As the school bell prepares to ring and families settle back into a routine of early mornings and busy days, our pets are often left wondering, “Where did everyone go?” After enjoying constant company, cats, dogs, and other companion animals often feel the abrupt absence when kids head back to school and adults return to the office. Today, I’m sharing tips for back-to-school and our pets. With these tips, you can make the transition easier for them after any school break, especially summer break, which tends to be longer and therefore has a greater impact.
Why Back-to-School Season Affects Pets
Pets, especially cats and dogs, are creatures of habit. They thrive on routine, engagement, and interaction. In homes with kids, they may be surrounded by a flurry of activity, frequent playtime, and extra affection during summer break. When this suddenly stops, many pets experience confusion, loneliness, or anxiety. Scientific studies have shown that abrupt changes in routine can cause stress. They can even lead to behavioral issues such as barking, whining, destructive chewing, accidents in the house, or withdrawal in cats.
While some pets will show signs that they are unsettled, others will become more lethargic or lose interest in activities they previously enjoyed. Others will develop more obvious symptoms of separation anxiety or depression. Cats, though often seen as independent, can form strong attachments to specific family members and may start hiding, stop eating, or become withdrawn in their favorite person’s absence. Dogs, on the other hand, may vocalize, exhibit destructive behavior, or have accidents indoors. Many pet parents accuse their pets of being spiteful or angry when they see these behaviors but, in reality, stress and anxiety are to blame. Our pets don’t act out on purpose!
How Long Does It Take for Pets to Adjust?
Adjusting to a new routine is a gradual process for our pets. Scientific guidelines often refer to the “3-3-3 rule”: The 3-3-3 rule states the following:
- It typically takes pets three days for an animal to overcome the initial change
- It can take them about three weeks to start getting used to new routines
- It can take as long as three months for pets to feel fully settled and secure in their changed environment or routine
In other words, dogs usually start showing signs of comfort and understanding of the household’s new patterns within 2-3 weeks, but full behavioral adjustment can take up to three months. Cats, especially those prone to stress or those with a history of trauma, may take even longer. As prey and predator, cats are very sensitive to changes that challenge their safety and security. Going from having constant company to being left alone challenges their sense of safety and well-being. Learn more about the 3-3-3 rule from Dallas Animal Services with this handy guide.
Additional factors that influence the transition time in cats and dogs include breed, age, history, trauma, and temperament. Some particularly adaptable pets may bounce back in just a couple of weeks. Others, especially rescues that have bounced around many homes and naturally anxious animals, may need months to feel secure again.
Support Your Pets Through the Transition
Preparation and routine are your friends! Follow these steps to support your pet during the back-to-school and similar transitions:
- Gradually start adjusting feeding, walking, and play times in the weeks before school starts to match the fall schedule as closely as possible
- Create a safe, cozy space where your pet can rest and feel secure when they’re alone
- Leave behind an item of clothing with your scent or a favorite toy for comfort
- Turn on soothing music or the TV to help your pet relax; classical and reggae music are said to soothe dogs but make sure the volume is at a low level since pets have better hearing than us and a too high volume could be off-putting
- Use calming supplements or treats to encourage natural relaxation with ingredients like chamomile, l-theanine, or CBD
Hire a Dog Walker or Pet Sitter
One of the best ways to help pets cope with extra alone time and enrich their day is by hiring a dog walker or pet sitter. Dog walking and pet sitting visits break up long days and provide much-needed exercise. They also help relieve boredom, loneliness, and anxiety. Professional dog walkers and cat sitters bring routine, socialization, and mental stimulation; these can prevent the development of negative behaviors and support a smoother transition. Just as importantly, pet sitters and dog walkers offer you peace of mind, knowing your furry family members are getting the attention and care they crave, even when you’re busy or away for extended periods.
At PCPSI, we often receive new dog walking and pet sitting requests this time of year for this specific purpose. We don’t require a minimum number of visits, maintain a consistent visit schedule, and have the experience and expertise your pets need to feel at ease. We always follow their lead, provide loving care, and keep you in the loop if we notice anything out of the ordinary. By hiring us, you can almost be in two places at once!
Back-to-School and Our Pets
Back-to-school doesn’t just mark a big change for kids and their parents, it’s a major event for your pets! Understanding that behavioral transitions can take weeks or even months, and proactively supporting your cat or dog with gradual routine changes, enrichment, and sometimes the help of a professional care provider, can turn this challenging period into one of growth and resilience for your entire family.
As Dallas schools prepare to return to school around mid-August, now’s the time to register your pet(s) for our care. We offer dog walking and cat sitting, which are both perfect options to ease transitions and gain your independence once kids head back to school!
Only the Best for Dallas Pets
Park Cities Pet Sitter, Inc. has been providing outstanding, trusted dog walking and pet sitting services in the Park Cities and other areas of the Dallas Metroplex for over 30 years. To learn more about our services, please visit our FAQs and contact us at 214-828-0192 and pets@pcpsi.com. Alternatively, you can register via our client portal, available here. Existing clients, please submit reservations via this link.
We proudly serve these Dallas neighborhoods & surrounding suburbs:
Bluffview, Deep Ellum, Downtown, Highland Park, Knox Henderson, Lake Highlands, Lakewood, Lower Greenville, Medical District, North Dallas, Oak Lawn, Northwest Dallas, Northeast Dallas, Old East Dallas, Preston Hollow, Turtle Creek, University Park, Victory Park.
If you are outside of our service area, check the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters (NAPPS) or Pet Sitters International (PSI) to find a pet sitter near you.
