Pet Safety While Renovating
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Renovations are a stressful and chaotic time and with everything that is going on, pets are often overlooked. There are many dangerous things on a job site that could hurt your pet, so before you start that renovation project, here are some tips on how you can help your furry friends get through the chaos safely.
Pet Safety While Renovating
1/ Have a safe place for your pet while work is going on.
This safe haven could be a bedroom or any room not being worked on. The most important thing is that it can be closed off. Make sure you put food and water in the room and you if have a cat like I do don’t forget the litter box! I also put some of her favorite toys in the room and some of my clothes. My cat Alora loves to sleep on my clothes so I leave a little pile of dirty clothes for her. Basically whatever your pet loves, put them in there with them.
This room needs to be off limits to the workers. Put a sign on the door so they know to keep out. Also be sure to tell the job supervisor or general contractor so they can tell their workers to stay out of the room, or to get them if someone needs access into the area.
2/ Clean up after the work is done everyday.
Regardless of whether you are doing the work yourself, or hiring professionals, the work areas need to be tidied up everyday. The floors need to be swept or vacuumed to remove all nails and sharp objects. Put hazardous items such as paint or adhesives out of reach and be sure to unplug all of the power tools and put them on a table out of reach.
Let your pet explore after the work is done and things are cleaned up, if it safe. My cat is always very curious to see what was happening. She usually just walks around and smells everything and is then content.
3/ Be sure to spend time with them.
If you are doing the work yourself, I know you will be tired, but try to spend a few minutes with your pet letting them know everything is ok. Taking your dog to the park or just spending time with them in their safe place will mean the world to them.
4/ Try to be calm.
I know it is easier said then done during a renovation but animals know when we are stressed and they will get stressed as well. Remember, they don’t know what is going on and they will take their cues from you. If you are happy and relaxed they will be as well.
Author Bio: Kathryn is a Kitchen and Bathroom designer in Vancouver BC. To contact Kathryn please visit Kathryn Haley Design
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