Tips To Keep Your Pet(s) Safe During a Remodel

Undergoing a remodeling project can be very nerve-racking. Owners become overwhelmed about the budget, time, and how to get through any inconveniences as their home is being torn apart. But, if you have a pet or pets don’t forget, it can be a very traumatizing for them when their space is being invaded with workers, noise and most important, the neglect …. so always think about your pet(s) safety and comfort. Your pets can’t protect themselves or tell you when something is wrong, so as a responsible pet owner, it is your job to look out for them.

Here are a few important tips to help keep your pet(s) safe during a remodel:

Electrical wires. During a remodel, wires are often laying everywhere. So, if possible, keep them elevated. Most pets will chew (puppies mostly) through electrical wires if given the opportunity. Make sure all wires are put away safely where your curious pet can’t reach them no matter how hard they try.

Watch out for non-secure items. During construction, lots of tools, ladders, and materials are always left lying around. If your pets love to brush against walls and table legs, they’ll be sure to love the opportunity to rub up against a loosely stacked building material. Since they can’t tell the difference between a table leg and a stack of plywood. Imagine if a painter left a 1/2 can of paint on top of a ladder, and your dog was playing around and bumped into one of the legs, and the can of 10 lbs fell and hit your little Yorkshire Terrier on the head, it could kill it.

Stay aware of open doorways and windows. Renovations of all kinds will inevitably result in open doors while workers move in and out, especially with projects that involve replacing windows and doors or working on exterior walls AND second story addition. A balcony doorway may only have a single 2×4 handrail, leaving a few feet below for a pet walk through and fall. Be mindful of this and make sure your pets don’t have the chance to wander out.

‘Watch out for toxin and dangerous materials. Small hazardous items may get left on the floor and cut tender paws, such as nails, staples, tacks, and anything sharp. Other such things as open cans or spilled or wet paint and waterproofing materials can cause irritations to pet’s skin. Mold or asbestos might be uncovered during the renovation process. The list of dangers goes on and on.

Respect the remodeling workers time and space. And not everyone gets along with pets, especible dogs. Zoophobia or animal phobia is a class of specific phobias to particular animals, or an irrational fear or even simply dislike of any non-human animals. Leaving pets alone with contractors is not a smart idea. Any contractors or workers in your home will be concentrating on the quality of their work and keeping themselves and their co-workers safe. It isn’t their job to watch after your pets. Even worse, if you end up with a spooked dog, you can be sued if they bite a worker.

 Consider boarding your animals. Yes, this can be expensive. If boarding isn’t an option for you, dogs should at the very least be securely fenced in the backyard. If you expect workers to be going through the backyard at any point, Spot should be tied up as well as fenced. If you like the idea of pet sitting rather than boarding, check out Sitter City or Craig’s List to find a local pet sitter. If none of these is an option for you, consider asking a trusted family member or friend to let your pet stay over when the workers are present.

Keep the family informed. Let all family members know that it is their shared responsibility to watch out for the safety of your pets. Consider having a frank conversation with your workers to let them know that there are pets in the house, and that they must faithfully clean all work areas at the end of each day and stabilize all loose items.

Remember, when workers leave for the day, just spend a few minutes walking the construction site looking for potential dangers to your pets.

You’ll have plenty to think about while you prepare for a remodeling project. Hiring contractors, making important design decisions, and being realistic about your budget are enough to fill up your time as it is, so making sure your pets are safe and cared for should be taken care of before any projects begin.

ADB Room Additions would like to hear from you about your remodeling dreams, so contact us today so we can go over some ideas to make those dreams a reality