Practical support to help you keep your dog

Work or routine changes

Starting a new job, returning to work, changing shifts or balancing new responsibilities can all affect life with a dog.

Many routine challenges can be managed with practical support, planning and small adjustments before rehoming ever becomes necessary.

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A change in your circumstances does not automatically mean your dog needs a new home.

Understanding the challenge

When work changes affect your dog

A change in routine can feel overwhelming, particularly if your dog has become used to you being at home for much of the day.

You may be worried about how your dog will cope, whether you can continue meeting their needs or whether your new routine is fair to them.

Leaving your dog alone

You may be unsure how long your dog can comfortably remain at home without company, exercise or a toilet break.

Separation-related behaviour

Some dogs may bark, pace, destroy items or become distressed when their routine changes suddenly.

Exercise and toilet breaks

Longer working hours or commutes can make it harder to maintain your dog’s usual walks and daytime toilet routine.

Feeding and medication

Puppies, older dogs and dogs with health conditions may need meals or medication at particular times.

Unpredictable shifts

Irregular working patterns can make consistency more difficult, especially when your hours change from week to week.

Start with manageable changes

Practical ways to keep your dog

A combination of routine changes and help from other people may make your new circumstances much more manageable.

Adjust your routine

Small changes before and after work can help your dog settle into a more predictable daily pattern.

  • Take a walk before work
  • Introduce shorter periods alone gradually
  • Use food puzzles or enrichment toys
  • Include short training sessions
  • Keep feeding and toilet times consistent
  • Create a calm resting space
  • Plan a longer walk after work where appropriate

Build a support network

Support does not always need to come from a paid professional. Consider who may be able to help occasionally or regularly.

  • Family members
  • Friends
  • Trusted neighbours
  • Professional dog walkers
  • Dog day care
  • Pet sitters
  • Local community contacts

Help during working hours

Support services that may help

The most suitable option will depend on your dog’s personality, health, age and previous experience.

Professional dog walkers

A dog walker can provide exercise, company and a daytime toilet break when you are working away from home.

Check that the walker is insured, experienced and uses safe transport and walking practices.

Dog day care

Day care may suit sociable dogs that enjoy spending time around other dogs and people.

It will not be suitable for every dog, particularly those who are anxious, easily overwhelmed or uncomfortable in group settings.

Pet sitting

A pet sitter can care for your dog in your home or visit during the day.

This may be especially useful for shift workers, older dogs, dogs with health needs or dogs that do not enjoy day care.

Choosing care carefully

Finding someone you can trust

Whether you use a dog walker, pet sitter or day-care provider, check that the arrangement is safe and appropriate for your dog.

Questions to ask

  • Are they insured?
  • Do they have relevant experience?
  • How many dogs do they care for at once?
  • How are dogs transported?
  • What happens in an emergency?
  • Can they follow medication instructions?

Before care begins

  • Arrange an introductory meeting
  • Explain your dog’s routine clearly
  • Discuss behaviour and health needs honestly
  • Provide emergency contact details
  • Start with a short trial where possible
  • Review how your dog responds

Separation-related behaviour

If your dog struggles with being left alone

Some dogs find changes in routine particularly difficult, especially after long periods of having someone at home.

Separation-related behaviour is not disobedience. It may indicate fear, anxiety, frustration or difficulty coping with being alone.

Vocal behaviour

Barking, whining or howling after you leave the home.

Destructive behaviour

Scratching doors, chewing furniture or damaging items near exits.

Restlessness

Pacing, trembling, excessive drooling or being unable to settle.

Toileting indoors

Urinating or defecating indoors despite usually being house-trained.

Escape attempts

Trying to force through doors, windows, crates or barriers.

Changes before departure

Becoming distressed when you pick up keys, put on shoes or prepare to leave.

Early support can make a real difference

Behaviour problems following routine changes are often manageable with the right advice. Seeking support early can help prevent the problem from becoming more established.

Explore behaviour support

Exploring workplace options

Could your employer help?

Depending on your role and circumstances, a different working arrangement may reduce the pressure on you and your dog.

Flexible hours

Starting earlier or later may make it easier to arrange walks, feeding or support from another person.

Working from home

Occasional home-working days may help reduce the number of long absences during the week.

Adjusted breaks

A longer lunch break or a different shift pattern may allow you to return home during the day.

Prepare before speaking to your employer

Think about the arrangement you are requesting, how it could work in practice and how you would continue meeting the requirements of your role.

When paid care is difficult to afford

Financial support and lower-cost options

Paying for regular dog walking, sitting or day care may not be affordable, particularly if your work change has also affected your income.

