Simple tips to help busy entrepreneurs become pet parents

Starting a business takes a lot of hard work. Many entrepreneurs want to be involved in every aspect of the process, rewarding but exhausting. It can be overwhelming when you’re also dealing with a new situation at home — such as becoming a pet owner. The good news is that you can do some things to make both tasks easier and find a good work/life balance as a pet parent and entrepreneur.

Hire help

It can be challenging for many entrepreneurs to pass along tasks to others. After all, you’ve worked so hard to make your business dreams a reality, and it’s essential to make sure things are done right. Fortunately, these days, you don’t have to do everything yourself. It’s best if you don’t, as it can quickly lead to burnout. Instead, think about which tasks you can hire out, such as designing a website or mobile app. Post what you need on a job board and check out several reliable, qualified candidates to find the best app developers and web professionals. This is a great way to keep your business on track while ensuring that your pet gets some quality time with you.

Rely on technology

The past few years have been extremely kind to pet owners as technology becomes more in tune with their needs and is more widely available. When you have essential tasks to complete that you can’t hire out, you can rely on tech to help you keep an eye on things and to keep your pet happy when you’re not home. Cameras that allow you to see and talk to your pet from anywhere in the world, treat dispensers, and automatic feeders are just a few of the things on the market for busy pet parents — and often, they’re budget-friendly, as well.

There are also quite a few educational toys, training tools, and comfort items for pets that will make your life easier as the two of you get acquainted and create a schedule. You might use an anxiety jacket if your pup has difficulty relaxing in his new environment or an interactive ball launcher that will keep them entertained when you’re busy with work.

Find a routine

When you are a busy entrepreneur, it can be challenging to carve time from your schedule to help your pet acclimate to his new home, especially if he is a baby. Toys and training tools are helpful, but it’s also essential to create a routine to help your pet feel safe and comfortable. Feed and walk him at the same time every day — if this isn’t possible due to work responsibilities, consider hiring a dog walker who can pop in and help out on busy days.

You can also add in stimulation time, including playing with toys or learning new commands. On days when you’re pressed for time, give your pet an item that will keep him engaged, such as a hollow, hard rubber toy that can be filled with frozen peanut butter.

Find reliable help to balance being a pet parent and entrepreneur

They say it takes a village to raise a child, and the same could be said for taking care of a pet. When you are still getting used to each other, sometimes it’s necessary to rely on outside help. There are several pet-sitting and dog-walking services to choose from these days, with some even offering boarding, daycare, and grooming services. Costs vary depending on the service you need and how long you need it, but this is an excellent option for busy entrepreneurs who have a lot on their plates and can’t stay home all day.

Running a business is a significant undertaking, as is adopting a new pet. While it’s certainly possible to do both at once, it does take some planning. Stay up-to-date on the latest pet care tips online and look for support and help from qualified individuals so you can achieve a perfect balance.

Jessica Brody is a dog lover and creator of OurBestFriends.pet. She created the site to offer a place for animal lovers to share their favorite pet photos and stories about their furry pals. Jessica believes dogs are the best creatures on earth. She enjoys writing about and sharing photos of dogs (and other pets!) on her website.

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