Working from home with pets and trying to stay focused on work, but your pet is constantly demanding your attention? You’re not alone!

Many remote workers like you always struggle to balance productivity with the adorable (their pets) but persistent interruptions from their furry companions. Whether it’s a dog barking during an important meeting or a cat walking across your keyboard (they always do it), these distractions can make working from home feel chaotic.

But don’t worry—there are many ways to manage both your work and your babies! In this guide, we’ll explore tips for working at home with pets, keeping your pet happy and your workday on track. Also, we’ll provide some useful resources you can use, so you can enjoy the best of both worlds.

How to Work from Home with a Pet: Tips and Guide

Set a Routine for You and Your Pet

Just like you need your coffee to kickstart your morning, pets need consistency in their day. Creating a routine for feeding, long walks, and playtime helps them know what to expect. And when they know what’s coming, they’re less likely to bug you when you’re in the middle of something important.

For example, starting your day with a walk gets both of you moving—your pet gets to burn off some energy, and you get a fresh air reset before starting work. It also signals to your pet, “Hey, this is playtime, but after this, it’s time to chill while I work.” Soon enough, they’ll get the rhythm!

Create a Pet-Friendly Workspace

While you’re setting up your home office, think about your pet’s comfort too. They don’t need to be sitting on your lap (though that may happen), but having a little nook for them—like a pet bed or blanket close by—helps them feel like they’re part of your workday. They’ll be nearby, but not all over your laptop or interrupting meetings.

Add in a few favorite toys or chewing items to keep them occupied. The key is to make your workspace inviting for them, so they feel included without becoming a distraction.

working at home with cat

Add Activity Breaks

Your pet, especially if it’s a dog, needs regular physical activity, and honestly, so do you! Incorporating short play or walk breaks into your day isn’t just for them—it helps you avoid burnout too. A quick 5-minute fetch session or a walk around the block can do wonders for their energy and your mental clarity.

By keeping them active, you’re also reducing the chances they’ll get restless and interrupt your Zoom meetings or focus time. And for cat owners, tossing a toy or letting them chase a laser pointer for a few minutes can be a great way to engage them.

Tech to the Rescue

For pets that need a lot of attention, pet-friendly gadgets can be your secret weapon. You’ve got automatic treat dispensers that release goodies throughout the day, cameras that let you talk to them remotely, and interactive toys that you can control from your phone. These tools help keep your pet engaged when you’re swamped with work and can’t give them your full attention.

There are even apps that let you interact with them during meetings without leaving your desk. It’s like playing with them while multitasking, so they stay happy, and you stay productive.

Teach Boundaries

Pets don’t automatically understand that you have work to do—they just see you as their human whose home all day. So, setting clear boundaries is key. It might be as simple as teaching them that when you’re at your desk, it’s “work time” or using commands like “stay” when you need to focus.

You can also use baby gates or close a door when necessary to create a physical boundary. And don’t forget to reward them with praise or treats when they respect those boundaries. With a bit of patience and consistency, they’ll learn the difference between work time and playtime.

Manage the Noise

Pets are great, but they can be noisy. Whether it’s barking at the mailman, meowing for attention, or causing chaos while playing, these distractions can disrupt your workflow. To minimize this, try creating a calming environment—play soft background music, close the blinds to block out distractions, or give them a toy that promotes quiet play.

If you have a particularly vocal pet, try to time important calls during their naps, or after they’ve had a walk or some playtime to tire them out.

Prepare for Surprises

No matter how well you plan, pets have a way of surprising us. Maybe your dog jumps into the frame during a video call, or your cat knocks your coffee over. It happens, and honestly, in today’s world, most people are used to seeing a furry friend pop up on a screen.

Rather than stressing, embrace these moments with humor. A quick “Sorry, my co-worker’s demanding attention” can lighten the mood. People tend to find it relatable, and it can make you seem more approachable.

Keep Their Minds Busy

Bored pets can get into trouble, so keeping their minds occupied is a must. Puzzle toys or treat-dispensing gadgets can be great for keeping them entertained while you work. These toys challenge them to figure out how to get the treat, which keeps them busy and less likely to bother you.

For dogs, you can also incorporate training sessions during breaks. It’s a great way to engage them mentally and reinforce good behavior. For cats, toys that encourage climbing or hunting can satisfy their curiosity and keep them from wandering onto your keyboard.

