Tackling Pet Separation Anxiety

The COVID-19 pandemic required us and our pets to adapt to a new normal. Dogs and cats experienced more quality time spent at home with us, their human parents, and many of them were even adopted in the middle of the pandemic. These pets, in particular, may have a more stressful time adjusting once we start returning to the office and leave them home alone for longer periods of time than they’re normally used to. Luckily, there are some tips and tricks we can employ to make the transition a bit easier. Keep reading to learn more!

1. Why have pets become so much more anxious and attached to their owners amid quarantine?

Two factors  may be playing into this perception: 1) our pets pick up on our own anxiety and the attachment they feel is a response to it, and 2) a change in our routines can result in a change in theirs, leaving them wondering what happens next.

Living through a pandemic can be challenging and it can certainly affect our mental health. Not only have pets become accustomed to having us around more in the past year, they can also play a beneficial role in supporting us through difficult times. The most important thing to remember is to take care of ourselves, for our own mental health and our pets.

2. As a veterinarian, what has your firsthand experience been like in the past year with anxious pets compared to previous years? 

I’ve seen an increase in visits from patients—vet clinics are busier than ever! As we spend more time at home, we are better able to focus on our pet’s health and address physical and behavioral issues we hadn’t previously noticed or didn’t have time to address. I’ve also noticed pet parents are more anxious than their pets, particularly now as vets are required to examine pets separately from the parent due to physical distancing measures and public health restrictions. I like to go over all details with pet parents before the appointment so they are fully aware of the examinations, tests or vaccines I might be administering to their pet. By overcommunicating, I hope to alleviate the anxiety they might be feeling.

3. What can pet owners do to prepare their pets for a post-quarantine world where they aren’t home all the time?

There are many different strategies we can employ to ease this transition:

  • A slow transition into new routines is best. If a quick transition is unavoidable, we can prepare our pets by mimicking the new routine ahead of time – for example, leaving the house earlier than usual or gradually increasing the amount of time pets are left alone.
  • Don’t succumb to overemotional hellos or goodbyes. Pets will pick up on it. Calm greetings and departures are always best. To help with goodbyes, have a toy or treat ready several minutes ahead of time to distract them when you are leaving for extended periods of time.
  • Maintain an exercise routine. Of course, daily walks or playtimes may be a little shorter or occur at different times, but exercise contributes to physical and mental health, for both you and your pet.  Most cats prefer short bursts of play, so they likely won’t mind if their play times start occurring at different times of the day.
  • Explore pet daycares or dog walkers. The extra activity will alleviate some of their stress due to a pet parent being around less often, and the exercise will benefit their overall health. Or, get creative and explore a neighborhood initiative where pets alone at home can be cared for by neighbors. If some people work weekends and others do not, get pets together and alternate who cares for them based on their schedules.

4. What can pet owners do to mentally prepare themselves for not being with their pets all the time, so they don’t feel like they’re abondoning them?

The good news is the human-animal bond is resilient and it has only strengthened during the pandemic. You can find comfort in that strong bond and know pets will adapt gradually. Of course, if any pet is displaying excessive signs of anxiety, for example, destroying the house or presenting concerning behavioural issues, don’t feel embarrassed to seek medical advice from your trusted veterinarian.


Dr. Darcia Kostiuk is the senior veterinarian behind ACANA pet foods. She has over 20 years of veterinary experience and is the proud pet parent of Max, Ruby, Jinxi and Ember.