Abstract: The retractable pet guard has a screen or net extending retractably from a housing which is temporarily secured to either the latch edge of a door or to the latch side of a door frame. The extension edge of the net secures removably to the opposite member of the door assembly, extending across the doorway when the door is opened. The device extends from the floor upwardly to about the level of the doorknob and latch, thereby preventing the escape of pets and/or small children while still permitting a transaction(s) to take place through the open doorway above the screen or net. A stop may be provided to prevent door closure due to the pull of the retraction mechanism, and/or a retraction stop may be provided to prevent retraction as desired. The device may also be installed in a window opening to serve as a window screen, if desired.