How to work from home with pets

We love our fluffy co-workers because they make us happier and less stressed, but that doesn’t mean working from home with pets doesn’t come with its challenges. It can be tricky to stay focused with your four-pawed pal napping on your lap, and zoom calls can be a particularly stressful event if you’ve got a furry friend who loves to be the star of the show (although we don’t think there’s anything wrong with this, some colleagues might think differently!). We bring you our top tips on how to work from home with pets so that you can enjoy all the best bits of the job (because being a pet owner is a full-time job) while making working from home with your pets “work” for you.

Tips for working from home with a dog

1. Create a routine 

Step one of how to work from home with a dog is creating a daily routine. We’re all creatures of habit, and your four-legged friend will feel more settled if they know what’s coming next. Stick to regular mealtimes and a walking routine that fits in with your work schedule and your pooch pal, although don’t be afraid to mix it up when you have to! 

2. Walk your dog

It sounds simple, but getting up and out with your four-legged friend first thing in the morning allows them to let off steam in the park rather than in the background of an early morning meeting. Not only is this an opportunity to spend some quality time with your dog, but it should also mean your four-legged friend’s in need of some downtime when you get home. Walks are also a chance for pups to socialize with their furry friends before a long day sitting behind a desk (aka yours) and they benefit you - getting some fresh air and stretching your legs is a great way to start the day.

3. Factor in some doggy downtime 

Designating regular coffee breaks to play with Fido should help you stay focused while remote working (hypothetically). It serves as a little reward for both of you after you’ve knuckled down for an hour or two, and should tire out your furry friend so that you can get back to work soon after. If you’re working from home with a new dog, chances are you will need to spend more time helping them get comfortable with you and their new surroundings, so more regular breaks might be needed.

4. Need some space?

Looking for more tips on how to work from home with pets? Having a pet-free workspace can be the best way to avoid distraction - it helps to set a clear boundary between work time and playtime - for both of you! We know this isn’t always possible when you’re working at home, so whether you’ve got limited space or a pooch with separation anxiety, provide them with their own safe space such as a snuggly bed, a cozy crate, or a mat to stretch out on.

5. Keep them busy

Keeping your pooch occupied with walks and playtime is one thing, but your pup needs to be able to entertain themselves when it’s time for you to get on with your work. Puzzle toys and food-related activities provide lots of mental stimulation for your pooch pal, and you can reserve extra special toys for those moments when you really need to “work like a dog”.

6. Treat ‘em

Bribes in the form of food are always welcome, and pups will gradually learn that they’ll be rewarded if they’re on their best behavior. You might want to save special treats for when you really need them or keep a few up your sleeve to feed your attention-seeking Fido out of sight of the viewfinder.

6. No barking, please

Barking is rarely desirable, but working from home with a barking dog is doubly distracting. In order to train your pooch to stop barking, you need to get to the bottom of why they’re doing it. Are they bored? Do loud noises make them nervous? Are they trying to get your attention? Address this behavior yourself, or speak to an animal behaviorist if the problem persists.

7. Head to a dog-friendly cafe

The biggest benefit of working from home with a dog is that you get to spend 24/7 with your fur baby, but that doesn’t mean you both have to stay in all day. If you and your pup need a change of scene, heading to a dog-friendly cafe together might be the ideal afternoon activity - tie it in with a dog walk and reward yourself with a coffee when you get there.

Tips for working from home with cats

1. Have an agenda

If you work from home with cats, establishing a routine is just as essential as it is with pups. While kitties are usually a little more free-spirited, they like knowing what’s going on throughout the day as it helps keep their stress levels low.

Related article: Creating a cat-friendly environment for cat sitters

2. A designated area 

Most furry felines are used to having the run of the place and they won’t automatically understand that your home is also your office. Kitties are particularly good at getting comfy in the most inconvenient places, so set them up with a cozy spot that’s close enough for them to keep an eye on you, but far away enough to cause less distraction.

3. Set them up for the day

Stop cats interrupting work from home time by making sure they have a full tummy, a clean litter tray and water in their bowl before you start the day. If there’s anything missing, they’ll be sure to meow about it!

4. Keep them entertained

Working from home with a cat can be pretty distracting if they don’t have enough stimulation. So, how to keep a cat busy while working from home? Rather than playing cat and mouse with your work utensils, turn their space into a play area with scratching posts, cat trees, and plenty of toys to keep them busy. Save your Zoom calls by avoiding toys that jingle or squeak during working hours and toys filled with treats will make playtime extra rewarding. Scheduling in some playtime on your coffee break should help tire them out before you get back to work.

Related article: 8 things to know if you're working from home with pets

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