How Long Can I Leave My Pet Alone?
Find out exactly how long you can safely leave your pet alone — dogs, cats, birds, fish and more
⏰ How Long Can I Leave My Pet Alone?
Find safe alone time limits for your specific pet type and age
Why Dogs Cannot Be Left Alone as Long as People Think
Dogs are pack animals that have been bred for thousands of years to work and live alongside humans. Isolation is genuinely stressful for most dogs. Separation anxiety affects an estimated 20% of dogs and is one of the most common reasons for relinquishment to shelters.
Puppies Need More Frequent Check-ins
A puppy can hold their bladder for roughly one hour per month of age. A 3-month-old puppy needs a toilet break every 3 hours. Leaving a young puppy for 8 hours causes physical distress, forces them to soil their sleeping area, and can damage their confidence during a critical developmental window.
Cats Are More Independent — But Not Unlimited
Cats can tolerate alone time far better than dogs, but this doesn’t mean they’re fine indefinitely. Fresh water and a clean litter tray are the minimum requirements. Beyond 24 hours, most cats benefit from at least one human check-in per day.
Signs Your Pet Struggles With Alone Time
Destructive behaviour, excessive vocalisation, toileting indoors despite being housetrained, and excessive greeting behaviour on return are all signs of separation distress. A pet camera can help you understand what’s happening while you’re away.