20 Dog Sitters Near Me📍🐕
If you’re searching “dog sitter near me” in a panic before your next trip, you’re not alone. But here’s the truth: finding a dog sitter isn’t just about who’s closest—it’s about who’s qualified, reliable, safe, and actually right for your dog’s needs. And that’s where most pet owners hit a wall.
🚀 Quick Takeaways
| Question | Fast Answer ✅ |
|---|---|
| Should I hire from an app? | Only if you vet them yourself—platforms aren’t liable. |
| Is bonded & insured actually important? | YES. It’s your only real protection. |
| Are all background checks the same? | Nope. Some are basic, others are in-depth. Ask. |
| Can I trust sitter reviews? | Sometimes. Always read between the lines. |
| How do I know my dog will be safe? | Meet & Greet is non-negotiable. Trust your gut. |
🛑 Not All Sitters Are Created Equal: How to Spot the Good, the Great, and the Absolutely-Not
When platforms say “we do background checks,” it sounds comforting—until you realize some only check national databases or rely on old info. Worse, not a single app does background checks on you, the owner—which means the sitter could also be at risk.
💡 Pro Tip: Ask the sitter what type of background check they passed—county-level criminal checks and in-person interviews (like Fetch! franchises do) are gold-standard.
🏆 Who’s Actually Responsible if Something Goes Wrong?
This is the question no one asks until it’s too late. You think your sitter is covered? Think again.
| Platform or Model | Who’s Liable? | Insurance Type | What’s Covered? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rover | You | “Guarantee” (not insurance) | Vet costs up to $25K, but subject to conditions ❗ |
| Wag! | You | Damage Protection | Property only—not pet health care 💔 |
| Fetch! Pet Care | The company | Business liability insurance | Pet & home—highest legal protection ✅ |
| Independent Sitters | You or Them | Varies | Only if they have private insurance. Always ask. |
| TrustedHousesitters | You | Limited (Home only) | No pet injury coverage 🚫 |
TL;DR: A local business with bonded employees and commercial liability coverage is your safest bet.
🧠 Your Dog Isn’t Just a “Pet Profile”—They’re an Individual
Platform algorithms don’t understand that your dog is reactive to strangers, has a sensitive stomach, or needs meds at 8 p.m. sharp.
That’s where local professionals shine—they get to know your dog, build consistency, and offer specialized care. Check out this sitter breakdown to help you decide what fits your dog’s unique personality.
📊 20 Dog Sitters Near Me (By Quality, Not Just Location)
| Name | City | Best For | Unique Edge | 💡 Quick Tip |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Perfect Pooch NYC | New York, NY | Senior dogs | Pet CPR certified walkers 🩺 | Ask for their daily report card 📝 |
| K-9 Kats | Los Angeles, CA | Anxious pets | NAPPS Sitter of the Year 🌟 | Fear Free Certified—big plus! |
| Windy City Paws | Chicago, IL | Consistency | Same walker guarantee 🔁 | Ideal for routine-based dogs |
| Felix + Fido | Austin, TX | In-home only | Vet-level overnight care 🏡 | Offers pet taxi too! 🚗 |
| Happy Pants NYC | New York, NY | High-energy dogs | Offers dog running 🏃♂️ | Great for working breeds |
| MixyPaws | New York, NY | Puppy training | Dual-leash safety protocol 🐶 | Ask about their training bundles |
| LA Pet Sitting | Los Angeles, CA | Multi-pet homes | Covers reptiles, birds, exotics 🦜🦎 | Versatile and flexible 📆 |
| Doggone Living | Chicago, IL | Medically needy pets | All vet-tech trained staff 👩⚕️ | Ideal for diabetic dogs |
| Jennifurrr’s | Austin, TX | Long-term clients | Trusted since 2008 🕰️ | Great for repeat travel care |
| Dogs Deserve It | Chicago, IL | High-service homes | Offers pet wedding escort 💍🐕 | Unique personal touches ❤️ |
| Over and Out Petsitting | Los Angeles, CA | One-on-one attention | Mid-Wilshire focused 🌴 | Avoids overbooking for quality |
| Chicago Pet Sitters | Chicago, IL | Last-minute needs | 20 years of flexibility ⏱️ | Great emergency backup 📲 |
| PKPetSitters | NYC | Meds & vet needs | Co-founded by a vet 🧬 | Ask about custom care plans |
| Prestigious Paws | Chicago | Enrichment-focused | Offers “Doggy Day Trips” 🌳 | Social and stimulation-based |
| NYC Pooch | New York | Ethical employment | Hires only employees 🤝 | Ask about their 1:1 training |
| Green Paws Chicago | Chicago | Homebodies | Specializes in in-home overnights 💤 | Ideal for separation anxiety |
| Hound for Hound | Austin | Local pride | Member of APSO 🐕 | Community-trusted vetting 👏 |
| Luv My Sitter | Austin | Busy professionals | Flexible & bonded 💼 | Reliable recurring visits |
| Love Pet Care LA | LA + NYC | Exotic pets | Trusted 20+ yrs 📅 | Handles birds, turtles, and more! |
| House Sitters America | Multiple cities | Budget travelers | Sitters often work for lodging 💸 | Interview carefully—quality varies |
🔍 What Are the Real Red Flags in a Dog Sitter?
