Tips for Balancing Work and Pet Parenthood

While many pet parents wish they could devote all their time and energy towards their precious family pets, many individuals have to juggle other aspects of their lives as well, such as work. Balancing work and your pets can be an overwhelming task, but not to worry, it’s not impossible! We at Bivvy have provided you with some advice on how to maintain your full-time job while also being a furtastic pet parent.

We’re sharing our top tips and tricks to balancing your work life and your family pets.

Pick a pet that works best for your lifestyle.

The type of pet that you decide to make a part of your family will vastly determine the amount of care that you will need to provide.

If you live a very busy lifestyle, consider making a cat your newest fur friend! Not only are they lovable, cuddly and cute, but they are also relatively low maintenance. Keep in mind that some cat breeds are more low maintenance than others.  

If you’re more of a dog person, that’s great too! Keep in mind that with dogs, they will need more attention and are relatively higher maintenance compared to feline friends. It’s also important to be aware of what type of breed you have or are planning to bring into your home. For example, Huskies are known for being a very active dog, meaning that their pet parents are likely going to have to spend more time making sure they get the proper exercise and playtime needed to make sure they stay healthy and happy!

Create a safe environment.

When leaving your family pet home alone for the day, you want to make sure that they stay safe and that your home stays in one piece! Make sure to put away any of your belongings that you do not want your pets to get a hold of. It’s also important to check if any food or objects are within their reach that could potentially harm them. The last thing we want is our beloved pets getting into any trouble while we’re away.

Make sure their needs are met.

One of the top priorities for leaving your pets alone during the day is making sure their needs are met before leaving them. Make sure that your pets have the food and water they need to get them through the day while you’re gone. It’s important to not leave excess food as over-feeding can be an issue as well. Automatic food and water dispensers are a great solution to this issue!

Luckily, our feline friends can use the liter box while you’re away; however, if you have a dog, that’s likely not the case. While some dogs can go without using the bathroom for 10-12 hours, that may not be the case for your pup. Investing in a few dogs pads to lay out while you’re away may be a good idea in case an accident were to happen.

Keep them entertained!

Now that your pets basic needs are met, make sure that they also have some entertainment around them to occupy their time. Surrounding them with toys is a great way to make sure your pet is having fun while you’re away. You can even purchase interactive, automated toys so that your pet has a pawsome time while you’re at work.

Check out these links for some furtastic toys for your pets!

Dog toys: https://bit.ly/2XW3RDV

Cat toys: https://bit.ly/2T4B8d9

We know that pet expenses can add up quick, which is why we offer our Bivvy Pet Credit, which are loaned funds that can be used on your family pets’ expenses such as toys, food and vet visits!

Create a routine.

Just like humans, our family pets thrive on routine. Not only does creating a routine for your family pet make it easier for them to get used to spending time alone during the day, but this also makes it easier on the pet parent as well. If your pet becomes accustomed to a routine, they are also less likely to engage in unusual or chaotic behavior.

We also recommend starting your pet’s day off with a bit of exercise before you head into the office so that they can spend more time relaxing and resting throughout the day.

Check-in on your pets.

If you can, try to check in on your pets during the day! Visiting your pet during your lunch break is a great way to make sure they are doing okay and also gives you some fun play time with your pet. We understand this isn’t feasible to all of our pet parents, so you can also consider having a trusted friend or family member check-in on them while you are away. If there’s no one available to check-in on your pet, you could also look into purchasing a nanny cam. While typically used for babies, it’s a great way to keep an eye on your pet while you’re away.

Consider expanding your fur family.

While this may seem counterintuitive, providing your pet with some company while you’re at work may be a great way to keep them entertained throughout the day! When bringing in a new pet into your home, there are various factors you should consider. Check out our blog for advice on how to make this exciting transition as smooth as possible.

Doggy Daycare.  

If your tail-wagging friend requires extra care and attention, consider taking them to a doggy-daycare! Not only does this pawsome option provide your doggo with some fun playtime with other pups, but it also ensures a safe environment for your beloved pet. Keep in mind that while doggy-daycare is a safe and fun way to take care of your pet while you’re away, it’s also a more expensive option, especially if you’re looking to bring your pup there regularly.

If you’re a working pet parent spending time away from your pet during the day, it’s a great idea to be prepared in case an unexpected accident or illness were to happen. We at Bivvy provide pet parents with affordable pet insurance so that you can have peace-of-mind knowing your pets are protected. In addition to our pawsome pet insurance, we also offer Bivvy Wellness Care to manage your pet’s routine and preventative care, so your pet stays in tip-top shape, especially while you’re away at work.