Stress levels soar: the impact of leaving pets home alone when returning to the office

Online pet pharmacy company PetMeds surveyed 2,000 pet parents and found that 4 in 10 were willing to endure a pay cut to be home with their pets.

An additional 44% expressed leaving their pets at home as a source of significant stress. A similar-sized group (42%) had observed a shift in their pets’ mental health and behavior. More than half of pet owners (52%) reported increased separation anxiety.

Two-thirds reported a strong reaction from their pets when left at home. Out of these, almost half the pets followed their owners to the door looking sad, a third whined, and a fifth seemed anxious and would pace. 

Some pet parents’ top concerns for their pets were loneliness or boredom (52%), separation anxiety (44%), access to food and water (36%), health issues and emergencies (33%), pets escaping or getting lost (31%), destructive behavior (25%) and other people’s handling of their pets (14%). 

How do they cope with it?

Over 40% of pet parents sought help from friends or family to check on their pets, while 31% used pet cameras.

Over half of the respondents reported using playtime to comfort their pets. Half stated they used treats and created cozy spaces for their pets and 20% used music. 

To reconnect with their pets, 16% opted to take them on vacation, 20% chose to train or teach them new things and 61% offered treats and rewards.

To calm pet anxiety, 16% of pet parents reported using vet-prescribed medications, while 15% used calming garments like compression vests.  

Almost two-thirds of pet parents said they would like more support and guidance to understand their pet’s health and behavior. 70% were willing to use telehealth services.