Even with a polished profile, there are danger signs you should never ignore:
- 🚩 Vague answers about emergency procedures or insurance.
- 🚩 No reviews or reviews that sound generic/copy-pasted.
- 🚩 Avoids Meet & Greet or resists letting your dog interact before booking.
- 🚩 No clear plan for feeding, meds, or walk timing.
🧭 Insider Tips for Booking Like a Pro
✅ Do This:
- Demand a Meet & Greet: No exceptions. Watch your dog’s response.
- Read 3–5 reviews in full, not just the stars.
- Ask if they’re bonded and insured. If they say “through the platform,” probe further.
- Clarify handling protocols for emergency vet visits, door security, and walks.
- Get it in writing. Always confirm bookings, keys, routines in a shared doc or app.
🔑 Key Takeaways: Smart Hiring for Dog Sitting Done Right
| Insight | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Bonded & Insured Sitters | Strongest legal and financial protection 🛡️ |
| Employee-Based Services | More training, oversight, and consistency 👥 |
| Platform Guarantees ≠ Insurance | Read the fine print before assuming coverage 📜 |
| Commission Fees Impact Quality | Higher platform fees may force sitters to take shortcuts 💸 |
| Reviews Are Just a Start | Vetting, interviews, and instincts are better filters 🧠 |
🐶 Want tailored help finding a sitter who’s a perfect fit for your pup? Drop your city and your dog’s needs below, and I’ll help you sort through your options like a pro. Let’s make sure your dog is in the right hands. 🐾
FAQs
❓“How can I tell if a sitter is experienced with reactive dogs?”
Look for experience beyond walking. A sitter familiar with reactive dogs will often mention Fear Free training, canine behavior coursework, or experience working with rescue animals. They’ll also have a protocol for unexpected triggers like skateboarders or off-leash dogs. Ask them to describe a time they had to de-escalate a reactive episode—their answer should include environmental management and not just leash pulling.
| Indicator | What It Means | 🐾 Pro Insight |
|---|---|---|
| Mentions “thresholds” or “counter-conditioning” | They understand reactivity isn’t disobedience—it’s anxiety. | ✅ Strong sign of behavior knowledge |
| Uses two-point leash system | Provides backup control in tense situations. | 🐕 Ideal for flight-prone dogs |
| Avoids dog parks | Aware of overstimulation risks. | 🚫 Bonus points for safety judgment |
❓“Is it safer to board my dog or have someone stay at my house?”
It depends on your dog’s temperament and stress triggers. Dogs that struggle with novel environments, separation anxiety, or strict routines do far better in-home. Boarding facilities—even boutique ones—introduce noise, unfamiliar scents, and erratic stimulation.
For dogs with medical needs or high anxiety, in-home sitting is statistically safer. They maintain environmental familiarity, which directly reduces cortisol levels (the stress hormone), aiding in digestion, sleep, and behavior stability.
| Option | Best For | 🚨 Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| In-Home Sitter | Senior dogs, anxious pets, multi-pet homes | 🛋️ Requires thorough home security prep |
| Boarding | Social dogs, puppies in training | 🧼 Ask about vaccine protocols & daily structure |
| Live-In Care (TrustedHousesitters style) | Long trips, guarded pets | 🏡 Interview deeply—barter doesn’t mean casual |
❓“My dog takes insulin—can any sitter handle that?”
