Can I Have A Dog If I Work Long Hours?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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It’s absolutely still possible to own a pet (or pets) even with a busy job

, but it can also make things a bit tough. There are some things no one ever tells you about having a pet while working full-time that you should be aware of before you get into the situation.

Can I have a dog if I work 9 to 5?

In a perfect world, flexible schedules and pet-friendly work places would allow us to be with our dogs most of the day. But in real life, being a working dog owner often means leaving your dog at home while you work the 9-5. Don’t worry:

you can have it all

.

Should you get a dog if you work 10 hours a day?


Most experts agree you shouldn’t leave your adult dog alone for more than eight to 10 hours

, but some dogs (especially ones with small bladders) can’t last that long. Conclusion: If you work full time but want a dog, go ahead, but make sure to proceed with care.

Can you have a dog if you work shifts?

It can be rather challenging, stressful and demanding. Nevertheless,

owning a pet is perfectly compatible with busy schedules and shift working

, providing you choose a pet that suits your lifestyle.

How can I have a dog when I work?

  1. Choose Your Breed Carefully. …
  2. Take Your Dog To Work. …
  3. Work From Home. …
  4. Exercise Before You Go. …
  5. Head Home For Lunch. …
  6. Sync Your Family’s Schedule. …
  7. Make The Most Of Your Free Time. …
  8. An Automated Food and Water Dispenser.

Can I have a dog if I work 8 hours a day?

if you have a full-time job? We are often asked if it is possible to adopt a dog from Dogs Trust if the prospective owners work full-time and the dog would have to be left alone all day. The answer is usually no. This is because

we do not recommend that a dog should be left alone for longer than four hours at a time

.

What dog is best for full time workers?

  • Basset Hound. Let’s start with the most obvious one. …
  • Greyhound. Greyhounds are often regarded as a large, athletic breed. …
  • French Bulldog. There’s a lot to like about this breed, including an easygoing demeanor. …
  • Welsh Corgi. …
  • Golden Retriever. …
  • Bullmastiff. …
  • Pug. …
  • Boston Terrier.

Should I get a dog if I work a lot?

Conclusion: If you work full time but want a dog,

go ahead, but make sure to proceed with care

. Try to get a more independent breed, the younger, the better, or a rescue that’s used to being alone.

Is it OK to leave a puppy alone for 8 hours?

Once your dog reaches three months old, they can usually hold it for an hour for each month they’ve been alive. After six months, dogs can usually hold it for up to six hours. However,

even adult dogs shouldn’t be home alone for much longer than six to eight hours without a chance for a bathroom break

.

What’s the longest you can leave a dog alone?

The PDSA says dogs shouldn’t be left alone on a regular basis for more than four hours. Modern Dog Magazine says crated dogs shouldn’t be left home alone for more than three or four hours. PAWS Chicago, a nonprofit no-kill shelter, says

five to six hours

is the max for an adult dog.

How can I raise my puppy working 12 hour shifts?

What can I do with my dog while I’m at work?

  1. Ask a family member – a willing grand pup-parent perhaps – or a friend to puppy sit while you’re at work.
  2. Employ a professional pet sitter. They can come to your house during the day and keep your puppy company.
  3. Find good doggy daycare.

Can I get a puppy if I work?

While it is definitely more of a challenge to raise a new dog or puppy while you’re working full time,

it isn’t impossible

. Puppies have a lot of needs, so you need to be able to make adjusts to your lifestyle and routine to successfully raise the new dog.

Where should I leave my dog when I go to work?


Use a crate

. Pick a crate that’s safe and sturdy. Your dog should be able to comfortably stand up and turn around in the crate. You can get a crate pad to make it feel more like a bed and a crate cover.

What to do if you work long hours and have a dog?

If you work more than eight hours a day, or if you’d just like your dog to go outside when you’re gone, you have a couple of options: taking your dog to doggy daycare, or asking a neighbor or a petsitter/dogwalker (or even a personal assistant) to let your dog out and/or take him for a walk.

Can a dog hold it for 10 hours?


Adult dogs can hold their pee for up to 10-12 hours if needed

, but that doesn’t mean that they should. The average adult dog should be allowed to relieve itself at least 3-5 times per day. That’s at least once every 8 hours.

Should I kennel my dog while at work?

Crating a Dog While at Work


While leaving dog in crate while at work is not recommended, if this must be tried, it shouldn’t be more than 8 hours

. If crating a puppy while at work is not an option, dog-proof the room you’re keeping them in to ensure they can’t injure themselves while you’re away.

Is my dog OK at home alone all day?

An adult dog can be left alone for

up to four to six hours a day

, as a very general rule of thumb.

What is the best pet to have if you work?

  • Gerbil.
  • Guinea pig.
  • Rabbit.
  • Dog.
  • Fish.
  • Bird.
  • Terrapin.
  • Cat.
Diane Mitchell
Author
Diane Mitchell
Diane Mitchell is an animal lover and trainer with over 15 years of experience working with a variety of animals, including dogs, cats, birds, and horses. She has worked with leading animal welfare organizations. Diane is passionate about promoting responsible pet ownership and educating pet owners on the best practices for training and caring for their furry friends.