We’ve had a lot of guests at the cats-only boarding facility lately who are in need of a safe, quiet haven while their homes are under construction. But you don’t have to remove your pets from the house while workers are there — as long as you’re careful.
- Make a safe room for pets. If you can, keep one room free of the chaos of construction. You can keep your pets safely in the safe room with food, fresh water, and some kind of distractions — a special toy, soft music, and tasty treats.
- If your pets are unsettled by the noise of construction, try providing white noise — a radio or TV — to help keep them calm. You can also try calming pheromones that mimic the scent of a nursing mother.
- Time your bathroom breaks. Try to bring your dogs out to potty when the workers are taking a break. That way, your pups won’t encounter any strangers (or strange machinery) in the yard.
- Supervise any interactions between workers and pets. A friendly dog or curious cat might want to check out the new people — and that’s fine as long as everyone is agreeable. However, leaving your dog alone in the yard with contractors could be a bad idea. A loose dog in the house or yard with workers is potentially dangerous. What if your dog becomes frightened or startled and bites someone? It’s best to always supervise your pets when strangers are around.
- Watch the doors. A frightened pet could sneak out the door (or out of the yard) when someone goes in or out with supplies. This is another good reason to keep your pets corralled in a safe room while workers are around!
- Watch for hazards at the end of the day. Clean up any paint, debris, nails, and equipment before you let your pets out of the safe room for the night.
If all else fails, you might want to think about daycare for your pets — either with a friend or family member or at a boarding facility. It may be far less stressful for your pet to spend a few days away during construction!