Absolutely not. This is a specialized task requiring training, not something to “wing.” You need a sitter with veterinary technician experience or who has worked extensively with medically complex pets. Always ask for evidence—certifications, references, even a demo with a saline syringe if you’re unsure.
Timing is critical with diabetic dogs. A sitter must understand the balance between insulin, feeding, and activity level. A delay or mismatch in timing could cause a dangerous hypoglycemic crash.
| Ask This | Why It Matters | 🩺 Vet-Approved Tip |
|---|---|---|
| “How do you respond to a hypoglycemic episode?” | Look for mention of Karo syrup or vet transport. | 🧃 Quick sugar saves lives |
| “Have you administered injections before?” | They should walk you through technique confidently. | 💉 Hands-on comfort is key |
| “How do you ensure timing consistency?” | Watch for mention of alarms or logs. | ⏰ Punctuality is non-negotiable |
❓“Why do some sitters cost $25 and others $75+ for the same service?”
You’re not just paying for time—you’re paying for training, liability protection, and peace of mind. A $25 sitter may be new, uninsured, or reliant solely on platform-provided coverage (which is not always dependable). On the flip side, a $75 sitter likely has formal credentials, low client volume (which means more focus), and deeper case experience.
| Fee Tier | What You’re Likely Paying For | 💡 Worth It? |
|---|---|---|
| $20–$35 | Entry-level, part-time, high-volume sitters | 🤔 Use only with strong reviews & background clarity |
| $40–$60 | Independent pros with some credentials | ✅ Best balance of price and reliability |
| $70+ | Specialized, bonded, often medically trained | 🏆 Ideal for anxious, senior, or high-needs pets |
❓“Is there a difference between bonding and insurance for pet sitters?”
Yes, and it’s crucial to know the distinction. Bonding protects the owner from theft or intentional damage. It’s a trust signal. Insurance, on the other hand, covers accidental injury to the pet, property damage, or liability if something goes wrong during the visit. Many sitters say they are “insured” without clarifying who holds the policy—platforms like Rover only offer conditional guarantees.
| Coverage Type | What It Protects | 🧠 Must-Know Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Bonding | You, against sitter misconduct (like theft) | 🔐 Ask for certificate & policy number |
| Liability Insurance | Your pet and property from sitter-caused accidents | 🦴 Verify if it’s personal or through a company |
| Platform Guarantee | Partial reimbursement (if approved) | ⚠️ Not a legal insurance policy |
❓“What questions should I ask in a Meet & Greet to reveal red flags?”
A good sitter welcomes scrutiny. Use open-ended, scenario-based questions that reveal real-world experience, not memorized answers. Avoid yes/no questions and instead prompt sitters to demonstrate how they think, not just what they say.
Examples that reveal depth:
| Question | What You’re Really Testing | 🧩 What to Listen For |
|---|---|---|
| “How would you handle a loose dog during a walk?” | Risk prevention & real-time response | Mentions of leashing protocol, body blocking, staying calm |
| “What’s your emergency backup if you can’t make it?” | Planning & accountability | Has a vetted secondary or uses professional agency |
| “Tell me about a time a dog didn’t like you at first.” | Adaptability & empathy | Describes reading body language and adjusting pace |
| “How do you prevent door dashes?” | Safety awareness | Double leashing, commands, controlled exits 🚪 |
❓“My sitter sends photos, but how do I know what’s really happening?”
Photos are just a snapshot. Look for contextual clues—is the leash attached? Is the dog panting heavily indoors (possible anxiety)? Is the location consistent with your agreed routine (e.g., dog park vs. backyard)?
For more transparency, ask for:
- Daily journals/logs with times, meals, bathroom breaks 📝
- GPS-tracked walks (offered by platforms like Wag! and NYC Pooch) 🛰️
- Behavior notes (“Barked at mail truck but settled after redirection”) 🐶
| Photo Sign | Possible Red Flag | 💬 Follow-Up Tip |
|---|---|---|
| All indoor photos | They may not be walking the dog | Ask, “How far did you walk today and where?” |
| Always the same background | Could be recycling old images | Request timestamps or real-time check-ins |
| Dog looks stiff or turned away | May not be bonding with sitter | Ask about behavior and engagement |
❓“I work long hours—should I hire a midday dog walker or book doggy daycare instead?”