Be Flexible and Patient

Some days, everything will go smoothly, and others might feel like total chaos with your pet needing constant attention. That’s totally normal! Working from home with your pet requires a bit of flexibility and a lot of patience. Some days might be challenging, but remember, they’re just looking for love and interaction.

Staying calm and adapting to the situation can make things easier for both of you. Plus, the joy and comfort of having your pet around can outweigh the occasional interruption. After all, they bring a sense of happiness and calm to your day, which makes the extra effort more than worth it!

Also read: Why Every Home Should Have a Pet?

Resources for Working Pet Owners

If you’re a pet owner balancing a busy work-from-home schedule, certain products can make life a lot easier by keeping your pet happy, entertained, and calm. Below is a review of some of the best tools available for managing your pets while you focus on your job.

1. Furbo Dog Camera: Pet Cameras with Two-Way Audio

The Furbo Dog Camera is a game-changer for pet parents who need to keep an eye on their furry friends while working. This is a best selling dog camera, and with its smart camera, you can monitor your pet in real-time. It also has two-way audio, so you can talk to them, and it even features a treat dispenser. If you’re in a meeting but notice your dog getting restless, you can toss them a treat right from your phone. It’s an ideal solution for staying connected to your pet without distractions.

Furbo Dog Camera

Source: www.amazon.com.au

2. KONG Classic Dog Toy: Interactive Puzzle Toys

The KONG Classic Dog Toy is a must-have for dogs that get bored easily. This durable, interactive puzzle toy can be stuffed with treats, keeping your dog mentally and physically engaged for hours. It’s particularly useful if you have back-to-back calls or need to focus on work, as it keeps your pet entertained without requiring your constant attention.

KONG Classic Dog Toy

Source: www.amazon.com

3. PetSafe Smart Feed Automatic Feeder

If you’re worried about feeding your pet on time while juggling a busy work schedule, the PetSafe Smart Feed Automatic Feeder is perfect. This device allows you to schedule meal times in advance, and it can be controlled remotely via a smartphone app. No more worrying about forgetting to feed your pet between meetings—it takes care of that for you!

PetSafe Smart Feed Automatic Feeder

Source: www.amazon.com.au

4. Adaptil Calming Diffuser for Dogs: Pet Calming Diffusers

Working from home with your dog can sometimes be stressful for both you and your pets, especially if they’re not used to having you around all day. The Adaptil Calming Diffuser for Dogs helps create a relaxing atmosphere by releasing natural pheromones that reduce anxiety. It’s particularly helpful during noisy meetings or if your work environment is bustling with activity, ensuring your dog stays calm and comfortable.

Adaptil Calming Diffuser for Dogs

Source: www.amazon.ca

5. Regalo Easy Step Walk-Through Gate: Pet Gates

The Regalo Easy Step Walk-Through Gate is an excellent tool for creating a pet-friendly boundary in your home office. It provides a safe space where your pet can relax or play while still being near you. If you need to concentrate, simply set up the gate to give your pet their own area without them wandering into your workspace or disrupting calls.

Regalo Easy Step Walk-Through Gate

Source: www.chewy.com

6. iFetch Interactive Ball Launcher

For pets that are high-energy, especially dogs, the iFetch Interactive Ball Launcher is a fantastic way to keep them busy. It allows them to play fetch on their own, providing exercise and stimulation without needing your involvement. It’s perfect for dogs who love to stay active, and it frees you up to focus on your work while still meeting their exercise needs.

iFetch Interactive Ball Launcher

Source: www.amazon.com

7. Marpac Dohm White Noise Machine

Lastly, the Marpac Dohm White Noise Machine is great for pets sensitive to noise. It creates a calm, relaxing environment by masking external sounds that might cause your pet anxiety—such as delivery trucks, doorbells, or street noise. This can be especially beneficial during important meetings when you need your pet to stay calm and avoid any unexpected interruptions.

Marpac Dohm White Noise Machine

Source: www.amazon.com

Conclusion: Make It Work for You and Your Pet!

Working from home as a pet owner can be incredibly rewarding, but it requires a balance of routine, patience, and creativity. By following these tips—building a structured routine, creating a pet-friendly workspace, and ensuring they receive enough stimulation—you can create an environment where both you and your pet thrive.

Pet web cameras, interactive toys, and automatic feeding can help keep your pet occupied while defining limits and training them to respect your workstation. With patience, flexibility, and the correct resources, you can maintain a remote work life balance while caring for your pet.