6 Low-Cost Ways to Care for Your Pet While You’re Away

By Patricia Amend   En español Published September 16, 2021

During the pandemic many folks opened their homes to an animal in need, relishing the company while in isolation. A recent survey by the American Society for Prevention of Cruelty to

Animals (ASPCA) reveals that some 23 million American households adopted a pet. The results also show that so far, most newly adopted animals are staying in those homes and have not been

returned to shelters. ​

If you adopted a furry friend, by now your pet is part of the family, accustomed to your company 24/7. But you may need to return to work or take a work trip soon. Your first impulse,

taking your pet with you, may not be an option. The Society for Human Resource Management reports that just 7 percent of employers allow pets in the workplace. Surcharges at so-called

pet-friendly hotels can range from $30 to $90 per night. If you fly, be prepared to pay as much as $100 per pet carrier in the cabin, or $200 if you check your pet as baggage — which would

be highly stressful as well as expensive.​

How can you provide affordable, loving care while you are gone? Professional pet services can be pricey. Devising the best and most cost-effective solution starts with determining how much

alone time your pet can tolerate without undue stress or behavioral issues, as well as figuring out what resources are readily available.​

schedules​

Your pet may not need as much attention during the day as you think. Adult dogs need 12 to 14 hours of sleep a day and are typically active for just four or five hours. Cats can sleep 16 to

20 hours a day and tend to be more active at dawn and dusk. Don’t spend money on full-time day care if all they need is a quick trip outside.

​​People often think of cats as easier; they seem to enjoy their solitude more than dogs, and a litter box eliminates the need to walk them. But the notion that all felines are independent

is a misconception, says Marny Nofi, senior manager of behavioral sciences at the ASPCA. She recommends looking for changes in your cat’s habits after it has spent time alone. “Play

biting, pouncing, excessive vocalizing or destructive behavior may be signs that your cat isn’t getting enough from you or its environment,” she says. Age is also a consideration. Young

cats and kittens, who need more attention, will be calmer and more well-behaved if they don’t spend hours alone. Seniors can be more sensitive to routine changes than others.​​

Likewise, a dog’s tolerance for solitude depends on its personality, says Carly Loyer, research manager on the ASPCA Behavioral Sciences team. “Signs of anxiety include nervous pacing and

panting and changes in posture and body language, which can include tenseness, a low tail, ears back, a furrowed brow, wide eyes, trembling, whining or trying to leave with you as you

prepare to depart.” Most healthy dogs can hold their bladder for up to eight hours or longer, but letting them out at least every six hours is better — and less risky for your rugs. ​​

2. Ease them into your new schedule​​

Most animals don’t like a sudden change in their schedule, and if you suddenly disappear for eight hours each day, you’ll simply make them more anxious. To acclimate your cat or dog to

change, experts recommend that you envision a new workday and slowly adjust things accordingly. “This way, your pet can begin getting used to a new walking, feeding, napping and playing

schedule,” Loyer says. ​