It depends on your dog’s temperament, age, and energy output needs, but here’s the critical distinction: walks break up isolation; daycare floods your dog with stimulation.
If your dog is crate-trained, thrives on routine, and becomes overstimulated easily, a 30–45 minute walk with a consistent sitter might be the better option. This ensures movement, mental stimulation (new smells = brain activity), and a bathroom break without the chaos of group play.
Doggy daycare, on the other hand, is ideal for high-energy breeds, social butterflies, or puppies who need constant interaction to prevent destructive boredom. But it comes with risks—exposure to illness, overexcitement, or even injury if the facility doesn’t carefully screen for behavioral compatibility.
| Option | Best Suited For | 🧠 Considerations | 🐾 Tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Midday Walk | Older dogs, reactive pets, anxious or crate-trained dogs | Solitary care; reduces stress | 🐕🦺 Book recurring walkers for routine |
| Doggy Daycare | High-energy, socialized, younger dogs | Group setting; requires screening | 🎾 Ask about staff-to-dog ratio (ideal: 1:7 or less) |
❓“How do I handle keys securely with a dog sitter?”
Key exchange might seem like a minor task—but it’s a vital security decision. Never just “leave it under the mat.” You’re giving access not just to your pet—but to your home.
Best practice: Use a coded lockbox outside your home or a smart lock system with time-based access. If hiring through a professional service or franchise, many will have a formalized key custody protocol (including key tags, locked safes, and documented handoffs). Independent sitters? Ask how they manage keys during off-hours and trips between clients.
| Method | Security Level 🔐 | Key Insight | 🛠️ Tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lockbox | High | Sitter doesn’t take key with them | 📍Attach securely to fence or door rail |
| Smart Lock (app-based) | Very High | Track time of entry; revoke instantly | 🔋 Keep battery backup access plan |
| In-person key exchange | Moderate | Risk if sitter misplaces key | ✍️ Use a signed key custody agreement |
❓“My dog has never been left with anyone before—how do I prepare them for a sitter?”
Introducing your dog to a new caregiver is not just about logistics—it’s about emotional desensitization and building predictive safety cues.
Start by inviting the sitter for a non-service visit—a casual interaction where your dog doesn’t associate their presence with your absence. This reduces novelty-related anxiety. Next, perform “trial separations”: leave the house for short periods while the sitter engages your dog with a known activity (puzzle toy, scent game, mealtime routine).
Scent continuity is critical. Leave worn T-shirts or blankets around your dog’s resting space. Familiar smells activate the olfactory limbic loop, which soothes anxiety and increases oxytocin levels.
| Phase | What to Do | 🧠 Why It Works | 🐶 Tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acclimation Visit | Sitter visits with no separation | Builds positive association | 🍖 Let them hand-feed high-value treats |
| Trial Separation | You leave briefly during sitter stay | Practices confidence in short bursts | ⏱️ Start with 10 mins and scale |
| Scent Bridge | Leave worn clothes around resting area | Calms via olfactory comfort | 🧺 Swap daily for scent freshness |
❓“Is tipping expected for dog sitters? If so, how much?”
Yes, tipping is both appreciated and increasingly expected—especially for independent sitters and gig-platform workers. For many, tips make up for what platform commissions erode.
The standard tip range is 10–20%, similar to other service industries. Exceptional care, last-minute bookings, or challenging pet needs (medications, reactive behavior, storm anxiety) justify the higher end of the scale. For long-term recurring bookings, many owners offer holiday bonuses or occasional gift cards as gratitude gestures.
On franchises or insured companies, tips may be pooled or prohibited—check policy before adding it. If unsure, a direct thank-you note with a cash envelope is a classic, heartfelt move.
| Tip Type | When to Use | 💵 Range | 🎁 Tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Per Service | After one-time walk, drop-in, or overnight | 10–20% of booking | 💬 Add personal note for impact |
| End of Week/Series | After regular recurring bookings | $20–50 depending on service level | 🎉 Use digital payment if on app |
| Holiday Bonus | For loyal, full-year sitters | $50–200+ | 🎁 Consider pet-related gifts or gear |
❓“My dog has food allergies—how do I ensure the sitter follows diet rules?”
