How Do I Prepare My Pet for My Return to Work?
Helping your furry friend adjust to life when you’re away from home
Over the past few years, our pets have become our constant companions, offering comfort, cuddles, and endless entertainment. Since Covid-19 began, many of us have spent far more time at home, and our pets have grown used to having us around all day.
But now, as many people return to their regular workplaces, a new question arises: how do we help our pets adjust to being alone again?
For some families, especially those in the military who are used to moving often, pets may already be somewhat adaptable. But many households welcomed new furry family members during Covid, and for them, this upcoming transition might be a big change.
Pets are incredibly in tune with their owners’ routines. To them, we’re the “pack leaders,” and any shift in our behavior affects their sense of stability. The key is to take it slow, give your pet time to adjust before you’re away for a full workday.
Start by leaving for short periods and observing how your pet reacts. Do they bark, whine, or act anxious? Do they get into things they shouldn’t, like garbage or furniture? Gradually increasing the length of time you’re gone helps your pet build confidence that you’ll always come back.
Where your pet stays during the day also matters. Some pets feel most secure in a kennel or crate, a calm, distraction-free space where they can rest safely. Others do better with free roam of a familiar area, perhaps near a sunny window or their favorite resting spot. The goal is to create a peaceful environment where they can relax until you return.
To ease the transition, make departures low-key, no big emotional goodbyes. Leave a safe chew toy, puzzle feeder, or treat to keep them occupied. Try to establish a routine that includes exercise and a bathroom break before you head out each morning.
If you work nearby, a quick visit home during lunch can help break up their day. Most pets will eventually adapt and learn that you always come back, waiting happily by the door for that familiar sound of your return.
Penny, for example, waits eagerly by the window every day for Larry to come home from work, proof that our pets may miss us deeply, but they also find comfort and routine in our love and consistency.
Photo credit: Kelley Post
