living solo and having a dog: you can do both!

June 24, 2023

picture this: you are a working professional who lives on your own. but it has long been a dream for you to fill your house with love from a pet. you’re confused if it will be possible to work it out, given that you spend many hours a day at work.

is it possible to have a pet while living alone as a working individual?

if you’ve got what it takes (a little effort, a whole lotta love) then YES — it is more than possible to get a pet, even as a full-time working professional living alone!

being a pet parent isn’t a hobby, it’s a whole lifestyle. for starters, your role as a pet parent will include not leaving your dog alone for hours and hours, since having a pet means unwavering commitment. and if you’re able to accomplish your role successfully, then there is nothing more rewarding than having a pet by your side. 💕

bringing home a dog when you live alone is like adding an extra dash of sunshine to your life. it's an instant recipe for pure joy and companionship!

your dog becomes your ultimate partner in crime, your trusty sidekick. whether it's snuggling on the couch, going for walks, or even just having someone to talk to, they're always there by your side, ready to brighten your day. living alone can sometimes feel lonely, but with a dog, you'll never truly be alone.

as sentient, emotional beings, dogs have an uncanny ability to sense when you need some extra love and affection. they are naturally social creatures, and they have a strong bond with their human companions. they will often respond to your loneliness by offering comfort and closeness by cuddling up to you or simply staying loyally by your side. get ready to fill your home with an abundance of unconditional love, cuddles, and wet-nose kisses! ❤️

that said, bringing home a furry flatmate will require you to make some changes to your own life.

begin by asking yourself a few questions:

do you have enough time in your routine to commit to a pet? to give them attention, beyond feeding them and playing with them? do you understand that you will not be able to leave your dog alone for very long periods? your pet will need (and give) companionship, above all. if you think that’s something you need in life, then go about planning.

living alone and keeping a dog: the essentials

chart out your daily schedule, including the time you spend at home, in the office, and out socializing.

with you gone all day, you will have to find a way to keep your pet engaged — invest in a dog walker/trainer for your pet’s daily outings, have a domestic helper lay out your pet’s food, leave around toys for dogs to play alone, put them in boarding if you’re gone for more than one day.

here are some tips to keep your home-alone doggo busy while you’re in the office – but remember, don’t fall back on these solutions for more than 5-6 hours at a time. if you have a dog alone at home, they’ll want to spend the most time with you — don’t abandon them for too long and too frequently. they’ll feel very lonely.

we can’t stress this enough: one of the key jobs you’ll have as a pet parent is to keep your pet’s mental health in check. that includes spending lots of time with them and showing them you care!

a great way to bond with your dog is to get an early start every day. wake up early and be the one to take your dog for their morning walk or get in a little bit of playtime. it’s not just about physical activity, but emotional connection too. ❤️

grooming is another intimate way to create a personal bond with your pet — get easy at-home grooming tips here.

make sure your home is pet-proofed and safe for your pet to roam freely while you're away. remove any potential hazards, secure loose cords, and close off any rooms or areas that may be unsafe. consider using baby gates or crate training to limit access to certain areas if necessary.

every time you can make it out of the office early. even better, try to get home for lunch if your office is close to home. if your office is a pet-friendly space, then nothing like it!! every day can be a take-your-pet-to-work day.

certain breeds – like the French bulldog, or dachshund and greyhound – are supposedly low-maintenance dogs that can be left alone for longer than usual. they are independent enough to keep themselves entertained alone for more time than their counterparts, especially when young. you can consider getting a furry companion based on age and breed, too.

but remember — no matter the disposition of your dog — as a pet parent, you must, must, must spend as much time as you can with your pet. love, attention, care, companionship, physical presence: dogs need all of this, and more, to live happy, satisfied lives!

you should not bring home a dog if….

we understand that even people with the busiest lives may feel the urge to bring home a furry friend. but people who truly love pets will be conscious of the fact that dogs cannot thrive in very unstable environments. you must be someone who can emotionally and physically commit to having a pet.

that means, for someone who has a highly unpredictable or transient lifestyle, such as frequent moves, long periods away from home, or unstable housing situations, it may not be fair to bring a pet into that environment. pets require consistency to thrive. you can’t leave your dog alone for days or weeks!

pets come with financial responsibilities, including food, veterinary care, grooming, and other supplies. if someone is currently facing significant financial instability or is unable to provide the necessary resources for a pet's well-being, it may be best to postpone adoption until their financial situation improves.

pets require time, attention, and regular care. for people who have an extremely demanding job, extensive travel commitments, or other significant time constraints that would prevent them from dedicating the necessary time and effort to properly care for a pet, it may not be the right time to adopt.