As the world begins to open again and in-person dating doesn’t feel so scary, something else might: leaving your pet.
Life during COVID-19
Many pets have been living their very best lives during COVID-19. They have become the star of Zoom work meetings, workouts, walks at all times of the day, and revel in the opportunity to nap at your slippered feet every afternoon.
But pets aren’t the only ones that have become accustomed to this constant bond; you have.
It’s not your pet, it’s you
Pet separation anxiety manifests as excessive whining, barking, meowing, chewing on furniture, poor bathroom behaviors, lack of eating, and many other signs. And signs that you may have pet owner separation anxiety include checking your pet camera multiples times during dinner, overexplaining simple tasks to a pet sitter, and in a complete inability to travel.
“My partner and I have two cats,” said Janelle of Portland, Oregon. “We recently started to have date nights out, which should feel amazing. Instead, I find myself sneaking glances at the pet camera under the table. We usually end our date by saying ‘Should we go home and check on the kitties?’”
Janelle is also a cat sitter in Portland, and she has seen an alarming trend in pet owners preparing to travel.
“Owners are beginning to tirelessly walk me through simple tasks, requesting that during our initial unpaid meet-and-greet that I stay and watch their cat eat their meal, so I know exactly how they like to be fed. As I stand there, watching Fluffy eat, I realize it’s not the cat that has pet separation anxiety, it’s the human.”
A new normal
As the world shifts to a ‘new normal’ of work-life balance, will there be a new normal for including your pet in daily life activities, including dating at dog parks? I hope you do. I’m venturing out to places where my dogs can tag along.
Overcoming your pet separation anxiety
Here at FetchaDate, we’re all about your WingPets tagging along for dates and daily life activities in general. But sometimes you have to leave your BFF at home, and you shouldn’t have to struggle through this.
Next time you are feeling anxious about leaving home without your pet, try some of these simple pet owner anxiety tips:
- Hire a licensed and bonded, background-checked sitter. When you hire a sitter running a legitimate business and with the right credentials, you know your pet will be getting the best care. Don’t be afraid to request pictures, videos, and an update each time they visit with your pet.
- Create a safe space. By removing cords, securing doors and windows, and reducing other hazards, you will have less to worry about when you’re out and about.
- Install a camera. While checking a pet camera too often can be unhealthy, installing a camera facing your pet’s favorite resting spot or food bowl is a great way to check in on them when you can’t be there. Some cameras even allow you to toss treats and talk to your pet.
Ready to face your fears and consider online dating for pet lovers? Download FetchaDate today, and start swiping.
