By Julie Kessler | Founder, Oakley’s Oath
Rarely does a day go by without a post online about a pet getting out of someone’s home because a door was accidentally left open by someone who was working in or showing the home.
Small children and pets are the most susceptible to preventable accidents when work is taking place in the home. Small children and pets are the most susceptible to preventable accidents when work is taking place in the home. Having workers onsite can disrupt the household’s normal routine and introduce new elements that may distract or grab the attention of a pet or child. Although homeowners typically ask basic questions of their contractors, like when the project will be done and how much it will cost, there should be more upfront conversations and boundaries set with regard to the child and pet safety.
Having experienced this firsthand a few years ago with the tragic loss of our family dog, Oakley, I launched Oakley’s Oath, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit working to transform the home services industry to ensure everyone’s safety.
The organization is dedicated to closing communication gaps between homeowners and home service providers.
Oakley drowned because of a roofing contractor’s accidental oversight; a devastating reminder of how simple miscommunication can have irreversible consequences. This realization fueled my determination to turn my pain into passion by creating a program that promotes safety, accountability and trust to ensure that no other family endures such a tragedy.
Through education, certification and the Oakley’s Oath Seal of Approval, the nonprofit empowers contractors to adopt higher safety standards while providing homeowners peace of mind. By equipping service providers with the tools and knowledge to prioritize safety, Oakley’s Oath is setting new industry standards and helping prevent avoidable tragedies. My mission is clear — to ensure no family endures the heartbreak I experienced and to honor Oakley’s memory through meaningful change.
I’ve also written a book, “My Oath to a Worthy Life,” to share my personal journey of loss, resilience and advocacy to inspire others to take measures to keep their most vulnerable family members safe.
Photo courtesy of Julie Kessler
8 tips for keeping children, pets safe
1. Verify credentials — confirm the service provider’s identity and qualifications before they begin work.
2. Clear communication — discuss the scope of work in detail in advance and confirm all mutual expectations upfront. Be sure to ask questions about the process, materials and equipment being used.
3. Child safety measures — ensure children are supervised or away from the work area at all times to prevent potential accidents.
4. Pet safety measures — keep pets in a safe and secure location and inform others in advance if pets will be out to ensure appropriate precautions are taken.
5. Review safety precautions — ask the provider about their safety protocols and ensure they are following best practices to protect your family, property and themselves.
6. Establish boundaries — clearly mark all areas of the home that are off-limits.
7. Project updates — periodically check in on the progress of the project to stay informed and ensure safety.
8. Clean-up procedures — discuss who is responsible for cleaning up the work area and confirm that no hazards (tools, debris) are left behind.
Editor’s note: Julie Kessler is found of Oakley’s Oath, a Scottsdale-based nonprofit. Please send your comments to AzOpinions@iniusa.org. We are committed to publishing a wide variety of reader opinions, as long as they meet our Civility Guidelines.
