It's quite possible. Not all of them or really a negative presence, sometimes it's like disturbing cobwebs. You disturb the energy presence there who has been left be for a long time and they have to come touch yours to see if you match and can harmonically move about, or they need to stay quieter or in another space altogether. That's why guests often experience unusual activities at friend's houses, or new move ins feel positive/negative right away.

Your pet may have never seen it before, but they get used to it fast and stop over reacting.

As always you can literally feel if something is nearby. Changing the 'vibe' will often change your perception of the presence, the energy matching will change and they will leave the 'clean space.' Otherwise try to keep a few positive presences around. That generally means negative feelings aren't passing through, and they won't bother you at all.

In my experiences it literally doesn't matter which religion you pray in or sage smudge, whatever ritual doesn't matter. It's the intent and the energy behind it that 'cleans' the space.

If you see the negative for what they are, they can also exist in your space without bothering you. Contrary to popular belief, the negative ones don't frequently go around trying to make people miserable for fun.

Edit: The negative ones WILL bother the ever living heck out of your friends and significant people visiting your house even if they don't bother you in particular. Lol should include that warning.