Renovating a home is exciting, isn’t it? A new kitchen, fresh flooring, finally getting rid of that strange built-in cupboard from the ’80s… But while you’re busy juggling tradespeople, paint samples, and budget spreadsheets, there’s one very important member of the household who’s not quite as thrilled with all the buzz and fuss: your dog.
For dogs and cats, a home makeover can feel less like a dream and more like a disaster. Loud noises, strange smells, unfamiliar faces, and constant disruption to their routine are a recipe for stress.
So, as you plan your big project, it’s worth giving some real thought to how you’ll keep your furry friend safe and settled during the chaos.
The Hidden Risks of Home Renovation for Pets
It might not seem important to us, but to a dog, a renovation can feel like its entire world has turned upside down.
There’s the obvious stuff—hammering, drilling, dust, and debris—but also plenty of subtle stressors.
- Unfamiliar people in and out of the house:
For pets, home is their safe, predictable space. When builders, decorators, or electricians are constantly coming and going, it can come across as a total invasion of that comfort zone. Many animals are naturally wary of strangers, and the sudden presence of unfamiliar people (often wearing tool belts and making noise) can cause anxiety, restlessness, or even defensive behaviour.
- Open doors and gates that create escape routes
It’s every pet parent’s worst nightmare—your dog or cat slipping out through a door left open by a well-meaning tradesperson. With workers constantly moving in and out, it’s easy for doors and gates to be left ajar. And while it might not seem like a big deal in the middle of a renovation, for a curious (or spooked) fur baby, it’s the perfect chance to make a dash for it.
- Hazards such as wires, sharp tools, and chemicals left lying around
It’s a morbid saying, but ‘curiosity killed the cat’ exists for a reason. During a renovation, your home turns into a maze of tempting hazards, including dangling wires, sharp tools, open paint tins, and cleaning chemicals. For pets, especially the nosy or playful ones, it’s all incredibly inviting. But what starts as a quick sniff or paw can easily lead to injury or illness.
- Routines thrown out the window, including walks, playtime, and quiet naps
Pets thrive on routine; it’s how they feel safe and settled. But when your house turns into a building site, all that structure goes out the window. Walks might get skipped, playtime becomes an afterthought, and good luck finding a quiet spot for a nap when there’s drilling in every room. Even the most laid-back dog can start to feel anxious or unsettled when its usual rhythm is disrupted. For pooch parents, the guilt hits hard when they realise their fur baby’s day has been as stressful as theirs, just for different reasons.
Creating a Pet-Safe Zone (If They’re Staying Put)
If the renovation is relatively minor, you might be able to keep your dog at home with a bit of planning.
Try setting up a quiet, closed-off room away from the work, using white noise or calming music to muffle the sounds, and keeping their feeding and walking routine consistent.
Letting workers know there’s a pet on the premises so they don’t leave doors or gates open is also important.
But if the project involves anything major, such as knocking down walls, rewiring, heavy footfall, or lots of dust, it might be time to consider a temporary getaway.
When It’s Better to Book Them a Holiday
Let’s be honest, some home improvements just aren’t pet-friendly. If you’re installing new floors, replacing windows, or having builders in for weeks on end, it might be safer and less stressful to relocate your dog for a bit. That’s where professional kennels come in.
Modern kennels have come a long way from the old-fashioned image of cold, cramped spaces. Today, reputable facilities offer clean, secure accommodation designed with animal comfort in mind. Pets are given their own space to relax, with cosy bedding, proper ventilation, and plenty of room to move about without feeling confined.
Exercise and stimulation are a key part of the daily routine. Whether it’s time in a secure outdoor area, interactive play sessions, or simply a chance to stretch their legs, pets benefit from structured activity that keeps them physically active and mentally engaged.
That’s a big contrast to the kind of overstimulation they might experience at home during a renovation, where constant noise, movement, and unpredictability can leave them agitated and exhausted.
Animal caretakers are experienced in handling dogs of all temperaments, from the shy and sensitive to the boisterous and bold. They know the signs of stress, discomfort, or anxiety, and they’re trained to respond calmly and effectively.
It’s the kind of attentiveness that’s hard to maintain when you’re knee-deep in renovation chaos. With so many things demanding your attention—builders asking questions, deliveries arriving, paint drying faster than expected—it’s easy to miss the subtle signals your pet might be giving off.
Renovation Done Right, for You and Your Pet
Renovating your home is all about creating a better space for the whole household. That includes your four-legged family members. With a bit of planning, and maybe a temporary move, they’ll come through the chaos just as comfortably as you do.
