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The Best Pets for Working Women
Are you a workaholic? Want a pet? Here’s what to consider, and how to make sure you’re ready for the ups and downs of pet ownership…
While apartment hunting, my roommate made no secret about his desire for a dog. Never mind that we both worked full-time and had limited time to care for a pet. Even still, he really wanted a puppy to cuddle with. Given the many benefits of having a pet, I was ready to get one too. But is it fair to the puppy? The more I thought about it, when you’re out for most of the day for work, taking care of an animal just didn’t seem feasible.
Australian former supermodel, Kristy Hinze Clark’s dogs inspired her to create her dog apparel brand, Legitimutt
With careful research and planning, though, it is possible to bring a fuzzy little one into your life. Make sure you’re realistic and aware of the responsibilities for the pets you consider before committing to your animal-loving journey, and you’ll find that having a pet can be a fulfilling addition to your life.
Dogs
Man’s best friend is the classic pet. I’ll admit, I’m pretty biased, since I always had a dog growing up, but there’s nothing quite like coming home to dogs who’ve missed you all day. Of course, you’re also coming home to little living beings who rely on you for love, food, exercise, and care.
Dogs are high maintenance pets—you’ll have to walk him before and after work, and provide plenty of love whenever you’re home. If you work all day, it’s best to adopt adult dogs rather than puppies, since training is time-consuming. And, as is true with any pet, it’s always kinder to have two pets so they can play with each other.
Separation anxiety is a real concern when adopting a dog.
Have toys for your dogs to play with while you’re away, and don’t make a big deal about your departure. It helps if you leave for short amounts of time at first, and build up to a whole day’s absence. I also highly recommend considering doggie daycare or hiring a walker to stop by so your dogs aren’t alone all day.
Dogs thrive on a vegan diet.
Adopting a dog will alter your lifestyle. It’ll mean getting up earlier in the morning for the first walk of the day, and going out for an hour after work with your dog. Unlike your gym routine or diet, there can’t be any “cheat days” when it comes to taking your dog out. Dogs need their outdoor exercise time every day! It’ll also mean having the most loyal, affectionate pet who’ll love you so much he’ll shake with happiness every time you come home.
Any man who doesn’t love animals isn’t a real man at all!
Cats
Cats are the perfect working-owner pets. They don’t need to go outside to do their business, they need less companionship than most dogs, and they’re generally content to sleep the day away in a sunny spot. The best apartment cats are adaptable, not highly active, and can tolerate solitude.
The best way to go is to adopt two litter-buddies who are already friends, so that they’ll have someone to play and cuddle with while you’re away for the day. Visit your local shelters and look for two bonded cats with calm temperament and an easygoing nature. Keep in mind that, independent as they are, cats need their daily show of affection, too!
Guinea Pigs and Rabbits
If you want a pet, but aren’t ready for the huge responsibility of a dog, or you’re allergic to cats, guinea pigs or rabbits can fulfill your companionship needs. They’re very social animals so adopting multiple guinea pigs and/or rabbits is essential. They’re much happier if they have a safe room in your apartment/house to call their home, instead of just a cage, and lots of new toys on the regular. They’ll also need cuddle time with you for at least a few hours every day.
Birds and Fish
In case you were thinking that a bird or fish would be less work and just as rewarding, please allow me to disillusion you. Keeping birds in cages or fish in tanks is not only cruel and against their natural instincts (since both yearn to migrate great distances), but a lot more work that you’d expect.
Birds are very smart and need a lot of stimulation — more than they can get in a cage, and therefore often get severely depressed when held in captivity. Fish tanks need to be cleaned on a very regular basis, which is a lot less fun than scooping litter, believe me! For that reason, I strongly urge you to stick to dogs, cats or guinea pigs…
Getting a pet is a big decision, but the love between animal and owner is incomparable. Even if you work during the day, it’s something worth considering!
How do you make time for your furry little ones? Share your tips in the comments below!
Sarah Chipps
I love dogs than cats, but I must agree that cats are so easy to take care of since they don’t need a lot of affection. They do love getting attention but cats are very stoic most of the time. Even your grandmother can take care of a cat and all she has to do is feed it and let someone take it to the vet, just in case. I’m a pet lover but after some circumstances, I just couldn’t take care of one anymore. I do think that it you really love and care about your pet, you’ll be able to take care of it.
O L I V E R A
I remember adopting cats from the street when I was younger. I didn’t know better so mine didn’t have a anti-rabies shot. It bit me so my mom had to send it back to the streets. I was so sad.
Christina Nadin
I’d miss my dog too much if I have to work **in which I do**.
Nancy Popy
As much as I want a pet, I don’t think I could be consistent with them no matter how much I love them. They’re very time-consuming to take care of and I don’t have the time to do all of that. Which is why after I moved and had to live alone, I had to leave my dog with my parents. I miss him so much every day but I just can’t afford to work and take care of him all at the same time. If Facetiming my dog was a real thing, I’d be doing that during work hours if I could!
Donna Duncan
am I the only cat person here? seems like nobody wants’s a cute fur ball as a companion for so many years. sure they are a snob, sure they break things and sure they are lazy AF. but hey who isn’t right? they’re like every people’s dream. sleep all day, eat whenever and sleep some more.
Cara Lee
having a pitbull at home made my life easy. no more sketchy man following me at night when I walk, safest ATM visits, really great alarm for early mornings, and best cuddle buddy whenever needed. I so love my dog Tiny.
abby sire
am I the only cat person here? seems like nobody wants’s a cute fur ball as a companion for so many years. sure they are a snob, sure they break things and sure they are lazy AF. but hey who isn’t right? they’re like every people’s dream. sleep all day, eat whenever and sleep some more.
cassy white
having a pitbull at home made my life easy. no more sketchy man following me at night when I walk, safest ATM visits, really great alarm for early mornings, and best cuddle buddy whenever needed. I so love my dog Tiny.
Miya Hartford
always wanted a fish pond at home. but having a fish pond means you at least have a mini pond. I live in an apartment. an aquarium is my best bet on having fish but my landlord won’t like it cos she has a roaming cat in our building. well, time to move to a suburb I guess.
KYLE
I’ve had my aquarium since I was 18, now I’m 26 and I still have my aquarium and it grew exponentially. Great house pets, relaxing to watch, low maintenance, easy feeding time. Great pets. Really great with dogs too. LOL