What to Do With Dogs When You're at Work

Family Member or Neighbor

• Ask a family member or a neighbor that you trust to care for your dog while at work. Knowing and trusting the person will keep your mind at ease that your dog will be well cared for while you are away. Asking a person you know can also save you the expense of hiring professional care for your dog. You should introduce the person and the dog beforehand to make sure that they are comfortable with each other. Supply instructions to the friend or neighbor on how to care for your dog. Tell him or her when the dog needs to go out, when the dog eats, exercise requirements, and how to administer medications if necessary.

Pet-Sitter

• Hiring a professional pet-sitter is good way of ensuring that your dog is well cared for. It is recommended that you interview the person before hiring. Make sure that the pet-sitter has adequate experience with dogs. The person should also have liability insurance in case something happens to your dog while in his or her care. If your dog has regular appointments with a veterinarian, the pet-sitter should have their own transportation. Make sure you acquaint the pet-sitter and the dog before hiring. Provide clear instructions to the sitter on the proper care and needs of your dog. You can make a list of responsibilities beforehand to supply to the sitter. Some pet-sitters will also do housework and run errands. In addition, supply the amount of hours the person is needed per day or per week. You should also provide payment information and how much you are willing to pay for pet care. Rates of pay can depend on where you live.

Boarding Kennel

• Boarding your dog in a kennel or pet day care is another option, but one that is more expensive and inconvenient. Some pet stores may also have dog care services. Certain boarding kennels and dog care facilities provide you with options on how your dog is cared for. Your dog may be able to romp with other dogs, have individualized play with dog care employees or have a special room with a bed and other amenities. Most dog kennels and care facilities have requirements that your dog must meet. Dogs may need to be spayed or neutered, be in good health, have up-to-date vaccinations, and be non-aggressive. Age and breed requirements may also apply.

Home Kennel or Crate

• If you must leave your dog at home while you are at work, leave your dog in a crate, home kennel, or a confined area of the house. Crate training your dog when it is a puppy is a good idea to get him use to the idea of being in a confined space. Keeping your dog in a crate while you are at work ensures that your dog is safe and secure. However, you should not keep your dog confined to a crate for a long period of time. Get the largest crate you can find your dog to give your pet plenty of room. Provide comforts for your dog inside the crate such as a comfortable bed, toys and fresh water. Keeping your dog in an outdoor home kennel is also adequate. Make sure you provide fresh water, shelter and shade. It is not recommended to keep your dog outside in extreme heat or cold. Keeping your dog in a confined area of your home such as the kitchen or bathroom is another option. Provide fresh water, a bed and toys in the room to keep your dog comfortable. If possible, come home on your lunch break to let your dog out.