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Many say it’s possible to get a dog if you work full-time. But not everyone’s lifestyle is the same, so before you get to a conclusion about whether to adopt a pet dog or not, I’ve prepared a series of questions for you. Each question is followed by specific cases.
These will help you evaluate whether adapting to a pet is a good idea for your particular situation. Here’s a list:
Please take a moment to jot down your responses to the questions mentioned above. As I walk you through potential solutions, you’ll gain a clear understanding of how to address any shortcomings. This will be particularly helpful for full-time workers looking to adopt a dog. I’ll also highlight the breeds that are most suitable for your situation. This guide is designed to be straightforward and easy to follow. So, let’s get started!
Should I Own a Dog While Working a 9-5 Job? Why Not?
Many people wonder if it’s okay to have a dog while working a 9-5 job. When they ask this on dog forums, they often get strong responses, saying that dogs need their owners around all the time. Some say leaving a dog alone for more than a couple of hours is cruel.
So, it seems like having a dog is often thought to be best for people who don’t have a job, stay at home, work from home, or are wealthy and don’t rely on a regular job.
For someone who has to work to make a living and may not have much money, owning a dog might have to wait until they’re older and retired. But by then, they might find it challenging to handle a playful puppy, and it could be hard to adopt a rescue dog.
However, lots of people have full-time jobs and still have wonderful pets that are well-behaved, loved, and taken care of.
So it’s possible, but you need to make sure your dog is okay while you’re gone. They might need someone to check on them and take them for a walk during the day. So, it’s something to think about before getting a dog.
How Much Time Can Your Dog Stay By Itself?
It depends on your dog’s type and age, but a well-behaved dog can usually be alone for around eight hours. Still, it’s better not to leave them alone for that long if you can avoid it.
For instance, If you live alone and want a dog for company, remember that your dog will count on you for entertainment when you’re at home. It wouldn’t be fair to get a dog and then spend all your evenings away with friends! You’ll need to make an effort to include your dog in your life. It might limit your options when meeting a potential partner because your furry friend will have to come along, too.
How Do You Raise A Puppy While Working Full-Time?
If you’re considering raising a puppy, it’s essential to invest considerable time initially. Puppies need lots of attention and proper potty training. If you don’t do this, you might face issues later on. Here’s what to consider:
Toilet Training:
When you bring home a puppy, it needs to go potty every few hours, so even leaving for a short time can be a problem. If you can’t take time off work in the first few months, it’s really important to plan for someone to help. You can ask a dog sitter, a friend, a family member, or a neighbor to pitch in. This will make sure your puppy learns the right way to do things, and it’ll make your life easier.
Finding a Dog Walker:
If you need someone to walk your dog, you can use an app called Wag. It works kind of like Uber but for dog walking. It connects you with a person who can come to take your dog for a walk. You can also leave ratings and reviews to make sure the person is trustworthy and safe.
You can hire a dog walker, and they will come either in the morning or the evening to take your dog for a walk. If you don’t have money for that, you can think about waking up an hour earlier and taking your dog for a walk in the morning before you go to work. You can also ask a friend or family member for help. They can come over during the day to either take your dog for a walk or spend some good time with them.
Provide Toys:
It’s important to have lots of safe toys for your puppy to play with when you’re not around. These toys should be okay for your dog to use without anyone watching over them. Leave a fun toy for your dog to play with. Giving them a puzzle toy or a treat-filled Kong can keep them busy and give their brain something to do while they’re by themselves.
Background noise:
Switch on the TV or radio to make some background noise. This can cover up noises from outside that might make your dog scared or nervous.
How to afford the costs associated with dog ownership?
Adopting a dog while working full-time and managing expenses can be challenging, but there are strategies to make it more manageable. Here are some possible solutions:
Budgeting and Planning:
Create a detailed budget that includes all potential pet-related expenses. This can help you understand and prepare for the financial commitment. You might need to adjust your spending in other areas to accommodate pet costs.
Here’s a template for a pet budget table you might find useful:
| Category | Estimated Monthly Cost | Notes |
| Food & Treats | $40 – $60 | Quality and amount vary. |
| Routine Veterinary Care | $20 – $30 | Set aside for annual check-ups. |
| Pet Insurance | $30 – $50 | Based on plan and coverage. |
| Grooming | $40 – $60 | Depends on breed and needs. |
| Training | $50 – $100 | Initial training classes. |
| Accessories & Toys | $30 – $50 | Initial cost might be higher. |
| Emergency Fund | $20 – $50 | Save for unexpected expenses. |
| Pet Sitting/Boarding | $20 – $50 | If needed; varies greatly. |
| Miscellaneous | $10 – $30 | For unplanned items. |
| Total Monthly Cost | $240 – $480 | Sum of all above costs. |
Please note:
- These costs are estimates and can vary based on your location, the specific needs of your pet, and your personal choices regarding pet care.
- Some costs like grooming, training, and pet sitting may not be monthly but occasional. However, it’s useful to average these out over the year to understand the monthly commitment.
- An emergency fund is crucial for unexpected health issues or emergencies.
- Initial costs (like beds, crates, leashes) can be higher in the first month but will decrease over time.
You can use the above template and fill in the ‘Estimated Monthly Cost’ column based on your research or quotes from local services. The ‘Notes’ column can be used to remind you of any specific details related to each cost category.
Choosing the Right Breed:
Opt for a breed that is known to have lower maintenance in terms of grooming and health issues. Some breeds are less prone to health problems, which can reduce veterinary costs.
Also, Breeds like border collies and Labradors are very active and need a lot of attention and playtime. Leaving them alone for too long isn’t ideal.
