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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To ask how do you get a rescue dog if you work full time?

105 replies

Alwaystired45 · 27/02/2023 19:26

Not really AIBU - just curious to see if anyone has managed to adopt a rescue dog whilst working full time?

I have wanted a dog for a few years now, but have put it off due to work commitments. I live alone and I'm out of the house 5 days a week - at least 8 hours a day apart from a Friday as I finish work early. Always home during evenings and weekends. I'm very much a home bird (don't go out drinking on weekends for example). I'm also very active and love going for walks (live by the sea) in my spare time which I know any dog would love. I have family close by that could pop in during the day. I also get on very well with my neighbours and we all help each other out.

I've always said that I'd like to get a rescue dog rather than buying a puppy, but from looking at the RSPCA website, I've noticed that a lot of their dogs need someone who will be home most of the time. How does that work? Surely most people work? I know a lot of people WFH now but that can't be everyone who has a pet, right?! I know I could provide a good home to one of these lovely dogs, but I can't change my working schedule which is such a shame.

I'd love to hear other people's experiences if possible, good and bad and any advice you have. TIA Smile

OP posts:
SongChaser · 27/02/2023 19:42

GrasstrackGirl · 27/02/2023 19:40

You don't.

This. I’m thinking this is a wind up though.

Merryoldgoat · 27/02/2023 19:45

I’m not a dog person, don’t have a dog, but clearly you are not in a position to have a dog.

Dogs should not be left alone for that long. Which is why I have a cat.

Original poster
Alwaystired45 · 27/02/2023 19:45

Thanks everyone for responding.

Just to clarify, I haven't actually contacted the RSPCA or filled in an application form yet as I wanted to get advice and hear other people's experiences first. I only noticed this requirement as it's listed on most of the dogs profiles on the website.

I agree, it wouldn't be kind to leave a dog alone for that many hours and that's why I mentioned family/neighbours popping in to check up on them, and obviously I would walk dog before/after work as well. Doggy daycare would definitely be a good idea though.

I'm not a cruel person by any means and that's why I wanted advice first Smile

Perhaps a cat would be a better option? My sister has a cat and she barely sees her as she always out wondering around!

OP posts:
Hornicorn · 27/02/2023 19:45

My rescue dog wants to be in our company as much as he can, so I think it’s cruel to be out of the house all day, even if you have a dog walker.

We wanted a dog for ages, but only decided to get a dog once both our jobs went full time WFH. I really don’t think it’s fair for you to get one unless your circumstances change.

ChungusBoi · 27/02/2023 19:45

A pair of rescue cats would be a better idea. 😺😺

XenoBitch · 27/02/2023 19:45

Try different rescues. There are loads of smaller independent ones that would have no issue rehoming a dog to you. An older dog that likes to snooze all day would be good for you. A young dog that needs input and training... not so much.

Spanielsarepainless · 27/02/2023 19:47

Being able to provide a good home for weekends only isn't good enough. Don't get a dog until either you are home much more or you are prepared to pay for proper care for the other five days. Random people popping in isn't it.

Okunevo · 27/02/2023 19:48

Taptap2 · 27/02/2023 19:42

I wouldn’t get a cat either even two they can be aloof but still need human company IME

DS was home for our two cats by half three, now he's home the same time as me but only four days a week. They do love our company when we are home but at least have each other when we aren't.

Clymene · 27/02/2023 19:51

A cat is an excellent idea! I have both. I see my cat in the morning when he wants feeding and then he sits next to me on the sofa when I'm watching telly in the evening. I sometimes see him around and about during the day but not much.

The dog on the other hand is welded to my side. He's in my office when I'm working. When I go to the kitchen to have lunch, he goes in there. If I go upstairs, he follows me. You get the drift. Dogs are really needy. Cats aren't.

Original poster
Alwaystired45 · 27/02/2023 19:52

Yes I agree, a cat is probably a better idea. I do love cats as well and would love to provide a good home for one if possible.

