How Long to Keep Pets Off Fertilized Lawn?

Take Pets Inside

• Before you spray your fertilizer, place all pets inside your home. They will need to stay away from the area for one to two days. You can allow them to play in areas that have not been sprayed. Keep an eye on the door when leaving and entering to make sure pets do not slip outside. The ASPCA warns that animals that come into contact with fertilizer before it is dry may experience skin and gastrointestinal irritation.

Select a Sunny Day

• Spray your fertilizer on your lawn on a day when the sun is shining and there isn't a threat of rain for several days. Often fertilizers need between 24 and 48 hours to dry completely. Therefore, a sunny day will help the drying process along. A rainstorm can wash away the fertilizer.

Organic Fertilizer

• Purchase and spray your lawn with an organic fertilizer that is made for protecting plants and animals from chemicals that may be toxic or aggravating to their systems. Get advice from your local veterinarian or garden shop specialist. The ASPCA notes that you should follow the instructions on the fertilizer label to the exact word to protect your animals and to avoid sickness.

Spreading Herbicides

• Stay away from an outdoor pet run or cage. Not only can the pet get sick, as noted above, but the pet can spread the fertilizer or herbicide to areas where you do not want it -- resulting in overgrowth or death of plants.