However, some dog breeds are perfectly fine with being left alone, and these are your best choices in terms of low-maintenance grooming:
- Beagle
- Chihuahua
- Boxer
- Dachshund
- Whippet
- Boston Terrier
- Miniature Pinscher
- Greyhound
- Shiba Inu
- Basenji
- Basset Hound
- Maltese
- Shar Pei
- Bullmastiff
- French Bulldog:
These breeds are known for being more independent and can cope better with your work schedule.
Pet Insurance:
Investing in pet insurance can help manage unexpected veterinary expenses. Compare different plans and choose one that offers the best coverage for your needs and budget.
Preventive Care:
Regular preventive care can help avoid more costly treatments later. This includes regular vet check-ups, vaccinations, and maintaining a healthy diet for your dog.
DIY Grooming and Care:
Learn to do some grooming tasks at home, like bathing and nail trimming, to save on professional grooming costs.
Affordable Pet Supplies:
Shop around for the best prices on pet supplies. Consider buying food and other supplies in bulk, look for sales, and use coupons.
Support Network:
Building a network of friends, family, or neighbors who can help with pet care can also be a cost-effective solution. For instance, they might be able to dog-sit when you’re at work or away.
Adopt, Don’t Shop:
Adopting a dog from a shelter often comes with initial vaccinations and spaying/neutering already done, which can save upfront costs compared to buying a puppy from a breeder.
By carefully considering these factors and planning accordingly, it’s possible to balance the responsibilities and joys of dog ownership with a full-time job and financial constraints.
Accommodating a Dog in Your Daily Life
Your lifestyle plays a crucial role in determining if dog ownership is right for you. If your job requires frequent travel or if you have a busy social life, you must ensure arrangements are in place for your dog’s care in your absence.
Here’s a list of tips for effectively caring for your dog while working full-time:
Bring Your Dog to Work:
Depending on your workplace, you might be able to take your dog with you to work. Bringing pets to the workplace is increasingly popular among big companies, as it is believed to enhance employee satisfaction and well-being. Ask your boss if this is something you can do at your job.
Research indicates that pets at work can reduce stress levels, improve performance, and foster better communication and social cohesion among employees.
However, there are important considerations for employers before transitioning to a pet-friendly environment. The decision should factor in the health and safety of both employees and pets, as well as legal and cultural concerns.
Employers must evaluate if their workplace is suitable for pets, considering space, industry, and potential modifications like pet-proofing, establishing pet zones, and addressing landlord and local regulations.
Plan Longer Lunch Breaks:
If possible, come home during lunch for playtime with them. They’ll really like this special time with you. Making sure they get enough exercise is really important for their health and happiness. It’s ideal to get a puppy, but young puppies can’t go without food or a bathroom break for 8 or 9 hours. So, for the first few weeks, you should be able to come home during lunchtime or make another arrangement for their care.
Doggy Daycare:
Just like the name suggests, doggy daycare is a place where you can leave your dog for the day. They’ll be looked after, and they can play with other dogs. Whether or not you have one nearby depends on where you live. In big cities, you usually have lots of options. So, do some research to find a good daycare for your pup.
Note: Since you work full time, consider a dog-walking service or doggy daycare only on the busiest days to save costs, and try to manage the rest of the time by yourself.
Work from Home:
Some companies now let their employees work from home on specific days. If this is an option for you, it can make things simpler for you and your dog.
Living Space Considerations
The suitability of your living space for a dog is another critical factor. Dogs need adequate space to move and rest, and some breeds require more room than others.
If you use a crate, it should be open so your dog can sleep in it, but never keep your dog crated all day; that’s not fair. Keeping a dog locked up in a tiny space is unkind. Also, make sure your dog always has access to water.
Should I Get Another Dog To Keep My Dog Company?
Getting a second dog as a companion for your first one can be a good idea under certain conditions, but it’s important to weigh the pros and cons carefully.
Pros:
- Dogs are social animals, and having a companion can reduce feelings of loneliness, especially when you’re not home.
- Two dogs can play and exercise together, which can be beneficial for their physical and mental health.
- Continuous interaction with another dog can help in maintaining good social skills.
Cons:
- Having two dogs means double the expenses, time, and effort in terms of feeding, grooming, veterinary care, and training.
- Not all dogs get along well. The temperament, age, and energy levels of both dogs should be compatible.
- Training two dogs can be more challenging, especially if they pick up bad habits from each other. You’ll need to manage their behaviors and ensure they both get equal attention and training.
Is It Okay to Leave My Dog Alone – Bottom Line!
Finally, let’s talk about the important things to consider when you leave your dog at home while you head off to work.
Dogs Can Get Used to Being Alone: When you bring home a dog that’s used to having people around all the time, it might not handle being left alone for too long and could start causing trouble. But if a dog has always been alone during the day, they’re likely more used to it and won’t have as many issues.
A Dog Left Alone Often Sleeps: A dog used to being by itself will likely spend most of its time sleeping while you’re at work and become more active when you’re home. If you make sure to play with and exercise your dog when you’re together, it will be content to take naps when you’re away.
Your Dog’s favorite spot: Discover where your dog feels most comfortable in your home. Some dogs are fine moving around everywhere, but others might prefer being in just one room or even in their crate.
In a Nutshell!
Having a dog while managing a full-time job is definitely achievable, but it requires thoughtful consideration and planning. Opting for a more independent breed, a younger dog, or a rescue dog that’s accustomed to spending time alone might be a wise choice.
It’s crucial to ensure that your lifestyle, financial means, and living arrangements are suitable for the added responsibility of pet care. By choosing an appropriate breed, fostering a supportive environment, and making good use of resources like doggy daycare and professional dog walking services, you can successfully balance the joy of dog companionship with your work obligations.
If you have any further concerns or questions about adopting a dog or managing time with your furry friend while working full-time, feel free to reach out for more advice.
