Keeping Pets Safe Around Home Renovations and DIY Projects

Renovating or extending your home is exciting, but it is also a period of noise, dust, strangers and open doors. For pets, it can be genuinely distressing and occasionally dangerous. Australian homes throw up some specific hazards, from asbestos in older builds to extreme summer heat during roof work. This guide explains how to keep animals safe while the work happens.

Understand the Hazards Before Work Starts

The risks to pets during renovation fall into a few groups:

• Physical: open trenches, unfenced pools, loose nails, power tools and falling materials.
• Chemical: paints, solvents, adhesives, timber treatments and pest control products.
• Airborne: dust from sanding, demolition and old building materials.
• Stress: unfamiliar tradespeople, changed routines and constant noise.

Older Australian homes may contain asbestos in eaves, fencing, vinyl flooring and wall sheeting. Disturbing these materials releases fibres that are hazardous to humans and animals alike. If you are unsure whether a material contains asbestos, treat it as though it does and arrange testing before any demolition. Our guide on how to locate asbestos in your home explains where it commonly hides and why professional removal is essential.

Set Up a Safe Zone

Before the first tradesperson arrives, create a quiet area your pet can retreat to. Ideally this is a room away from the work, with a door that closes properly, familiar bedding, water and a litter tray or puppy pad if needed. Introduce your pet to the space in advance so it does not feel like a punishment.

Consider a pheromone diffuser or calming music for anxious animals, and ask your vet about short-term options if your pet is severely noise-sensitive. Never sedate an animal without veterinary advice.

Managing Dust, Fumes and Chemicals

Dust and fumes do not respect closed doors. Seal gaps under doors with towels or draught stoppers, and keep pets out of freshly painted or treated areas until products are fully cured, not merely dry to the touch. Check product labels for pet-specific warnings; some timber treatments and baits are highly toxic to dogs and cats.

Pest control treatments deserve particular care. Ask the technician about re-entry times for pets, and remove food bowls, water bowls and toys from treated areas beforehand.

If you are upgrading fixtures and surfaces, remember that new materials can off-gas for days. This applies to kitchen surfaces as much as anything else; the considerations in our guide to buying stainless steel kitchen benchtops in Australia include practical points about installation and sealing that also affect how soon a room is safe for animals.

Routine, Exercise and Supervision

Renovations disrupt routine, and pets thrive on routine. Try to keep feeding, walking and bedtime consistent. If the backyard is a work zone, increase lead walks or use a dog walker. For cats, keep them indoors and ensure screens are secure; tradespeople leaving doors and windows open is one of the most common causes of pets going missing during building work.

Brief your tradespeople. A short note on the fridge or a quick conversation about which doors to keep shut, and that the dog must not be let out, prevents most accidents. It also helps to move pets to a friend's place or a boarding facility during the noisiest phases, such as demolition or tiling.

After the Work Is Finished

Before letting pets back into renovated areas, do a careful sweep for screws, nails, offcuts, plastic wrap and insulation fragments. Check that all gates and fences are secure and that any new plants are non-toxic. Some common garden plants are hazardous to dogs and cats, so check before planting.

Give your pet time to adjust to changed spaces. Cats in particular can be unsettled by moved furniture and new smells, and may need a few days to reclaim their territory.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can pets stay in the house during renovations?

Often yes, if you can provide a quiet, sealed-off room away from the work. During heavy demolition, painting or pest treatment, it is safer to relocate them temporarily.

Is asbestos dangerous to pets?

Yes. Disturbed asbestos releases fibres that animals can inhale, and pets may also carry fibres on their coats into living areas. Never disturb suspected asbestos; arrange professional testing and removal.

How do I stop my dog escaping through open doors?

Use a secure safe room, brief every tradesperson, and consider a temporary gate or pen. Keep ID tags and microchip details current in case the worst happens.

Frequently asked questions

Can pets stay in the house during renovations?

Often yes, if you can provide a quiet, sealed-off room away from the work. During heavy demolition, painting or pest treatment, it is safer to relocate them temporarily.

Is asbestos dangerous to pets?

Yes. Disturbed asbestos releases fibres that animals can inhale, and pets may also carry fibres on their coats into living areas. Never disturb suspected asbestos; arrange professional testing and removal.

How do I stop my dog escaping through open doors?

Use a secure safe room, brief every tradesperson, and consider a temporary gate or pen. Keep ID tags and microchip details current in case the worst happens.