5 Simple Ways to Keep Your Pet Happy While You’re Away
Leaving your pet at home while you’re away—whether for work, a weekend trip, or an extended vacation—can be stressful for both you and your furry friend. Fortunately, there are simple steps you can take to ensure your pet stays comfortable, entertained, and stress-free in your absence. Here are five easy ways to keep your pet happy while you’re away.
Stick to a Routine
Pets, especially dogs and cats, thrive on routine. Sudden changes in their daily schedule can lead to anxiety or behavioral issues. Before leaving, try to maintain their regular schedule as much as possible. Keeping meal times consistent is important, as pets feel more secure when they know when to expect food. If you are gone during mealtime, an automatic feeder can help keep things on schedule.
Walks and bathroom breaks should also remain predictable, so arranging for a pet sitter or friend to maintain these routines can help reduce stress. Pets that are accustomed to a certain level of interaction may experience separation anxiety when left alone for extended periods. If you’re going to be gone for an extended time, hiring a pet sitter can ensure that their social and physical needs continue to be met. A professional pet sitter can take your pet for their usual walks, provide companionship, and even engage in playtime to keep them mentally stimulated.
Provide Engaging Toys and Activities to Keep Your Pet Happy
Boredom can lead to destructive behaviors, so making sure your pet has plenty of mental and physical stimulation while you’re gone is key. Puzzle toys that dispense treats can keep pets entertained for extended periods, while chew toys provide comfort and an outlet for stress. For highly energetic dogs, a pet sitter can help by engaging them in play or even taking them for longer walks to burn off excess energy.
Cats benefit from having access to scratching posts and climbing structures that allow them to explore their environment safely. Interactive toys, like laser pointers and feather wands, can provide additional entertainment, and some pet sitters will even engage in play sessions with cats to keep them engaged. Some pets find comfort in background noise, such as calming music or pet-friendly TV programs, which can make the house feel less empty in your absence. If your pet is particularly social, arranging for someone to visit them daily or hiring a sitter can help prevent loneliness and reduce stress.
Related: How to Prepare Your Home for a Pet Sitter
Create a Comfortable and Safe Space
Your pet’s environment plays a big role in their overall happiness. Ensuring they have a cozy bed or blanket, ideally with a familiar scent like a worn T-shirt of yours, can provide comfort and reassurance. Allowing them access to their favorite resting spots, whether it’s a sunlit window or a quiet corner, helps them feel more at ease.
Climate control is also important, so be sure the temperature is suitable for their comfort, whether that means using air conditioning in the summer or leaving out a warm blanket in colder months. If you are hiring a pet sitter, provide them with instructions on how to adjust the temperature settings to ensure your pet remains comfortable. Also, ensure that your pet has a secure environment, free of hazards. Leaving pets unattended for long periods can sometimes lead to accidents, so a sitter checking in can ensure that they remain safe and well.
Use Calming Aids
Some pets experience separation anxiety, but there are various calming aids that can help. Pheromone diffusers or sprays mimic natural calming signals and can create a more relaxed environment. Calming treats, especially those containing ingredients like chamomile or CBD, may provide additional support, but it’s always best to check with your vet before introducing anything new.
Anxiety wraps, such as the ThunderShirt, can also be effective for pets who need the sensation of security. For pets who are particularly anxious, having a pet sitter visit regularly can also help provide reassurance. A sitter can check in, provide cuddles, and ensure that your pet isn’t left alone for too long, reducing the stress that can come from prolonged isolation.
Consider a Pet Sitter for Extra Care
For extended absences, having a pet sitter can make a huge difference in your pet’s happiness and well-being. A professional pet sitter provides personalized attention, ensuring that your pet continues to receive regular feedings, walks, and playtime. They can also monitor your pet for any signs of illness or distress, something that can be crucial if you’re going to be gone for several days.