With allergies, verbal reminders aren’t enough—you need systems. Use visual cues, labeled containers, written meal instructions, and if possible, send a daily food log template that the sitter fills out (printed or via Google Docs).
Avoid bulk bags or loose treats. Pre-portion meals or use color-coded containers (e.g., red = AM, blue = PM). Post a clear NO FEED list on the fridge or feeding station. Include symptoms of a reaction and your emergency vet contact.
If treats are an issue, supply an airtight jar of approved options and instruct sitter never to improvise, even if your dog “looks hungry.” Trained sitters will understand and appreciate the clarity.
| Tool | Why It Helps | 🥕 Critical Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Meal Chart | Tracks exact intake | 📋 Include time fed, portions, leftovers |
| Labeled Bins | Prevents confusion | 🎨 Color-code by meal or pet |
| NO FEED Sheet | Keeps guests/sitters aware | 🚫 Include visual of forbidden brands/ingredients |
❓“What’s a red flag during a Meet & Greet that pet owners often miss?”
Most pet parents focus on friendliness—but overlook operational awareness and contingency readiness.
Here are often-missed red flags that reveal deeper gaps:
- They don’t ask questions about your dog’s quirks. A good sitter should want to know about leash reactivity, counter-surfing, food guarding, or hiding spots.
- They don’t write anything down. Memory isn’t enough for multi-day care. Lack of note-taking suggests disorganization.
- They say “I love all dogs!” but can’t give examples of dogs they’ve worked with like yours.
- They deflect or downplay emergency scenarios. You want proactive, not passive, thinking.
| Red Flag | What It Signals | 🧭 Safer Alternative |
|---|---|---|
| “Don’t worry, I just go with the flow.” | Lack of structured planning | ✅ Look for “here’s my daily routine…” |
| Doesn’t ask about vet, meds, routines | Minimal prep effort | 📄 Provide a care binder—they should want it |
| Unclear on leash policy or safety protocol | Inexperience or recklessness | 🐾 Ask how they secure harnesses or door exits |
❓“How do I transition from a family member watching my dog to hiring a professional sitter?”
Transitioning from familiar, informal care to professional sitting can be emotionally tricky—for both you and your dog. The goal isn’t to replicate your family member’s dynamic but to build a new layer of predictable trust through structured introductions, scent familiarity, and routine stability.
Start with a low-pressure orientation visit: have the sitter shadow your family member for 30–60 minutes during a normal walk or feeding. Your dog should see both individuals engaging collaboratively. This eases the emotional handoff and builds neutral-to-positive associations with the new sitter’s presence.
Recreate scent continuity by allowing the sitter to leave an item (scarf, hoodie, etc.) in your home after the first meet-up. Dogs engage associative memory through olfactory cues, meaning they’ll subconsciously begin acclimating to the new caregiver before services even begin.
Gradually reduce your family member’s role over 1–2 visits while increasing the sitter’s responsibility. Consistency in verbal cues, leash handling, and meal rituals is vital—your sitter should adopt your dog’s “language” rather than teach a new one.
| Phase | What to Introduce | 🎯 Why It Works | 🐾 Execution Tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shadow Session | Sitter observes family routine | Softens the disruption | 🐶 Let them co-feed or co-walk |
| Scent Imprinting | Leave item from sitter in home | Builds subconscious recognition | 🧣 Place near sleeping area |
| Control Transfer | Sitter leads full walk alone | Reinforces leadership shift | 🐕 Watch your dog’s response at return |
❓“What’s the difference between a pet sitter, dog walker, and pet nanny—and does it matter?”
Terminology reveals expectations, service depth, and pricing structure. A “dog walker” is usually engaged for brief, recurring outings focused solely on exercise. They may or may not provide in-home support and typically do not handle complex medical needs or extended care. Walkers often juggle multiple clients in a route-based model.
A “pet sitter” provides broader in-home services—feeding, companionship, administering medications, and in many cases, overnight stays. Sitters are typically solo-focused on your household during the booked window, offering a more personalized experience.
