Five Ways to Care for Your Pandemic Pet When Returning to Work
Photo credit: Zen Chung
Everyone who decides to adopt or foster an animal has a personal reason for doing so: fulfilling a childhood dream, a chance to test-out pet parenting, satisfying the need for companionship, or the opportunity to help an animal in need. Regardless of the intention, across the country, an astounding number of people brought animals home who had been living in shelter facilities during the COVID-19 pandemic.
It would be easy to estimate that 1.5 million animals have found permanent or temporary housing during this crisis. This number represents the number of animals euthanized in shelters every year due to overcrowding (1). However, the backlog cleared, and organizations with waitlists for people wanting a pet.
A hallmark moment for animal rescue organizations to place every animal with a person who could give these creatures the attention and love they cannot get daily. For fostered animals, it has been an opportunity for them to adjust to being in home environments and connect with people to become great pets for permanent placement. For adopted animals, a bonding experience with their family. For both, it has been a valuable lesson in the time, attention, and responsibility of pet ownership. However, many pets and their families will soon have a new reality as the White House administration prioritizes rollouts of a vaccine.
A new United States President generated a rapid response making the vaccination a reality and giving us hope for returning to normalcy. With the recent administration statement that we could have everyone vaccinated this year, I can’t help but wonder what that will mean for so many people and their pets.
Many of us did not think about many of the new realities facing us today, and it started when that original three-week quarantine which turned into a year of uncertainty. For some of us, our lives will never be the same. We may have jobs in new organizations, different industries, or a change in career paths. Regardless of the changing reality, this will undoubtedly impact people and the many animals, shelters, and rescues who need permanent solutions. This begs a larger question: people who would not have customarily adopted or fostered animals during a pre-COVID world and chose to do so during this time, what will they do with their pets?
If you are someone who fostered or adopted a pet and is not sure of your options for keeping your pet, here are a few suggestions that you might consider if keeping your pet and returning to the workplace:
Work-friendly Pet-policies: While recent studies have indicated pet-friendly companies are more likely to attract, engage, and retain talent, only 7% have pet-friendly policies (2). As this trend emerges, pet-owners who will be required to report to brick-and-mortar offices should speak to their HR department about current policies regarding bringing pets to work. If there is resistance to the idea, offer to work with HR and key leadership to put together a working group to survey the desire and requirements for making the space safe for people and pets. You can begin with this study showing that pet-friendly workplaces are good for employees with pets and their co-workers.
Shared pet-sitting: While many people may return to a physical place of work, some are not. Survey your friends, neighbors, and family members to see if anyone works from home. Who is better than a trusted animal-lover to keep an eye on your pet while you’re away. Offer an exchange of services for a cost-effective way to manage your pet's care.
Daycare: I know many people who have turned to doggy-daycare to watch their pets while at work. There are positive benefits to this option as it exposes your pet to other dogs and people, helping your dog with socialization. With facilities adopting technology such as cameras that allow you to view your pet at any point in their day, a daycare is a good way to ensure your pet is being monitored and tended to. And it can provide you with flexibility if your schedule is demanding.
Yard Pets: Growing up, I was never really allowed to have pets in the house (but often I would have a random dog, cat, rabbit, or bird in my room). We had a large, fenced yard, and the dogs and cats (along with other animals) had access to food, water, and shelter. It worked well for our family, so if you are thinking about doing the same, consider the following:
Does the yard provide safety for the pet and security from people, animals, and objects that could be harmful to your pet?
Is the fencing high enough that a dog could not jump over and/or barriers preventing them from digging out?
Does your pet have access to a doggy door or shelter from the weather? Do they have a place to warm-up or where they can cool off? Pets should be able to navigate to a safe place to prevent exposure to the elements.
Is water easily accessible? Make sure that it is plentiful, cannot be tipped over, or accessed by pests.
Apartment Dwellers: You may find yourself in a situation where you are limited and need to leave your pet indoors. This option needs to be considered carefully but is doable. It is first vital to research the breed and needs of the animal – a dog like an Australian Shepherd is a great when you are a cattle rancher, but their high energy could present issues if confined to a small apartment. Consider the following:
Space – A pet does well when it has a space of its own. A corner of the apartment that they can call their own that provides them with security to relax and provides comfort.
Camera – There are several companies out there that provide pet-cameras that allow you to monitor and engage with your pet from your phone.
Water – Unless you want to create a bad habit of your dog drinking from the toilet, make sure they have an automated watering bowl.
Treasures – I like to stuff a treat in a Kong and hide it in an easily locatable place. This will give them a little entertainment and occupy them for a short time.
Tunes – Music is a great way to create a relaxing environment for your pup. Check out our Canine Mixtape and blog post on this very topic.
Walks – Dogs need exercise, mental stimulation, and the ability to tend to physiological needs. Having a dog walker come by to take your dog out is a worthwhile investment to ensure your pet is getting the attention they need.
If you aren’t able to be with your pet 24/7/365, be prepared for a period of adjustment. Separation anxiety is real for both humans and pets. As a species, we can voice our concerns, rationalize our emotions, and overindulge to calm ourselves; pets do not have that option. Plan and prepare for them to act out by chewing, barking, or going to the bathroom in unusual places. Animals operate by seasons, temperature, natural rhythm, and a herd environment, so when you (their herd) goes missing, it will be dramatic for them. You can begin the transition now by leaving them home for shorter periods that will help them adjust to longer durations.
Also, nothing tops companionship for an animal, so if you find you can do so successfully, consider getting your pet a companion. If you have the resources to provide a second animal a chance at a great life and you can give your current pet a friend.
One size does not fit all, so a combination of these things that could work well for you and your pet. It is a pleasure and a joy to own a pet, but it does come with challenges. Don’t be afraid to speak to your vet, dog trainer, or other pet owners about solutions to keeping and raising a healthy and happy pet.