Can I Own A Pet If I Work All Day?

I couldn’t imagine life without my two dogs and cat, so I completely understand if you’re yearning to become a pet owner. Or perhaps you already have pets but feel guilty about leaving them alone for the day while you’re at work.

- Emma Savadier

It’s a valid concern. Can or should you really own a dog or cat if you’re out all day? And come home to relative calm and no destruction?

Bottom line? Yes, BUT…

Dogs and cats are sociable animals when it comes to humans, and need your attention. Don’t think that having more than one pet will be enough to replace you. Also, not all dogs and cats like other animals, so getting a ‘friend’ for your dog or cat could make matters worse.

Some do cope better than others being on their own for extended periods but this very much depends on what they have been taught at a very young age. If a dog or cat has been taught to cope being alone before six weeks of age by the breeder, they tolerate isolation better than pets who haven’t been left alone at all.

As a puppy or kitten owner, teach your young pet to be OK with time alone by giving them special toys to play with while you withdraw. Once they are used to you not being available, you can give the toy to them and leave for short periods of time. By doing this, they’ll learn that alone time is not something to be frightened of. But as mentioned, the majority of this work should be done by the breeder, so be wise in your choice of pet provider. 

Cats may be better than dogs at being alone but pet experts are seeing more and more cats suffering from separation anxiety.

HOW LONG CAN I LEAVE MY PET ALONE FOR? 

That depends on the ability of your dog or cat to tolerate social isolation. If your dog or cat has a full, interesting life and is walked often (not your kitty), played with, provided with more than enough toys that are suitably stimulating, they can cope comfortably with eight hours of alone time. But if your pet’s entire life revolves around you, and they don’t have suitable toys or a very boring environment, they feel the separation from you more intensely.