So you’ve brought home a new fur-baby during the summer holidays and you’ve had loads of fun settling them into your family. You’ve had ups and downs, but they’re finding their feet and starting to use the litter tray. 

Now it’s time to go back to work or school, but your young pet needs consistent stimulation and safety, and they won’t understand where you’ve gone. However, by taking a few simple steps you can make your absence as comfortable as possible for your furry friend. 

Build a safe space 

You wouldn’t let young kids have the run of the house during school holidays, so you certainly wouldn’t do the same for young pets still learning about their environment. 

Cats and dogs love to explore, especially when they’re young, so it’s important to give them a safe and secure area in which to do so. Fill this space with environmental enrichment such as safe toys (nothing with strings attached), hidden treats or puzzles to keep them busy. 

Ideally, establish this space in the weeks before work or school goes back so that your new pet is used to it before the big day comes.  

Also, leaving automated appliances such as robotic vacuums running during the day can cause stress to pets unfamiliar with them, so wait until you’re at home and on reassurance pat duty.  

Eating in

Young pets have tiny tummies that fill up fast and empty just as quickly. It’s therefore crucial to have food and water available throughout the day. Feed your pet just before you leave and as soon as you get home, and it’s a good idea to have a neighbour or friend drop by during the day to top them up. 

And get creative. Hiding food around your pet’s safe space doubles as feeding and a fun and practical stimulation exercise. 

It’s important to make sure sleeping, eating and toileting spaces in your pet’s designated area are all kept separate, just as they (hopefully) are for you. 

Accidents happen 

You can prepare all you want for a human-free day at your house, but the reality is that accidents and illnesses can happen at any time.  

When you’re not around to supervise, a young pet is at risk of ingesting common things that may not be toxic to us, but can be fatal to pets. Onion, chocolate and other innocuous food items can cost pet owners much more than they’re worth at the vet; PetSure 2025 claims data* shows the average cost of treating ingestion of a toxic substance was over $800 for dogs and almost $1,500 for cats. 

But having a pet insurance policy in place can help reduce the stress of leaving them home alone. As an added benefit, many GapOnly-ready policies include access to LiveVet, the 24/7 vet telehealth service, so you can get professional advice whenever you need it. 

Be mindful of other pets 

You may already have other pets at home and you’re used to leaving them alone. That doesn’t make it any easier for a new arrival; in fact, a cross-generational day at home can be more trouble than it’s worth. 

Puppies and kittens haven’t yet learned to understand social cues, and their behaviour can irritate more mature animals. An annoyed older dog can quickly decide to put a pesky young upstart in their place, an outcome that will only add to your stress. 

It’s better to keep older and newer pets separated into their own safe spaces when you’re not home. Once you return, you can give everyone plenty of treats and attention. 

The big annual return to work or school life can be just as much of a drag for those left behind. By taking these steps you can mitigate the stress and keep your household in a happy place even when you’re not there. 

* FY25 PetSure claims data, average amount claimed per case (dogs & cats)   

Looking for pet insurance? Compare brands and products here.