Online Schools and Your Pet - A Healthy Combination

Pet owners, especially dog and cat lovers, will do almost anything to insure that their furry companions are cared for in every possible way - including giving them nutritious foods, providing necessary veterinary care and overseeing proper exercise.

Leaving Pets Home Alone

But one unavoidable factor for many owners is the time spent away from pets while at work or school. Currently, pet owners care for approximately 73 million dogs and 90 million cats in the United States, according to a National Pet Owners survey in 2005-2006. The incidences of behavior problems and injury increase when these animals are left home alone for excessive hours during the day.

Online Schools - One Solution

However, one unlikely solution to this problem includes the pet owner enrolling in an online school instead of an on-campus school in order to decrease the time away from pets. Full-time students and part-time adult learners returning to school can choose this distance learning option. Coursework for increasing job skills or entering a new career can be completed while the dog or cat is curled up at home with its owner. Also, the flexible schedule inherent in e-learning allows more play time with the pet.

Other Ways to Lessen Pet Solitude

Spend the lunch hour at home. Some businesses offer flex time, which may allow a longer lunch hour in lieu of going home earlier. This offers the pet owner a chance to check on and exercise the pet in the middle of the day.

Find a friend with a pet who is willing to swap pet-sitting time. Perhaps the friend will check on your pet during the day while you are at work; and you can watch the friend's pet during their planned vacation.

Check into reputable dog or cat daycare centers. This is a more costly option; but the peace of mind may be worth it. These upscale kennels carefully screen their dogs for social skills, aggression and health. Pets have play time, rest time and are well-fed and nurtured. Some breeds may not be acceptable.

Leave dogs outside in an enclosed yard with plenty of water. This way, the pet can take advantage of exercise and fresh air while you are away. Be certain that there is no way the pet can escape by digging under the fence or jumping out of the yard. Provide a place of shelter from inclement weather; and peruse the contained area for toxic materials that the pet could accidentally ingest. Chew toys may help to curb destructive habits.

If you have a private office and a flexible boss, request permission to bring your pet to work. This is only successful if the pet is quiet, well-trained and clean, and if clients do not meet you in your office. As much as you love your pet, some people are allergic to or have an aversion to animals; so be sensitive to the needs of both clients and co-workers.

Pet ownership usually increases satisfaction with life, emotional well-being and physical health. But being a responsible pet owner means creating the safest possible living situation for these precious companions. Remember, to consider these strategies to ensure the best your pet's excellent health and safety.

Vida Olivier is a contributing writer to Directory of Schools, http://www.directoryofschools.com the only education cyber-stop you will ever need for trustworthy, reliable information about online schools.