Time Management for Pet Parents

We all wish we had more time to spend with our loved ones, including our furry family members. By more efficiently managing tasks and chores, you can reclaim your time and focus on what matters most, and maybe you’ll adopt a new motto: Work less, cuddle more.

So much goes into managing a family schedule. Adding pet care responsibilities to the mix can be a lot, but there are ways to simplify and focus.

Shared Calendars and Daily Must-Dos

First, start by maintaining a shared household calendar. This can be digital, physical, or a hybrid of both. If it is physical, place it in a central location such as on a refrigerator door. Add pet-related dates and tasks to the calendar, including veterinary and grooming appointments, as well as recurring medication schedules such as flea, tick, or heartworm treatments and nail clipping. Corralling this information in one place keeps everyone informed and encourages sharing of care responsibilities.

For those times when you are really stressed for time, focus on the daily must-dos such as feeding, refreshing water, and taking care of walking and litter box duties. Pets respond well to routines so try to feed at the same time each day, go for walks at the same time, etc. This also makes it easier for you to build it into your schedule. Keep supplies needed for dog walks such as leashes and poop bags near the door, so you don’t have to waste time searching for them.

Streamlining Supplies and Multi-Tasking

Find a system that works for you and your family situation. For example, if going to pet stores for food and supplies is a hassle, try ordering online, so they are delivered to your home. Another perk is that many online retailers now offer subscriptions at discounted prices, so you can set them once and have supplies at your door on a regular basis without doing anything else.

Doubling up on things is also a great time-saving tip. Groom your pet while you’re relaxing or watching television. If you are a meal-prep family, add weekly meals for your pet. Portion out dry food and treats, so they are ready when you need.

Investing in Smart and Low-Tech Solutions

Invest in products that help you. There are many smart-tech items that can be time savers and have additional benefits. For example, cleaning the litterbox is one chore no one readily volunteers for so maybe consider a self-cleaning litterbox. While they are pricey, many can also act as a health monitor and track urinary or bowel issues, so they can be addressed quickly.

If you have a schedule that makes feeding time a challenge, an automatic feeding system could also be a problem solver. And they can be portion controlled, so you don’t risk overfeeding. There are even water fountains that can be programmed to monitor how much water each pet drinks and alert you to potential problems. Less expensive low-tech items such as gravity feeders and water stations can also be good options to make sure food is available for your pet if you can’t be there.

Budgeting for Emergencies

Another must do is to include pet care as a line item in your budget and put money aside for any emergencies. If you’re not stressing about all the costs, you can focus on enjoying your pet, and your free time, more.