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A quick walk before work, then again in your lunch break and plenty of playing and running around after clocking off? For working pet owners, it’s often not at all easy to accommodate pets’ wishes. The animal experts from specialty chain Maxi Zoo explain how to achieve a work-pet balance.

Many adults dream of a having a pet to play with in their free time. But most of them work - and full-time at that. You and your pet’s limits will soon be reached if you insist on having a dog. Have a long, hard think about whether you are up to providing the kind of care your desired animal requires and if it is suited to being alone for longer periods of time at all.

Dogs don’t like to be separated from the pack, certainly not for several hours. Even if a dog doesn’t howl or chew shoes to pieces during their owner’s eight-hour absence, they still suffer. Canines need exercise and have something to do for at least an hour over the course of the day. If you want a dog, you need be able to offer them an alternative: A relative or neighbour looks after them in your absence, call a dog sitter or take them to doggy day care. The ideal solution is if you can take your dog with you to the office, or if you work from home and only ever leave for short periods of time.

Cats , on the other hand, are fine with being alone but prefer to have a feline friend if they have to do without the company of their owner all day. Outdoor cats have the advantage of being able to amuse themselves outside. Cat owners should set aside time in the evening for cuddling and playing - despite their independent ways, cats still love attention.

Small animals and rodents are ideal pets for working owners, provided that they are active at dusk and at night. Chinchillas, degus, hamsters, mice, guinea pigs and rats mostly sleep during the day and are awake in the evening, when you have time to spend with them. However, except for hamsters, none of these animals should be kept alone! All of them need at least one social partner of the same species.

Birds such as budgerigars or canaries don’t like to be alone and should be kept in at least pairs. Keep in mind, however, that they may already be asleep, or only awake for a short period of time after you come home.

Fish are the perfect pet if you don’t have any time or patience for cuddling and playing after work. An aquarium requires maintenance, but you can easily do this on the weekend. Plus, observing underwater goings-on can have a calming and balancing effect.

Whatever you decide, act responsibly. Once you have bought them, a pet is a companion for many years of your life!


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Pictures from this article:

Pets and working owners Not every pet is suitable for working owners. Dogs, for example, suffer if they are left alone for several hours on end. The ideal solution is if you can take your dog with you to the office. Photo: Maxi Zoo/Ulrike Schanz (Photo printout only in association with the editorial text.) Download (537 KB)