5 Ways to Keep Your Pet Happy When You're Away

Much to their chagrin, our pets can't be with us all the time. And unfortunately, they tend to express this disappointment through destructive behaviors like shredding the couch, munching on a tasty shoe, or leaving smelly surprises around the house.

Our animals act out because they miss us, and home just isn't the same without their favorite human(s). Making small changes to their environment though can lead to significant improvements in their behavior, and may even save a few pairs of shoes. Here are 5 tips for keeping your pet from stressing out when you're away:

1. Get a pet sitter.

If you've got a few extra bucks to spend, hiring a pet sitter/walker can make all the difference in your pet's conduct while you're away. Your pet will get a potty break, playtime, and some good social interaction, and you'll get to relax a bit knowing your furry family member is taken care of.

2. Keep it clean.

Just like us, pets like their space to be clean. Before you leave, empty the litter box, take out the trash, and put away as much clutter as you can. There will be less for your pet to chew on, and you will create an all-around nicer environment.

3. Leave a bit of yourself.

One mess that you can leave lying around is your dirty laundry—pets love to curl up with stuff that smells like you, and it can be incredibly comforting to a stressed out animal. If your pet is a chewer, only leave stuff that you can handle being destroyed (you know, just in case).

4. Encourage play time.

Make sure your pet channels his energy positively by leaving lots of toys around the house. Leave at least one in every room so that if your pet wanders in there they will find a fun surprise!

5. Turn on the TV.

Give your pet some sense of company by leaving the television on for them while you're gone. Keep the volume relatively low and put on something fun and happy—like a kids' channel.

Client Testimonials

Katie
4/6/2014 Very happy we found DGW! Our pup has never done well with boarding facilities, she usually gets sick from the stress and this is why I looked for an in home boarder here in NOVA once we moved here. Reading reviews on yelp and other sources helped us narrow it down to DGW and we are very thankful. Everything was great! Knowing she's in a home environment and getting to snuggle up with people reduces the worrying. We could tell from the first picture she was having fun and enjoying her vacation which allows us to enjoy ours. Our first (and only) choice for pet care services.
– Cathy

Chewy
1/9/2014 We were very uncertain about what to do with our Chihuahua when we moved to VA. Previously friends and family stepped in to watch him. He is very shy and isn't very friendly towards new people so it's nerve racking to find a place where you feel he will be cared for properly and loved in all of his grouchy Chihuahua glory! Once you get through that part he is a love bug. We went to the local PetsMart and had a bad experience just talking to the people there and knew he couldn't go there. That's when I looked on Yelp and found this place! It had great reviews and I saw that they had experience with Chihuahuas!

It's nice to know my dog would be staying in a home(with lots of space and a big back yard) with experienced people who loved animals! So much better then a cage! I was very nervous when I dropped him off....ok I cried! Do you think he's spoiled???!!!

Beth helped me feel so much better because she took the time to send me photos, tell me how he was doing, and talk with me while he was staying with her. After the first photo I immediately felt at ease and thankful we made the decision to leave our dog here. I really appreciate that Beth takes the time to do this and it really shows that she cares about animals and her job. I feel comforted to know that my dog has a safe place to go the next time his "parents" are away!
– Jessica

Penny
9/28/2012 I got my puppy about 2 1/2 months ago and; being a first time pet-owner, had no idea how hard it would be working full time and taking care of a new puppy. I thankfully met Beth while she was out walking some of the other dogs in my apartment building and hired her immediately. She is professional, knowledgeable, trust-worthy, LOVES animals and is extremely responsible. I've gone to her with many new puppy questions and concerns and she always offers excellent advice. She is great with my puppy, Penny, and has been a tremendous help to me! I would highly recommend her for pet care!!
– Kristen

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The National Capital Area Professional Pet Sitters Network