Animal hoarding or pet hoarding should not be taken lightly. Defined as “an ongoing difficulty of parting with animals or pets because of the belief that they need to be saved or kept”, animal or pet hoarding can result in overcrowded, extremely cluttered, and unsanitary living conditions that can be hazardous to health. Agencies such as the Toronto Public Health and Municipal Licensing & Standards division of the City of Toronto, in conjunction with animal welfare societies, can declare a property to be uninhabitable and enforce clean-up efforts according to by-laws.
Why Use a Professional Cleaning Company for Animal Hoarding Cleaning?
The cleaning efforts involved in an animal hoarding situation is largely different compared to cleaning up after a minor pet accident. Most pet owners can handle minor pet accidents on their own, but in the case of animal hoarding, usually the accumulation of animal waste is significant. This is where specialized animal and pet hoarding cleaning companies such as Trax come in. Hiring animal hoarding clean up specialists is important due to the following reasons:
1) Animal hoarding cleanup service providers know how to handle biohazards properly
Accumulated animal waste can contain harmful bacteria, viruses, and parasites that pose serious health risks. Ammonia from pet urine can cause respiratory problems and lung irritation. Professional biohazard cleaning services are equipped with the necessary protective gear and disinfectants to safely handle and remove these biohazards.
2) Professionally trained cleaners bring efficiency and effectiveness to the process.
Professional animal hoarding cleaners have the experience and expertise to get the job done in a timely manner. They have years of relevant training and experience to assess the extent of the problem, develop an effective cleaning strategy, and thoroughly clean.
3) Professional cleaning companies possess the proper cleaning agents and equipment.
There is no need to research and go out to purchase the heavy-duty cleaning agents and equipment – the hoarding cleaning company already has these handy. With the proper cleaning agents and equipment, cleaners can thoroughly disinfect areas contaminated by excessive animal waste while getting rid of harmful pathogens and viruses.
4) Hiring a professional cleaning company helps to ensure compliance with regulations.
In Toronto and across Ontario, there are specific regulations for the disposal of biohazardous materials. Specialty cleaning companies, like Trax, are familiar with these regulations and can ensure that the pet hoarding clean-up process complies with local laws.
5) Professional cleaners can mitigate the emotional effect of cleaning, and act as neutral third party.
The cleanup process can be emotionally and psychologically overwhelming for those living in animal hoarding situations. A professional service can handle the cleanup efficiently, allowing the individuals to focus on their recovery and the well-being of the animals. At the same time, professional cleaners can serve as a neutral third party, reducing the potential for family conflict during the cleanup process.
Steps in Animal Hoarding Cleaning
The steps involved in animal or pet hoarding cleaning are as follows:
STEP 1: Removal of Animal Waste and Dead Animals
After assessing the situation and extent of the problem, and formulating a strategy for cleanup, our professional hoarding cleaners remove animal waste (urine and feces), debris, and deceased animals using proper protective equipment. This is to eliminate or reduce the risk of spreading diseases.
STEP 2: Sterilization and Disinfection
After the removal of visible waste and debris are removed, cleaners thoroughly sterilize and disinfect the areas to eliminate bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens. This step is crucial for making the environment safe for habitation again.
STEP 3: Odor Removal
Animal hoarding situations can result in pervasive and severe odors, primarily from urine. Specialized treatments such as ozone treatments and proper equipment are used to remove these odors from the home, including from carpets, walls, and furniture.
STEP 4: Repair and Restoration
This step is optional depending to the severity of the situation. In extreme animal hoarding cases, the property may require extensive repairs and restoration. This can include removal of carpeting or floorboards, structural repairs, painting, and replacing damaged fixtures and fittings.
Bottom Line: Animal Hoarding Cleanup Services are Necessary
Animal hoarding cleanup is not a standard cleaning job; it requires expertise in dealing with biohazardous materials, as well as a compassionate understanding of the emotional aspects involved. Professionals in this field are trained to handle sensitive situations with care and discretion, ensuring that the cleaning process is thorough and respects the dignity of the individuals involved.
Professionals can not only clean the current mess but also help identify underlying issues that contributed to the situation, such as structural problems in the home that allowed for the accumulation of waste. They can provide advice or services to help prevent future issues.
While it might seem cost-effective to attempt cleanup without professional help, the health risks, potential for inadequate cleaning, and psychological burden make it advisable to engage a specialized cleaning service in cases of significant animal waste accumulation. This ensures a safer, more effective, and compassionate approach to resolving the situation.
Please call us today at 905-882-3141 or email us at [email protected] for a consultation and quote on how we can help you or a loved one who is in need of this service.