How to Keep Pets Safe During A Painting Project
Posted on April 1, 2022
When planning a painting project, we sometimes forget simple things, like what to do with our pets while the painting is being done. Outdoor pets aren’t usually much of a problem as long as they are controlled, but indoor pets can pose a problem. Today, we will discuss the most common ways painting clients solve the pet problem when painting indoors.
Board Your Pets
Probably the easiest way to provide your pets with a temporary home during a painting project is to board them. Many businesses like this one have popped up to provide pet sitting by local, trustworthy animal lovers. These are often businesses run out of a home but several chains provide both short-term and long-term pet care. Make sure to vet anyone you don’t know or get recommendations from people you trust.
Ask a Friend or Neighbor For Help
Probably the next easiest option for pet care is to just ask a friend or neighbor. If you happen to have a neighbor that loves animals, consider reciprocating by offering the same service in return. If your pet is a snake or other small reptile that can make people uncomfortable, consider using a carrier and taking the pet with you.
Use a Garage or Storage Building
If you have dogs and/or cats, you may have the option of using your garage. A popular solution to the pet problem is to leave the garage (or storage building) for last and use it to temporarily house the animals. When the home is finished, move the animals into the home and paint the garage.
Use Low or Zero-VOC Paints
Volatile organic compounds, also known as VOCs, can be thought of as the fumes emitted from fresh paint. Traditional paints have VOCs that can cause eye and lung irritation, especially in small children. The VOCs are a result of the drying of the chemicals and other compounds in the paint.
Low or Zero-VOC paints replace these compounds with materials that either emit no VOCs at all or in such small concentrations as to be negligible. Using these paints is safe around pets and children and will have no significant side effects. You will still have to deal with the pet hair that will inevitably get stuck in the paint, but the avoided hassle of boarding your pet may make it worth the trouble.
