Back-to-School Pet Tips to Help Ease Anxiety in Cats and Dogs
As kids go back to school, many families see big changes to the schedules they had over the summer. This change can be hard for people and pets. It can be even harder for pets adopted during the summer. They're just getting used to their new home when their routine changes again.
Kalli Sandel, one of our behavior and enrichment coordinators, says there are simple ways to make this change easier and reduce stress. She says, “The kids being back in school already changes the animals’ routine, so having consistent scheduling is a must.”
Ways to help your pet adjust:
- Keep potty times, feeding times, and playtimes as consistent as possible
- Create a set routine for morning and evening interactions
- Use positive reinforcement to slowly adjust the schedule
When a pet starts spending more time alone, boredom can lead to anxiety. HHS behavior and enrichment coordinator Aqsa Dhanani says, “Keeping pets active and engaged through these activities not only supports their well-being, but it also creates a more peaceful home for the entire family.”
Easy, low-cost ideas:
- Make a cozy space with your pet’s favorite toys, blankets, or items with your scent
- Hide treats in an old T-shirt or blanket so your pet can sniff and play
- Leave blinds open so cats can watch birds and the outdoors
- Play soothing music or pet-friendly TV shows to keep them company
If you need more help during the day, boarding or doggy daycare can be good options. These places usually require pets to be up-to-date on shots. To help with this, the Houston Humane Society’s low-cost animal clinic is offering discounted vaccine packages this month. These include DA2PPC, rabies, Bordetella, and influenza shots.
The clinic and shelter are at 14700 Almeda Rd, Houston, TX 77053, and serve pet owners across Houston. In 2024, HHS provided veterinary care to more than 28,000 animals and helped nearly 2,500 pets find homes.
Get more information about our August animal clinic special, including cost and business hours.
Shelter pets love their enrichment time, too!
