Busy individuals who enjoy caring for pets can find it challenging to balance their responsibilities and pet care. Some may recommend that you stop owning a pet if you’re way too busy, but that doesn’t have to be the case.
Below are some helpful tips on how busy people can properly take care of their pet companions:
1. Create a Pet Care Schedule and Stick to It
Planning is crucial when it comes to balancing your job and pet care. Build a schedule that outlines your pet’s needs, such as feedings, walks, grooming, and more. Also, write down (or set reminders) of upcoming veterinarian visits, pet vaccinations & parasite prevention, or other activities. Getting everything documented will make it much easier to stick to your plans and take better care of your pet.
2. Find Pet Care Services or Resources
Take advantage of the pet resources and services available to help lighten the burden. If you do not have plenty of time for daily walks, consider working with a dog walker or doggy daycare service. You may also find pet boarding to look after them while you’re away. If you don’t know any, ask for suggestions from friends, family, or people you trust.
On top of that, looking online is a great way to find pet boarding centers within your neighborhood. Just make sure to read reviews, ask questions, or even inspect the facilities prior to committing. In the event that you are too busy at work to offer adequate care for your pet, you may want to look into pet daycare facilities in your area by clicking this link.
3. Delegate Pet Care Responsibilities
If you have a family, delegate responsibilities to other family members whenever possible. Even if it’s just once a week, having somebody else take on some pet care duties can be a relief. In addition, keep a checklist of trustworthy friends willing to care for your pets in case of emergency situations. This will provide you peace of mind that your pets are taken care of when something urgent occurs and you can not do so.
4. Choose a Vet Clinic with Complete Services
Preferably, opt for a veterinary hospital as your go-to pet care provider that offers all the necessary pet services. You should be able to get all the essentials, such as food and nutrition advice, parasite control products, health checks, vaccinations, and pet wellness exams.
A vet clinic with complete services should also offer surgical treatment, radiology, and diagnostic tests. This saves you time, energy, and funds as you can have all your pet care needs taken care of in one place.
5. Spend Quality Time with Your Pet
When you’re not occupied, spare some time to spend quality bonding moments with your pet. Take your dog for a leisurely walk, or snuggle up on the couch. Spending quality time with your pet will make them feel happy and loved, and it doesn’t often involve activities requiring a lot of effort.
Also, don’t forget to train your dog when you’re with them, even for at least 10 to 15 minutes, 2 to 3 times a week. Training your pet will aid you in building a strong bond with them.
6. Look for a Playmate for Your Pet
If you can, find a playmate for your pet so it has someone to socialize with while you’re away. Dogs, specifically, will enjoy having an additional furry companion to keep them company and play around with.
If you’re worried that they might be destructive when you leave them alone in your home, leave them with something to do, such as chewing toys, hiding treats around your house, or playing a game of fetch. This will help them stay occupied and keep their mind active.
In addition, make sure that there are no toys or items that can be easily destroyed or swallowed when left unattended. If you can, walk your dogs before leaving the house so they will feel tired and less likely to be destructive.
The Bottom Line: Should You Get a Pet When You’re Busy?
Ultimately, it’s up to you to make a decision if obtaining a pet when you’re busy is the right thing for you. But the most vital aspect you need to consider is what’s fair for your pets. Though having an animal companion can bring great joy and companionship, having one also comes with responsibilities that demand time, effort, and dedication.
Caring for a pet could be the perfect addition to your life if you’re confident that you can make time for proper pet care while managing your profession or studies. With careful preparation and organizing, there’s no reason why an individual who leads a hectic lifestyle can’t successfully care for their beloved dogs or cats.
