Drills, Hammers, and Strangers: Keys to Pet Safety During a Remodel
Summer is prime time for construction projects ‒ a fact not overlooked by most pets. Whether it’s drilling, concrete mixing, or constant hammering in the neighborhood, the aural assault can be very disconcerting to a pet’s sensitive hearing. But if the construction occurs inside a pet’s own home, are there certain rules regarding pet safety during a remodel? You bet your hard hat!
Relative Comfort
There are endless possible mishaps that stem from a home construction project – that’s just the nature of the beast. Luckily, there are numerous ways to cut down on dangers posed to humans, but pet safety during a remodel can be an afterthought.
With your pet’s relative comfort and safety in mind, these are just some factors to consider before scheduling demolition:
- Power tools
- Nails, screws, saws, and broken glass
- Scraps of metal and wood
- Crowded or disorganized spaces
- Toxic chemicals and fumes
- Harmful dust
- Holes in the floor
- Open doors or windows
- Unfamiliar workers coming and going
- Disruption of daily routine
Emphasizing Pet Safety During a Remodel
Doors and windows are typically left open to accommodate contractors, increasing the odds of a pet escape. Please make sure your pet wears legible ID tags and a collar, and keep microchip information up-to-date.
Setting your pet up in a cozy room away from the construction will help reduce the odds of wandering outside. A large outdoor run or kennel (in the shade) can also do the trick. Provide your pet with his or her usual crate, preferred bedding, food, litter/puppy pads, and toys. Play white noise or music to reduce anxiety from construction noise.
On super noisy days (or whenever noxious fumes are present), you might consider boarding your pet or recruiting family or friends to care for your best fur pal.
Other Tips for Success
To ensure pet safety during a remodel, consider the following ideas:
- Communicate closely with your contractor and other workers in your home. Let them know what safety protocols you have in place for your pet, such as which areas are “safe zones.”
- Keep up your pet’s routine as much as possible. Maintain times for meals, play, and sleeping.
- Secure the job site, and do not allow your pet to inspect the areas where construction is underway (even after hours). Plug holes in the wall or floor, and cover areas in which your pet could become trapped.
- Ask that any new carpet be unrolled outside where they can safely gas-off.
- Install adequate ventilation throughout your house to reduce any airborne toxins or dust that can harm your pet.
- Prohibit your pet from inspecting areas under demolition. Rodent droppings, lead paint, and other hazards may be found.
- Replenish your pet’s fresh water supply throughout the day; stressed pets tend to drink more water.
Upside Down
Before construction begins, we’d love to ensure your pet is healthy and strong. During the remodel, keep a close eye on any changes in behavior, hiding, vocalization, soiling, or aggression. Other obvious signs of illness or injury should be addressed immediately.
Hopefully, your focus on pet safety during a remodel allows the project to reach completion without incident. Improvements to your home may very well benefit your pet in the long run, but the process might not come without its challenges. Please let us know how we may be of assistance. Good luck!