A Guide for Pet Owners, Dogs, Cats and their Sitters
This guide helps pet owners and sitters make smart choices about pet care. It explains the risks of leaving pets home alone for the day. It also looks at professional services that can help when needed.
Why Pets Shouldn’t Be Left Alone for Too Long
Whether it’s a dog left alone, a cat left alone, or another companion animal, pets need more than just food and water. They rely on daily mental stimulation, physical activity, emotional connection, and routine.
Leaving a pet alone for too long can cause boredom and stress. It can also lead to anxiety in pets and long-term health or behaviour issues.
💡 For pet owners: Plan ahead and understand your pet’s individual tolerance for alone time.
💡 For pet sitters: Get familiar with each pet’s routine and offer tailored care that keeps them happy and healthy.
Dogs: How Long Is Too Long?
Puppies
Puppies need near-constant supervision, socialisation and toilet breaks. A good rule of thumb is that a puppy can only hold their bladder for as many hours as they are months old (e.g., a 2-month-old = 2 hours max). Puppies also suffer more from anxiety when left alone.
💡 Pet Owners: Arrange for a pet sitter to pop in every couple of hours or book full-day care.
💡 Pet Sitters: Support puppy clients with frequent visits or daycare options during this critical stage.
✅ Recommended services: Doggy Daycare, Home Dog Boarding, House Sitting
Adult Dogs
Most adult dogs can handle being alone for 4 to 6 hours. This is true, especially if they get exercise and attention first. However, some breeds and personalities struggle more with solitude.
💡 Pet Owners: Avoid leaving your dog home alone for a full 8-hour workday. Consider booking a dog walker or sitter to break up the day.
💡 Pet Sitters: Offer midday visits, walks, or enrichment time to prevent boredom and anxiety.
✅ Recommended services: Dog Walking, Doggy Daycare, Home Dog Boarding, House Sitting
Senior or Anxious Dogs
Senior dogs often require medication and more frequent check-ins. Dogs with separation issues or past trauma may experience extreme anxiety when left alone.
💡 Pet Owners: Discuss your dog’s needs with a vet and collaborate with a sitter to build a reliable routine.
💡 Pet Sitters: Provide calm, consistent care and in-home visits to reduce stress and monitor wellbeing.
✅ Recommended services: House Sitting, Doggy Daycare, Home Dog Boarding
Cats: Not as Independent as You Think
Cats may seem independent, but that doesn’t mean a cat left alone is without risk. They thrive on daily interaction and routine, and changes can lead to anxiety or health concerns.
How Long Can You Leave a Cat Alone?
A cat should not be left alone for more than 8–10 hours a day. Never leave a cat alone for more than 24 hours without a visit—even if they have food and water available. As territorial animals, cats prefer to be cared for in their home environment. While this may not apply to all cat breeds, it is good general rule of thumb to book a service that takes place in the cats home environment to prevent unnecessary stress.
💡 Pet Owners: Always arrange daily check-ins when away, even for just one night.
💡 Pet Sitters: Stick closely to feeding, play and litter routines. Offer affection and observation, even for shy cats.
✅ Recommended services: Home Visits, House Sitting
Why Cats Need Daily Care
- Mental Stimulation: Toys, puzzle feeders, and vertical climbing space are essential.
- Emotional Needs: Even aloof cats enjoy gentle interaction and benefit from your presence.
- Health & Hygiene: Daily litter scooping, clean food and water, and wellness checks are vital.
💡 Bonus tip for sitters: Quiet companionship is often just what a cat needs—even if they don’t sit on your lap.
Choosing the Right Pet Care Option
Leaving a pet alone doesn’t have to be stressful—with the right support, their day can stay enriching and safe.
⚠️ Pawshake’s Position on Pet Safety
At Pawshake, we take your pet’s wellbeing seriously. Based on expert guidance and years of experience, we do not support:
🚫 Leaving pets home alone for longer than is safe
🚫 Skipping or alternate days for cat visits
🚫 Relying solely on auto-feeders or pet cameras as a substitute for care
🚫 Home Visits for Dogs are not appropriate if the owner is away longer than a few hours
👉 Please note: Bookings that don’t meet our minimum standards fall outside the Pawshake Guarantee coverage.
What About Other Animals?
While cats and dogs make up the majority of bookings on Pawshake, they’re certainly not the only pets who deserve care and companionship! Whether you have a hamster, cockatoo, axolotl, rabbit, ferret, fish, or any other beloved companion, you can absolutely find a caring, experienced sitter to support their needs.
When booking, use your best judgement to choose the right service—this will depend on your pet’s daily routine, social needs, and the level of hands-on care they require. And while you likely know exactly how long your pet can safely be left alone, it’s crucial to communicate this clearly with your sitter. Even small pets need structure, attention, and consistency to thrive.
✨ Many Pawshake sitters offer flexible Add-On Services, allowing them to personalise their care for more unique pets. From habitat cleaning and medication to extra cuddle time or enrichment, your sitter can tailor their visit to suit your companion perfectly.
Just because your pet is small, feathered or scaly doesn’t mean they don’t deserve big love and quality care
Final Thoughts: The Right Balance for Every Pet
Whether it’s a dog left alone, a cat left alone, or any other pet left alone, all animals deserve attentive care, structure, and love in your absence.
Responsible pet ownership means more than just providing food and water—it also means meeting your pet’s social, emotional and physical needs. Just like humans, pets thrive on connection, routine and stimulation. Ensuring they aren’t left alone for too long isn’t just about avoiding stress or boredom—it plays a major role in their long-term health, happiness and even longevity.
Organising a trusted pet sitter is one of the most responsible things you can do as a pet parent. Not only does it offer peace of mind, but it also ensures your furry friend continues to receive companionship, care and consistency—even when you can't be there yourself.
🐾 Pet Owners: Know your pet’s limits and explore care options in advance. A little planning goes a long way in ensuring their safety and comfort.
🐾 Pet Sitters: Offer reliable, compassionate care tailored to each pet's unique needs—and remember, your presence can make all the difference.
