How to Work From Home with Your Pet

In this new work-from-home reality, pets have proven to be very difficult coworkers. From cats sitting on top of computers, to dogs who simply cannot understand why you are not paying attention to them while you are home, we’ve seen that the struggle is definitely real. And with federal social distancing guidelines extended through the end of April, it seems like we’re going to be sharing a workspace with our furry friends for a while.

If you’re finding it hard to be productive while working from home with your pet, here are some tips to help you:

  • Create a pet-free work space. If you’ve been wondering why it’s hard to get work done while parked on your couch with a laptop, it’s because that’s not a workspace that’s conducive to productivity. Find a quiet pet-free room in the house where you can set up a work space. It will make your life infinitely easier, and will also limit the amount of barks your coworkers hear on those video calls.
  • Schedule breaks for playtime. This is as much for you as it is for your dog. Sitting in front of the computer all day is no good for anyone, so be sure to schedule in some 15-20 minutes breaks throughout the day to get up, stretch your legs, and play with your dog. Think of it like walking to the water cooler at the office.
  • Maintain your sense of humor. Things are not going to go as smoothly as they would in the office when working from home, and that’s okay. Lower some of your expectations and try to laugh about the things that go wrong. These are weird times and there’s no right way to navigate it!
  • Keep your dog active with games and walks. There are plenty of indoor activities you can do with your dog at home to have them get a little energy out. And of course, you can always add an extra walk or two into your daily routine. Both you and your dog will appreciate the fresh air.
  • Don’t give them too many treats (unless you’re training). Just because you’re home now, doesn’t mean it will be like this forever (even though it does seem that way at times). You don’t want to create bad habits for your pet that will be difficult to correct when life returns to normal.

If you happen to have some funny pics from your experience working from home with a furry coworker, we’d love to see them! Email us at [email protected].

Stay sane!