Pet-Friendly Remodeling: How to Keep Your Pets Safe and Stress-Free During Renovations

Remodeling your home is exciting, but it can be a stressful time for your pets. Loud noises, unfamiliar faces, and changes in routine can make them anxious. Plus, construction areas come with safety risks—not just for your pet but also for the workers. (Yes, our contractors have been bitten before!)

Some phases of remodeling, like demolition, framing, drywall, and painting, are more disruptive than others. The final finishing touches are usually less intense. With a little planning, you can keep your pets safe and comfortable throughout the remodeling process.

Tips for Dog Owners During a Remodel

1. Communicate with Your Contractors

Before construction starts, let your remodeling team know about your dog. Tell them where your pet will be staying and if they need to be extra careful about keeping doors and gates closed. If your dog isn’t friendly with strangers, you may need extra precautions, like signs on doors to remind workers of off-limit areas. Clear communication helps prevent accidents and keeps everyone focused.

2. Provide Comfort and Distractions

A remodeling project can feel overwhelming for your dog, so make sure they have their favorite blankets, toys, or long-lasting chews. Puzzle feeders and stuffed Kongs can keep them entertained. If your dog is especially anxious, calming sprays or a thunder shirt may help. Keeping up with their usual walks and playtime can also reduce stress.

3. Prevent Escapes and Prepare for Emergencies

Construction sites have open doors, exposed nails, and power tools—things your dog shouldn’t be around. Use pet gates, closed doors, or barriers to keep them away from work zones. Also, have a plan in case of emergencies. Keep a pet first-aid kit handy, ensure their ID tags and microchip are up to date, and know where the nearest emergency vet is. If your dog is prone to running off when scared, a GPS collar can be a lifesaver.

4. Create a Safe, Quiet Space

Give your dog a quiet place to retreat from all the noise and activity. A separate room with their bed, water, and some familiar scents can help them feel secure. Playing soft music or white noise can help mask the construction sounds. If your dog is crate-trained, covering their crate can create a cozy den-like environment.

5. Stick to a Predictable Routine

Dogs thrive on consistency. Even during a remodel, try to keep their feeding, walking, and playtimes the same. If their usual exercise routine is disrupted, find alternative ways to provide physical and mental stimulation, such as doggy daycare or longer weekend outings.

6. Reduce Noise Stressors

Loud power tools can make some dogs anxious. If your dog is sensitive to noise, keep them in a quieter part of the house and use calming music or white noise. For dogs with extreme anxiety, talk to your vet about calming medications and alternatives.

7. Consider a Temporary Stay

For major renovations that last several weeks, it may be best for your dog to stay with a friend, family member, or at a reputable boarding facility. This can keep them safe and reduce stress. If a full relocation isn’t possible, doggy daycare during the noisiest days is a good option.

Tips for Cat Owners During a Remodel

1. Communicate Cat Safety Needs to Contractors

Cats tend to hide when strangers are around, but they can still slip out unnoticed. Make sure contractors know a cat is in the house, and remind them to keep doors and windows closed. A “Do Not Enter” sign on their designated space can also help.

2. Make Their Space Comfortable

Cats don’t handle change well, so keep their environment as familiar as possible. Provide their favorite blankets, toys, and a cozy hiding spot. Interactive feeders, catnip toys, and scratching posts can also help keep them occupied. A pheromone diffuser can create a calming atmosphere.

3. Plan for Safety and Emergency Situations

Cats can be escape artists, so make sure all construction zones are secured. Keep their safe space enclosed and ensure they have a collar with an ID tag and an up-to-date microchip in case they do slip out. Have a pet emergency plan in place, including a list of nearby vet clinics.

4. Create a Safe Haven

Cats need a quiet, enclosed space where they feel secure. Choose a room far from the construction zone and set it up with their litter box, water, food, and a comfortable resting spot. Adding vertical space, such as shelves or a cat tree, can help them feel safer. Keep the door closed to prevent them from wandering into dangerous areas.

5. Maintain Routine as Much as Possible

Try to keep feeding times and litter box cleaning consistent. If your cat enjoys interactive playtime, make an effort to engage with them regularly. Predictability will help them feel more secure despite the surrounding changes.

6. Noise Management

Cats have sensitive hearing and may become easily startled by loud construction noises. To help, play soft music or white noise in their safe space. Providing hiding spots like enclosed cat beds or covered crates can also help them feel secure. If your cat is highly anxious, consult your vet for possible calming medication or alternatives.

7. Consider Temporary Relocation

If the remodel is extensive, you might consider temporarily boarding your cat at a pet hotel, having them stay with a trusted friend or family member, or setting up a safe space in a quieter part of the house. Cats are territorial, so minimizing exposure to construction-related disruptions will help them adjust more easily once the project is complete.

A Stress-Free Remodel for You and Your Pet

At Thayer Design Build, we know your pets are part of your family, and we want to make your remodel as smooth as possible for both you and them. Our team is happy to work with you to plan around your pet’s needs, whether that means securing construction areas or providing recommendations to keep your pets safe. If you have any concerns about how your remodel will impact your pets, don’t hesitate to ask—we’re here to help you create a home that works for your entire family.