Pets & Painting: How to Keep Your Furry Friends Safe During Indoor Painting Projects

Painting your home’s interior is an exciting way to refresh your space, but if you’re a pet owner, it’s important to think about how your project might affect your four-legged family members. Paint fumes, wet surfaces, and the commotion of a job in progress can be stressful—or even unsafe—for pets. Here’s how to make sure everyone stays comfortable and safe during your next painting project.

1. Choose Pet-Friendly Paints

Many modern paints, like Sherwin-Williams Harmony or Duration Home, are low-VOC and odor-free options. These reduce harmful fumes and help maintain cleaner indoor air quality—something that benefits both humans and animals. Always check for labels like “zero-VOC” or “low-odor” when selecting your products.

2. Create a Pet-Free Painting Zone

While painting, keep pets safely out of the work area. Close doors, set up a baby gate, or ask a family member to keep them in another room. Not only does this prevent paw prints on freshly painted floors, but it also keeps them from ingesting or inhaling anything harmful.

3. Ventilate the Space

Good airflow is crucial. Open windows and run fans to help fumes dissipate faster. If you’re working during colder months, crack a few windows for short intervals to balance ventilation and temperature.

4. Watch Out for Tails and Whiskers

Pets are curious—and that curiosity can quickly turn into a mess. Wet walls and open paint cans are too tempting for sniffers and tail-waggers. Always keep supplies covered when not in use, and clean up spills immediately.

5. Plan for Quiet Time

Painting projects can disrupt your pet’s sense of routine. If your dog or cat is sensitive to noise, consider starting your work after a walk or play session. A tired pet is a calm pet!

6. Let Paint Cure Before Reuniting

Even after walls are dry to the touch, paint continues to cure for several days. Keep pets out of newly painted rooms for at least 24–48 hours to allow full off-gassing and drying.

Final Thought

Pets bring life and love to our homes—so when it’s time for a fresh coat of paint, a little extra planning ensures they stay safe and stress-free.

If you’d like professional painters who treat your home (and pets) with care, RPR Contractors is ready to help.

📞 484-949-5258🌐 www.rprcontractors.net📧 RPRContractors@aol.com🖌️ Ready to Refresh Your Home?