rear yard do not enter without owner.  If they happen to be in the house - leave immediately.   

Unfortunately common sense is not as common as I'd prefer it.

Paul S. Henderson I am afraid of pets so I request them to remove. However, if not removed, I still show the homes.

I went into a home just after a Broker's Open House ended, at the Broker's invitation. He said, "Just watch out for Hershey" and I said no problems.  As I opened the door, took off my shoes on the freshely waxed hardwood floors, Hershey appeared and was heading toward the open door.  I blocked his path, slipped on the floor and went down hard.  
I love dogs and got to know Hershey well later when I ended up with the listing, but our meeting was unforgettable. 

Paul, I think this is a bit much especially since the home owners put the responsibility on the agents to control the animals.  Seems these people are selling an aviary not a house!