" We have a lot of plastic up now and they are getting ready to stain downstairs. "

The sanding is all finished? What type of stain are they using? Water or Oil based Poly top coats? Which one?

Sanding will be pre- stain. It's poly oil.

It will be worth boarding pets and a mini vacation while work is done. My floors had a water base finish and still had to wait a few days to return. My cat would have created a mess or howled while being in pet cage.

We had 3/4 of the first floor done about 3 years ago (kitchen and a refinish). We just had new steps put in and the new room/bath. Last time we were at the beach for the first few days but the humidity was brutal. I realy dont plan on using the kitchen and each room is sealed off. I am more concerned about the poly smell and the best way to handle with the pets. We have finished basement that we can quarentine in minus a bath.

At the very least, I would board the pets.

Maybe the kids could have a sleepover with friends for a few days. And you and your spouse could enjoy the mini-vacation. Even if it's just one of the nicer hotels in town.

I would definitely not expose my pets or my family to the fumes & dust. Consider the cost of a stay away from home as part of this job. It will be challenging to find a place that will accept 6 animals. Maybe you break family & pets up into 2 groups - mom, 1 kid & dogs / dad, 1 kid & cats?

I'd do a light cure finish. https://habitatfloors.com/blog/what-is-uv-cured-floor-finishing-and-why-it-s-changing-the-game

A quality dustless system is super clean. As far as fumes goes, everyone has different levels of sensitivity. Some can tolerate it, while others cannot. I've had retired couples stay in. Plastic and ventilation will help. Stay out for the day. You can camp out on the first floor or in the basement if, it's finished.

I would not subject pets or kids to those fumes. Unfortunately, finding places for everyone to be is part of the cost of doing this work.

"I would not subject pets or kids to those fumes."

No fumes with a light cure finish. Immediate use.

We had site-finish white oak floors laid in our home 15 years ago. I don’t remember many of the details now, but I do remember sleeping on our screened-in back porch for several nights. I think hubby slept in the basement.

The fumes were (I thought) overpowering.