How to Create a Pet-Friendly Renovation  Here are a few tips and tricks you can use the next time you are remodeling or making larger repairs. The contractor is not a pet sitter, don't expect them to let the dog out or watch that the cat doesn't escape. Secure your pet, send them to puppy daycare or have your kitty live with a friend or family member. If you can remove the pet during work hours that's a great thing to do. Pets become stressed out during changes. Strangers are coming in and out; there are new noises and lots of abnormal activity. Most pets feel it's their job to protect the home and it's occupants. Introduce your pets to the contractors; the introduction will establish the contractor as a friend. Consider using Rescue Remedy or another Bach Flower Remedy if your pet remains fearful or stressed out. If puppy daycare or a family member's home is not an option, then consider leaving your pet in a non-construction area of the home. Keep your companion away from the worksite, there are many hazards presents for dogs and cats during a renovation or major repairs. Open paint cans, nails and screws on the floor that could cause injury to their paws, saws and other tools that could cause severe injury to a nosey pet. If your companion wants to see what's up, use a baby gate to separate them from the work zone. If at all possible designate a separate entrance for the contractors to use. This may prevent your animal from getting out, (make sure they are chipped, their tags are easy to read and that the chip information is correct, if your pet does escape you want them returned quickly). If you establish an entrance away from the pets it may help lower their stress by keeping the commotion away from them. Make sure to tape off heat registers, use drop cloths, and hang plastic sheathing at the doors to prevent dust and odors from bothering your pet. Many animals are allergy sensitive. Minimize air borne pollutants as much as possible and use environmentally friendly paints and chemicals. Have the contractors use as many VOC materials as possible. Clean up the workspace at the end of the day. Mist surfaces before sanding or scraping. Work outdoors as much as possible, working outside keeps the mess and noise to a minimum. Ventilate the space the contractors are working in. Run your HVAC unit when the contractors are sanding and change the filter weekly. Clean all your ducts after the remodel. If your contractor finds rodent droppings use care in the clean up process of those droppings. You don't want to be exposed to Hantavirus or other health cancers. Have a home inspection prior to any remodel or large repair project. For many reasons this is a good idea, but it's important to know if lead based paint, asbestos insulation or mold are present, as they require special handling and clean up. Pets have very sensitive respiratory systems.  After the project is complete, have a though home cleaning. Make sure no tools; materials or chemicals are left behind. Have your furnace cleaned, change the furnace filter.