When planning a painting project, we can get distracted and forget simple things, like what to do with Fido when the painters arrive. Outdoor pets don’t generally cause any concern as long as they cannot access the area(s) being painted. However, indoor pets can pose a problem because they can accidentally do much more damage. Today, we will discuss the most common ways painting clients resolve the problem.

Use a Local Boarder to 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 in local neighborhoods for just such an occurrence. These “doggie daycares” often provide pet sitting by the day or even the hour, and most are local, trustworthy animal lovers.

These are often businesses run out of a home, but several large chains provide both short-term and long-term pet care. Social media is a great way to vet anyone you don’t know or get recommendations from people you trust. Look for one with a website and endorsements from past clients, and you’ll probably find a friend for life.

Ask a Friend or Neighbor For Help

Probably the next easiest way to care for a pet is to just ask a nearby friend or neighbor. If you happen to have a neighbor that loves animals, consider reciprocating by offering the same service in return when they have their home painted. In fact, neighborhood organizations often post announcements on their websites to help you find some help.

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. Some boarders are comfortable with reptile pets, but many will draw the line with dogs, cats, and rabbits. Reptiles are very hardy creatures, so often reptile pet owners will simply buy a carrier and take their pet iguana to the coffee shop with them.

Use a Garage or Storage Building As a Temporary Shelter

If you have a garage or outdoor storage building, consider using it temporarily to protect your pets while the painters are working. Obviously, you will need to take the weather into consideration, because painters usually work when the weather is nice. Unfortunately, this can mean very high temperatures in a shed, so never keep your pet in any building without proper ventilation.

Low or Zero-VOC Paints Keep Your Pets Safe

Volatile organic compounds, also known as VOCs, are common in most off the shelf paints. These compounds can cause lung and eye irritation in mammals, including dogs and cats. VOCs can be considered the fumes emitted from fresh paint that most of us have experienced.

Traditional paints have VOCs that can cause eye and lung irritation, especially in small children. These VOCs are emitted as the chemicals and other compounds in the paint cure or evaporate, and should be avoided. The instructions on most paint cans require that an area be well ventilated before, during, and after using the product.

Low or Zero-VOC paints replace these compounds with materials that either emit no VOCs, or an insignificant amount as to be negligible. These paints are safe around pets and children and will have no significant side effects, like irritating fumes. You may have to deal with the pet hair that will inevitably get stuck in the paint, but for pet lovers, that is part of the charm.