“Pet nanny” is an emerging term used by high-end services or sitters with specialized credentials. It implies luxury-level, full-day or live-in care, often including enrichment activities, training reinforcement, and sometimes vet-tech level services. These providers work closely with clients to tailor a care strategy based on the pet’s breed, personality, and emotional needs.
| Title | Primary Focus | 🔍 Key Features | 💰 Price Tier |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dog Walker | Exercise, routine relief | Short visits, route-based | 💲 Budget to mid |
| Pet Sitter | Holistic home care | Feeds, walks, stays, meds | 💲💲 Mid-tier |
| Pet Nanny | Premium total care | Enrichment, vet experience, live-in | 💲💲💲 Luxury-tier |
It matters when matching needs to service. If you have a reactive dog with food sensitivities, a walker likely isn’t enough. But for a young, well-socialized lab needing midday relief, a walker may be perfect.
❓“Can sitters handle dogs with separation anxiety—or do I need a trainer?”
A good sitter can manage symptoms, but only a qualified behaviorist or certified trainer can modify them long-term. The sitter’s role is to minimize stress triggers, maintain routine stability, and avoid regression.
When hiring a sitter for a dog with separation anxiety, ask for experience with counterconditioning protocols, not just a love for animals. Sitters should understand how to avoid departure cues (grabbing keys, putting on shoes), use desensitization strategies, and document behavioral trends across visits.
For moderate to severe cases, request that the sitter implement calming protocols—like snuffle mats, Kong rotations, and ambient sound—and report back using emotion-based journaling, not just logistics.
| Sitter Role | What They Can Do | 🔧 Tools of the Trade | 🧠 Red Flag to Avoid |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anxiety Manager | Maintain consistency, avoid escalation | Calming chews, white noise, enrichment games | “He’ll be fine eventually” (minimizing your concern) |
| Symptom Recorder | Note pacing, panting, destructive moments | Behavior logs, video check-ins | Avoids tracking emotional signs |
| Supportive Presence | Offer calming voice & energy | Use of scent items, slow movements | Rushing greetings or abrupt departures |
❓“What certifications should a professional sitter have, and are they worth anything?”
Yes, and here’s why: professional certifications create accountability, demonstrate investment in best practices, and verify a sitter’s grasp of pet care science.
The most reputable organizations include:
- Pet Sitters International (PSI) – Offers professional training, ongoing education, and access to pet sitter-specific liability insurance. Members follow a strict code of conduct and are often bonded/insured.
- National Association of Professional Pet Sitters (NAPPS) – Similar to PSI, with a strong focus on ethics, senior care, and animal handling safety.
- Fear Free Certified Professional – Trained to reduce stress, fear, and anxiety during care. Invaluable for dogs with sensitivities, trauma, or reactivity.
- Red Cross Pet First Aid & CPR – A non-negotiable if your dog has any medical history.
| Certification | What It Ensures | 🎓 When to Prioritize |
|---|---|---|
| PSI / NAPPS | Ethical training, liability knowledge | ✅ Always—baseline professionalism |
| Fear Free Certified | Empathetic, stress-aware care | 🧠 For rescues, fearful, or anxious dogs |
| Pet CPR / First Aid | Emergency readiness | 🩺 For senior dogs, brachycephalic breeds |
A sitter without any credentials isn’t automatically a red flag—but one with these certifications shows they’re serious about safety and skill, not just dog cuddles.
❓“My dog is crate-trained, but should they stay in the crate all day while I’m gone?”
Absolutely not. Crate training is about safety and comfort—not isolation or inactivity. A dog should not remain crated for more than 4–6 hours at a stretch, depending on age, size, and individual bladder control.
If you’re gone longer than that, you need midday relief via a sitter or walker. Prolonged crating can result in muscle stiffness, urinary infections, boredom-based anxiety, and even crate aversion over time.
For dogs already accustomed to crating, structure the sitter’s visit around crate release time followed by physical and mental stimulation, then calmly guide your dog back inside for nap or rest periods. Think of it as shifts of engagement, not punishment.
| Crate Duration | Safe Time Limit | 🐕🦺 Sitter Responsibility | ❌ Risk if Exceeded |
|---|---|---|---|
| < 4 hours | Ideal for routine napping | Check water, treat puzzle, reassurance | Minimal |
| 4–6 hours | Acceptable with walk or break | Provide enrichment & potty time | Mild restlessness |
| 6+ hours | Unsafe | Split visit or live-in care advised | Stress, UTI, crate phobia, pacing |
If your schedule consistently exceeds safe crate limits, consider a live-in sitter, structured daycare, or adjusting your work-from-home flow to protect your dog’s physical and emotional health.