I only mentioned the WFH as it was very much the norm when I was growing up that everyone would be out of the house all day at work and dog would be home (not talking about my family in particular but friends family etc) and the dog would be walked before/after work and given attention during evenings and weekends. This was before WFH was a thing, but it's a good job it is now for a lot of animals Smile

OP posts:
Spambod · 27/02/2023 19:53

Don’t do it op. Me and dh both found ourselves having to work full time with dogs for a period of a few years, it was awful, walks before work, walk after work, dog Walker, in the office with me sometimes. Our dogs were a bonded pair and thank god they did not suffer from elevation anxiety. The pressure and worry was awful, we ended up then being around all the time for them as before. Think about not being able to stay late and go out for drinks ever. The tie is unbelievable, dh and I were a couple, we had two dogs and it was so hard and such a commitment I would never do it again. Unfair on the dogs and just too much work.

Okunevo · 27/02/2023 19:53

Perhaps a cat would be a better option? My sister has a cat and she barely sees her as she always out wondering around!
I'd get a bonded pair. Mine come and go but are aware of our routines and are around a lot when we are, both currently on the electric throw next to me.

Twizbe · 27/02/2023 19:57

I had a budgie growing up and they are fab pets for working people.

They are quite self sufficient and you can leave them during the day (you can also leave them for 1 night without a sitter) but super interactive.

I had mine from when he fledged and he was awesome. He could talk and play with you. He loved me and was always up for a nose kiss. He was so much fun. The fact he could talk just made him even better.

I'd have another budgie in a heartbeat but our house isn't suitable :(

currantbee · 27/02/2023 19:58

I don't know anyone with a dog where everyone in the household works outside the home every day. It's a mix of people working from home, couples working alternative shifts so there's only ever a gap of 3 hours where a dog would be left alone, one half of the couple working part time etc.

Original poster
Alwaystired45 · 27/02/2023 20:00

There are some gorgeous cats on their website which say they're independent and like to do their own thing. That might work!

OP posts:
Original poster
Alwaystired45 · 27/02/2023 20:01

Ahhh @Twizbe that sounds lovely. I never thought of a budgie tbh!

OP posts:
Frankola · 27/02/2023 20:01

It's incredibly unfair to leave any dog, whether you have had it from being a puppy, or adopted it from a rescue centre, alone for 8 hours a day.

If you want a dog and you're out that long you pay for doggy daycare or you have someone come spend time with the dog.

I have a dog and wfh so it's easy for me. Before that my mum used to come get her every day and take her to my parents house.

Frankola · 27/02/2023 20:03

I also have 2 indoor cats. That would be a better option for you. They are very independent and very loyal. My 2 enjoy playing and socialising with you because they don't go out roaming.

ChungusBoi · 27/02/2023 20:09

My cats are normally outside during the day in the warmer months and indoors with us in the evenings. When it’s cold they are home sleeping for most of the day, going outside only to pee and poo. They like human company but also cope fine if everyone is out at work and school during the day, and if we want to have a spontaneous night away, a neighbour feeds them (and we feed theirs when they go away). Dogs are nice but they can be a tie.

GeorgiaGirl52 · 27/02/2023 20:14

I worked full time and always had dogs. I worked from 7-4p M-F. Home always on nights and weekends. Dogs were left with the run of the house, heat or AC left on for them. Food and water available and a doggy door opening out into a medium yard with a six foot tall privacy fence - locked and dig proofed.
The key is "dogs" plural. At least two and usually three, small, spayed females who were regularly groomed.
I am now retired and stay home 24/7 but nothing else has changed for the dogs.

Mariposa26 · 27/02/2023 20:17

Definitely get a pair of cats rather than one, as others have said. I had one on her own and then added another and they are so bonded together, sleeping and playing with each other. It’s lovely to see and nice that they always have company.

ginsparkles · 27/02/2023 20:19

We got ours from a rescue centre but we have a dog walker come in on any of the days we are out all day.

U1sce · 27/02/2023 20:21

Id only get a budgie if you have enough room for a sizeable aviary. Its really sad to see birds in tiny cages indoors. Theyre meant to fly

3ormoredogs · 27/02/2023 20:24

Personally I wouldn’t have dogs if I was out all day.

Occasionally I do work a long shift or something happens and they are left longer than the usual few hours, they are fine as in they don’t show signs are distress but are noticeably more huffy afterwards!

It’s not even about how much stimulation, toilet breaks or walks they have, more the fact they aren’t alone.

DottieUncBab · 27/02/2023 20:25

We got ours from Many Tears, I just elaborated how much I worked from home a bit in the application :) then on the days I’m in the office we have a dog walker :)