How to Care for a Pet When You Have a Fulltime Job

Dogs are good for a lot more than just some warm cuddles. Research shows that owning a dog makes you happier, take less stress, and stay more active! Their presence also brings a sense of emotional wellbeing and unconditional love! However, be wary of the fact that your pet will need you to reciprocate the affection. If you're worried about managing it along with your work schedule, here are a few tips.

Pick the Right Breed

Choosing a breed according to your working hours might sound kind of strange, but it isn't. Owning a pet is a big responsibility. It would be best if you were reasonable about what you can manage. Don't sign up for high-maintenance pets. It'll only make the two of you sad if you're not able to spend too much time together. 

If you work over 40 hours a week and have a tough schedule, a dog might not be a great idea. Dogs demand a lot of attention. Other than the basic feeding tasks, they'll also need you to play with them, cuddle, take them out for a walk, help them exercise, and give them a warm bath. If your unpredictable work routine doesn't allow you to commit this much, get a cat instead. They are low-maintenance, don't need a lot of formal training, and don't need to be taken out a lot. Thanks to the litter box, you don't even need to take them to the bathroom now and then.

Build Your Schedule around Them

Having a pet is excellent, but it isn't all fun and games. Dogs yearn for a lot of attention from their owners and become very agitated when they don't get enough of it. Your little ball of fur might start showing signs of depression, misbehavior, and a loss of appetite. You don't want them to stop loving you. The best way to give them the required attention is to plan your non-working hours around the pet. If you have to meet a few friends at the bar after work, try and stop home to feed the puppy. If there’s no one at home to play with the baby, don't sign up for impromptu sleepovers.

Hire a Dog Walking Service in Chicago

Dogs love going out for walks, and they're naturally enthusiastic about the outdoors. Dogs find walks mentally-stimulating because they're not inherently lazy. An evening walk could be your dog's equivalent to reading a Dan Brown book by the window on a cold, snowy day in Chicago.

If you can’t spare too much time to take them out, hire a service like Bark Industries to do so! We are a bunch of pet-loving individuals that consider themselves your pet’s best friends. You can view our pet walking rates here. We also offer pet sitting services.