If your pet requires medication, a sitter can administer it on schedule, providing peace of mind that their health needs are met. Additionally, pet sitters provide companionship, which is especially important for social animals who may feel lonely when their owners are away. Whether you need someone to check in once a day or provide overnight care, a professional pet sitter ensures that your pet remains well-cared for and stress-free.
If you travel frequently or are planning a long vacation, establishing a relationship with a trusted pet sitter can make your time away easier. Many professional sitters offer meet-and-greet sessions, allowing your pet to get familiar with them before you leave. This helps reduce anxiety for both you and your pet, making the transition much smoother.
Leaving your pet doesn’t have to be stressful. By maintaining their routine, offering engaging activities, creating a cozy space, using calming aids, and considering professional pet care, you can ensure they remain happy and comfortable while you’re away. Taking the time to prepare in advance will help ease the transition and make your time apart easier for both you and your furry friend. If you’re looking for reliable pet care, professional pet sitters offer a great way to ensure your pet receives the attention and companionship they deserve. Whether you are leaving for a short trip or an extended vacation, having someone to care for your pet can make all the difference in their well-being.
Related: 5 Reasons Why Every Pet Sitter Needs a Pet First Aid Kit
Keeping your pet happy while you’re away requires thoughtful preparation, consistent routines, and understanding what truly matters to your furry companion. The guilt of leaving can weigh heavily on any pet parent, but the reality is that with the right approach, your pet can thrive even when you’re not physically present. Modern solutions combined with timeless care principles create an environment where your pet feels secure, entertained, and loved regardless of your schedule.
Start by establishing predictable routines long before you leave. Pets find comfort in knowing when to expect meals, walks, and playtime. Automatic feeders ensure your pet receives food at consistent times, preventing the anxiety that comes with hunger or irregular eating patterns. Smart pet cameras allow you to check in, dispense treats, and even speak to your pet throughout the day. These technological aids bridge the gap between physical absence and emotional presence, letting your pet hear your voice and receive rewards remotely.
Environmental enrichment transforms an empty house into an engaging playground. Puzzle feeders turn mealtime into a mentally stimulating activity that can occupy your pet for extended periods. Rotate toys regularly so there’s always something novel to explore. For dogs, consider leaving a television or radio on at low volume to provide ambient noise that mimics household activity. Cats benefit from window perches positioned where they can watch birds, squirrels, and neighborhood happenings. These simple additions give pets something to focus on beyond your absence.
The power of scent should never be underestimated. Leave recently worn clothing items in your pet’s favorite spots. Your scent provides profound comfort and reassurance when you’re not physically there. For anxious pets, calming pheromone diffusers create a soothing atmosphere that reduces stress naturally. Some pets respond well to calming music specifically composed for animals, with frequencies and tempos designed to promote relaxation.
Physical exercise before departure makes a tremendous difference. A tired pet is generally a content pet. Long walks for dogs or vigorous play sessions for cats before you leave helps them settle into rest mode rather than pacing anxiously. Consider hiring a dog walker or pet sitter for midday visits during longer absences. These professionals provide bathroom breaks, social interaction, and exercise that break up the day meaningfully.
Social needs vary dramatically between individual pets. Some dogs genuinely suffer from isolation and benefit enormously from doggy daycare where they can interact with other animals and humans. Other pets prefer solitude and find comfort in quiet alone time. Understanding your specific pet’s personality guides better decisions about whether they need constant companionship or simply occasional check-ins.
Preparation matters more than elaborate solutions. Gradually acclimate your pet to alone time through practice departures. Leave for short periods initially, returning before anxiety builds. Increase duration slowly until your pet learns that departures always result in reunions. Never make a dramatic production of leaving or arriving home, as this intensifies emotional responses.
Ultimately, keeping your pet happy during absences combines meeting their physical needs with addressing emotional security. When pets have food, water, enrichment, exercise, and the reassurance that you always return, they adapt remarkably well to your schedule. Your pet’s happiness doesn’t require your constant presence but rather your thoughtful planning and genuine understanding of what makes them feel safe, stimulated, and loved.