Can a Pet Make You Happier When Working from Home?

During the pandemic, a lot of people had to adjust to working from home rather than going into the office, and although some have returned to the official workplace now, others will continue working from home indefinitely. There are certainly perks to being able to stay at home, particularly if you used to face a nightmare commute each day. However, there are also drawbacks to this that many people have been struggling with, such as feelings of isolation and perhaps getting bored of being inside the house for the majority of the time. This can have an impact on your mental health over time, but could a pet help you feel happier working at home? Here are some reasons why it might.

1. Companionship

One of the key benefits of having a pet at home is that they can offer you companionship, and if you do live alone and work from home as well, you might find yourself feeling lonely for part of the day at least. Even if you do have video chats with your colleagues, it’s still nice to feel as though you have a companion in the room with you, and a pet can offer this.

2. Something to Focus on Other Than Work

When you do work from home, it can be hard to switch off at the end of the day as your living space has become your working environment as well. It is important to be able to focus on other things so that you’re not always in work mode, and a pet can help with this as it gives you another sense of purpose. Looking after them is a big responsibility, so you do need to make sure this is something that you can dedicate yourself to before you do welcome an animal into your home. You could always use services like Easy Vet for more affordable healthcare to help you budget. If you feel like you have the money and time to look after an animal, then you might find that they can give you a positive distraction when you finish work and help you separate home life and work-life more effectively.

3. An Excuse to Get Out of the House

Not all pets will need you to get out of the house as part of their care, but if you choose to get a dog, you will need to take them for at least one daily walk, depending on their size and breed. This can be hugely beneficial to someone who is working from home as it is a great excuse to get out of the house and enjoy some fresh air and exercise. Whether you go for a quick stroll with your dog on your lunch break or finish your working day with a walk in the park, you’ll soon find your spirits lifted and appreciate a change of scene.