Before deciding that you cannot manage, consider whether a combination of free, informal and occasional paid support could work.

Ask for temporary help

A friend, family member or trusted neighbour may be able to help while you settle into your new routine.

Share responsibilities

Someone may be willing to help with a lunchtime walk in exchange for another practical favour.

Use paid care selectively

You may only need professional help on your longest working days rather than every day.

Explore local support

Community groups, local charities and informal neighbourhood networks may be able to offer practical help.

Explore wider financial support

Help may also be available with veterinary treatment, pet food or other essential dog-care costs.

View financial and veterinary support

Pause and explore your options

Before considering rehoming

Work changes can feel permanent when you are in the middle of them, but the immediate pressure may reduce once a new routine is established.

1

Could someone help for a few weeks?

Temporary support may give you time to settle into your new role, test different arrangements and understand what help you genuinely need.

2

Could your employer offer flexibility?

Explore whether adjusted hours, occasional home working or a different break pattern could make your routine more manageable.

3

Could your dog’s routine change gradually?

Practising shorter absences and introducing new care arrangements before your work change may help your dog adjust.

4

Have you explored local support?

Friends, neighbours, community organisations and local services may offer options you have not yet considered.

5

Have you sought behaviour advice?

If your dog is distressed when left alone, professional support may help address the underlying problem.

Remember

Dogs need consistency and appropriate care, but that does not always mean constant company.

Many dogs adjust successfully to new routines when changes happen gradually and their physical and emotional needs continue to be met.

When circumstances cannot be resolved

When rehoming may become appropriate

Sometimes a work or lifestyle change creates a long-term situation in which a dog’s needs cannot be met safely or consistently.

This may be the case where:

  • Your dog is regularly left for periods they cannot reasonably manage
  • Your dog is experiencing ongoing distress despite appropriate support
  • Essential exercise, toileting, health or medication needs cannot be met
  • You have explored realistic support options and none are sustainable
  • Your circumstances have changed permanently rather than temporarily

Responsible rehoming is a process

If rehoming becomes necessary, take time to assess potential homes carefully and use a welfare-first process rather than making a rushed decision.

Explore safe rehoming guidance

Related HomeWagger support

Further guidance and support

Explore related information depending on the part of your situation that is most difficult.

HomeWagger support

Looking for practical support?

HomeWagger brings together trusted guidance, organisations and practical resources to help you explore ways to keep your dog safely at home whenever possible.

Explore the support directory Behaviour support

Please note: This page provides general guidance and signposting. It is not a substitute for individual veterinary, legal, employment or professional behaviour advice. Services, eligibility criteria and availability may vary by area.

💜 The HomeWagger Promise

Support first. Welfare always.

HomeWagger exists to help people explore realistic support before making a permanent decision about their dog’s future.

Sometimes that means finding practical assistance. Sometimes it means adjusting routines or accessing professional guidance. And sometimes it means recognising that responsible rehoming is the safest way forward.

Whatever your circumstances, the goal is always the same: better outcomes for dogs and the people who care about them.

Common questions

Work and routine changes FAQ

Will my dog be unhappy if I return to work?

Not necessarily. Many dogs adapt well when changes are introduced gradually and they continue receiving suitable exercise, enrichment, company and opportunities to toilet.

Your dog’s individual needs, age, health, temperament and previous experience should guide the arrangement.

How long can a dog be left alone?

There is no single period that is appropriate for every dog. Puppies, older dogs and dogs with health or behavioural needs may require much more frequent care.

Consider whether your dog can remain comfortable, access water, rest safely and receive suitable toilet breaks and exercise.

Should I get another dog to keep my dog company?

A second dog is not usually a reliable solution to separation-related behaviour.

It can introduce additional costs, responsibilities and behavioural challenges without addressing the reason your current dog is distressed.

My work pattern changes every week. Can my dog still cope?

Many dogs can manage changing working patterns when important parts of their routine remain predictable.

Consistent feeding, exercise, rest and care arrangements can help provide stability even when your shift times vary.

Is dog day care suitable for every dog?

No. Some dogs enjoy group day care, while others find it overstimulating or stressful.

Consider your dog’s sociability, health, age and comfort around unfamiliar dogs and people. A home-based sitter or individual walker may be more appropriate.

What should I do if my dog suddenly starts barking when I leave?

Avoid punishment, as barking may be a sign of distress. Try to understand when the behaviour begins and whether your dog is showing other signs of anxiety.

Seek advice from a suitably qualified behaviour professional, particularly if the problem is severe or worsening.

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