Can Asbestos Affect Pets as Well?

At Armco Consultants, one of the most common questions we get asked is does asbestos affect dogs and cats and frankly, it is one that more pet owners should be thinking about. The answer is yes, asbestos can absolutely harm your pets, and in some ways, they are more vulnerable than we are.

Why Pets Are at Greater Risk

Think about how your dog or cat spends their day. They are constantly at floor level, sniffing around, lying on carpets and grooming themselves. When asbestos fibres become airborne, whether from damaged materials or disturbance during building work they eventually settle on surfaces. Your beloved animal friend can walk through these areas, pick up fibres on their paws or fur, then during their regular grooming routine can ingest and inhale these fibres.

The detrimental health effects are not nice at all. Pets can develop the same serious conditions as humans, including lung scarring, breathing difficulties and even mesothelioma, a particularly aggressive cancer. The frustrating thing is that symptoms often do not appear for months or years, making it difficult to connect the dots between exposure and illness.

Asbestos Surveys

In our experience conducting asbestos surveys across the UK, we regularly find problematic materials in homes built before 1999 which is when the ban came in. The biggest danger comes during renovation work. We have seen cases where well-meaning homeowners have created serious health hazards for their entire family (pets included) by attempting DIY removal of asbestos materials. It is simply not worth the risk.

The good news is that you can take steps to protect your pets. If your property was built before 2000, get a professional asbestos survey done. Our experienced surveyors can identify what materials contain asbestos and assess whether they pose an immediate risk.

Do not try to handle suspected asbestos materials yourself. Even small disturbances can release dangerous fibres into your home’s air. If you are planning any renovation work, book an asbestos survey first, it could save your pet’s life, not to mention your own.

If asbestos removal becomes necessary, make sure your pets are kept far away from the work area. Do not bring them back until professionals have confirmed the space is safe, through professional cleaning and air monitoring.

Taking Action

Here is the reality: asbestos is still present in millions of UK homes, and it is not going anywhere on its own. As a responsible pet owner, you owe it to your furry family members to know what is in your home.

Contact us today for a professional asbestos survey. Our qualified team will identify any asbestos materials in your property and provide clear guidance on managing the risks. It is a small investment that could prevent serious health problems for everyone in your household, including our four-legged friends.

Do not wait until renovation work forces your hand. Get your asbestos survey booked now and give yourself peace of mind that your home is safe for the whole family.

Published Jul 11, 2025