Caring for your puppy while you work

Start by asking who can help

Look at the help available around your work: time off, flexible hours, a partner, family, a sitter or suitable daycare. Match each arrangement to the care your puppy needs. A short walk or drop-in may cover only part of the day.

Count your whole absence, door to door: the commute, the late meeting, the errand on the way home. If you work from home some days, count the meetings when you cannot respond as unavailable time too. Toilet needs, comfort with separation, rest, food and social contact are different needs; a lunchtime visit that covers one does not prove the others are covered.

Check who is there through the day

Write down when you leave home and when you return. Ask each helper when they can arrive and how long they can stay. Check what happens between one person leaving and the next arriving.

A midday walk gives your puppy a break, but it does not provide company for the whole workday. If you use daycare, ask about quiet rest, supervision and whether it suits your puppy. Discuss health questions with your vet.

Ask family or neighbours directly rather than assuming they will be home. If there is a time nobody can help, change the work or care arrangement before the day begins.

Try the routine while you are home

Arrange time off or another capable caregiver before arrival. Use the settling-in period to observe your puppy’s needs and rehearse the handover while you can still help.

1. 01

   Before arrival

   Confirm time off, the helper’s hours and access to your home. Meet the backup person and check the spare keys. Write down the routine supplied by the previous caregiver.

2. 02

   Early days

   Observe with someone available all day. Record meals, toilet opportunities, rest and settling. This is where you learn what the puppy actually needs, rather than what a schedule says.

3. 03

   Rehearse the handover

   Let the helper follow your routine while you remain available. Note missing instructions, then check whether the planned care hours meet your puppy’s needs.

4. 04

   Review and book

   Compare the care needed with the hours you can actually provide. Book next week's care, resolve every gap, and change your commitments where nobody can cover.

Morning, daytime and evening

Morning: time for a toilet opportunity, the agreed meal, gentle interaction and a handover that includes what actually happened, including an unsuccessful trip. Supplies prepared the night before. Rushing out after a frantic burst of play does not make the handover clearer.

During the day: the responsible person follows the observed routine, protects rest and records changes. A camera can tell you about behaviour; someone still needs to be able to respond. Agree who can stop a meeting, return home or arrange help.

Evening: reconnect calmly, offer appropriate care and read the handover note. Do not try to compensate for the whole day with an overwhelming outing. Prepare tomorrow's care and supplies.

Ask what the care includes

A reassuring profile is less useful than a clear answer to a difficult situation: what happens if the puppy will not settle, if another dog is unsuitable, if the sitter is delayed. Ask every provider the same questions, arrange a meeting while you stay nearby and confirm access, transport, emergency contacts, costs and cancellation terms in writing.

Our guide on choosing a sitter, walker or daycare goes through the questions and the trial visit in detail.

Plan for a cancelled sitter or a late day

Ask one or two people whether they could help if your sitter cancels or you run late. Check they can get into your home and know where the supplies are.

Agree who calls whom when plans change. If nobody suitable can stay with your puppy, you will need to change your work plans. Ask paid helpers about extra charges before you rely on a longer visit.