Since many have transitioned to working from home during the pandemic, you may have come across the running joke of referring to your animal companion as a co-worker. While you may be excited about being able to spend more time together, working alongside your animal friend can be an adjustment for both of you.

We asked Team MUTTS to offer tips and anecdotes about working from home with your animal pal at your side.

Remodel the Office

“Like nearly all animals, my two dogs (Jager and Holly) and my cat (Ava) are extremely routine-oriented. Every day, after the dogs’ morning potty break, they trot directly into ‘our’ office so we can get right to work. Ava is usually already there, waiting impatiently, ready to supervise. Because they like to stay by my side all day, I’ve turned my office into part workstation, part ultra-comfy animal oasis. When they’re comfortable, they’re happy — and less likely to mill about restlessly during conference calls!” — Ali, Director of Marketing

Stick to a Schedule

“Stella is the one who keeps me on schedule. At 7 a.m., she sits patiently downstairs until she gets her glucosamine pill. At 11:30 a.m., she barks once to tell me it’s time for her ‘green bone.’ At 5 p.m., she tries to climb up and wiggle into my lap to tell me it’s time to go for her walk.” — Dany, Content Strategist

Show Them Off

“Embrace it all! One of my first calls for another client included a conversation with a V.P. of Global Payroll at a major corporation. I was nervous about the call until they whipped out their cat and held them up to the camera. It turned out the cat’s name is Kaylee, just like my dog! It broke the ice and helped us both ease into the conversation.” — Nina, Communications Specialist

Keep Them Entertained

“My kitten loves attention. She’s also extremely active, and I’m not always able to stop working to play with her. To keep her entertained while I’m wrapped up with work, I make D.I.Y. yarn balls, which she loves. She enjoys jumping to catch strings, so I’ve hung a few yarn pieces on doorknobs for her to play with as well. I also make sure that she always has access to her box of toys. It’s a nice win-win for both of us.” — Brittany, Digital Marketing Associate

Take a Break

“I tend to get deep into my work and forget that time is passing. Our cat Jedi has a lovely habit of throwing books out of shelves, then flopping over and purring when you attempt to stop him. It’s a great reminder to get out of the chair and away from the screen to focus on what’s important: belly rubs!” — Elena, Art Director

An animal companion can be great stress-relieving company while you crank out tasks at work. Enjoy this time bonding with them. Does your co-worker also happen to be your furry friend? Tell us in the comments about your home office or your at-home work routines.

Comments (6)

My dog Helen, sits on the back of the couch in my office keep watch for any squirrels I may need protecting from. Thankfully, she helps me get my exercise getting up to let her out and in again to chase them ALL DAY LONG.

Amy

Since I’m working from home I’m getting up from the computer chair only rarely. I moved around much more at the office. My kitty Charlotte comes over after her first nap of the day and again in the afternoon for ear massages and to get me up to fetch treats.

Sheila

Love this… so helpful! We wanted to say two-legged feather people are working from home too! ( : our chicken rescue started an instagram page called Chickensworkingfromhome to make people aware of chicken rescue and demystify having rescued chickens as family members living at home. Many of them are working from home with us humans, too.

Rebecca Moore

RAISING GUINEA PIGS FOR 40 YEARS! ONE OF MY LATEST A MALE NAMED PATCHES RUNS AROUND WITH ME IN MY APARTMENT ALL DAY! THEN LICKS MY FEET WHEN HE WANTS TO GO BACK IN HIS CAGE! LOVE ALL MY GUINEA PIGS..I’D BE LOST WITHOUT THEM! and yes patches thinks he is a pooch!

JUDITH A SENNING

My husband and I both work from home now and Dexter, our 11 lb poodle mix, couldn’t be happier. HIs favorite place to be is under a lap top on one of our laps. He makes for an excellent co-worker because he’s a good listener and is always there to help you think through something. Sometimes he gets “nosey” which is when I know it’s time for a walk :)

Maya Bach

My rescue cat, ZoomZoom (so called because she runs like a Ferrari), likes to play with my feet when I do my daily yoga. Naturally she also likes to redesign my keyboard when I am working (virtually from home).

Dr. Fiorenza Albert-Howard