Steps to Help Your Pets Adjust to New Routines

As Greater Boston families settle back into the school-year routine, it’s easy to forget that our pets notice the change too. Dogs and cats, in particular, are deeply attuned to our daily patterns. When the morning rush returns, pets may begin to show signs of stress—such as following you from room to room, becoming clingier, or displaying more concerning behaviors like depression, excessive barking, house soiling, or destructive chewing.

The good news is that there are 6 simple steps you can take to ease your pet’s anxiety and keep them happy during back-to-school season:

  1. Make mornings playful. Add a few minutes of play to your pet’s morning walk and slip in a special treat. Keep goodbyes low-key when you leave, as too much fuss can make departures harder.
  2. Offer a distraction. A food puzzle, treat-stuffed toy, or small bits of kibble hidden around the house can keep pets busy during the first half-hour after you go.
  3. Turn on some background noise. A radio or soft music can be comforting because it mimics the sound of a full household.
  4. Consider midday care. A dog walker can offer a nice break during the day , while doggie daycare may be an option for pets left alone more than eight hours. (Don’t forget: all daycare facilities are not created equal, so check out ARL’s Board Safely® guidelines for important questions to ask!)
  5. Keep greetings calm. When arriving home, reward your dog for calm behavior rather than reinforcing their excitement with immediate eye contact, petting, or high-pitched greetings.
  6. Make evenings matter. Dedicate time after dinner for interactive play. For cats, bring out toys or a pinch of catnip; for dogs, family time and positive attention reinforce that they are loved and secure.

    ARL’s Free Pet Behavior Helpline

    If your pet seems overwhelmed by their new routine, contact the Animal Rescue League of Boston’s (ARL) FREE Pet Behavior Helpline at (617) 226-5666 or  behaviorhelpline@arlboston.org for support about your dog, cat, or small animal.

    Additionally, if you have school-aged children living in your household, remind them to keep backpacks off the floor. Packed lunches and snacks should stay out of reach, as grapes, raisins, chocolate, gum, candy, and other foods can be toxic to pets. Download our free Bark-to-School Guide.

    Our pets give us unconditional love, and with a little extra thought this season, we can help them adjust to the back-to-school bustle feeling safe, loved, and part of the family.