The Emotional and Behavioral Impact on Pets and Salespeople when they Travel for Work

As a pet owner and frequent traveller, I’ve often wondered how my work trips affect my pets. Pets, especially dogs and cats, form deep emotional bonds with us, and disruptions in their routine—like when we leave for business trips—can have a noticeable impact on their emotional and behavioural well-being. While the focus is often on how travel affects us or our human relationships, the emotional toll it takes on our pets can be just as significant.

Emotional and Behavioural Changes in Pets

Separation Anxiety: Research from the Human Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI) shows that many pets experience separation anxiety when their regular interactions with their owners are disrupted(HABRI)(HABRI). Signs of this include excessive barking, whining, and even destructive behaviours like chewing. For dogs, in particular, the absence of their owner—someone they rely on for affection and companionship—can trigger these anxious behaviours (Harvard Magazine).

Stress and Loneliness: Pets, especially cats, are also prone to stress when their environment or routine changes. Prolonged absences can lead to changes in eating habits, over-grooming, and even depression-like symptoms. According to a study by Pew Research Center, many pet owners regard their pets as family, so it’s no surprise that pets can feel isolated when their “family member” is away(Pew Research Center).

Mental Health Impact on Pet Owners

It’s not just pets who experience distress when owners travel for work—pet owners themselves often endure emotional strain. Pets are much more than companions; they contribute to our emotional well-being by reducing stress, combating loneliness, and providing a sense of purpose. According to research by Harvard Magazine and the Mayo Clinic, pets help lower stress levels, improve mood, and promote a healthier lifestyle (Mayo Clinic News Network)(Harvard Magazine).

When pet owners, especially traveling sales professionals, leave their pets behind, it can lead to significant emotional challenges. Feelings of guilt, anxiety, and worry are common, as pet owners are often concerned about the well-being of their pets in their absence. This emotional strain can affect their concentration and performance at work, and also their mental health while traveling.

Guilt may stem from knowing their pet is home alone or in unfamiliar environments such as boarding facilities. Salespeople who have deep connections with their pets often worry about how the separation impacts their pet’s emotional and physical health. This can be particularly stressful for owners of pets prone to separation anxiety.

Anxiety in owners is often linked to a fear of their pet experiencing distress, as animals may display behaviours such as excessive barking or destructive tendencies while left alone(HABRI). Owners may also feel anxious about emergencies that could occur in their absence, amplifying their stress while on the road.

Worry can distract owners from focusing on their work, especially if they have trouble ensuring consistent care for their pet. This lingering concern can result in a constant background stressor that affects their overall well-being, potentially leading to burnout or more severe mental health challenges if not addressed.

These emotional burdens can negatively impact a traveling professional’s performance, making it harder to focus on their tasks. Moreover, this stress may spill over into other areas of life, disrupting both personal and professional relationships. Recognizing this issue, employers can play a crucial role by providing support systems for employees with pets, offering services like flexible scheduling, mental health resources, or access to reliable pet care while they’re away.

Taking steps to manage these emotions can improve both the well-being of pet owners and their overall productivity, helping them find a healthier balance between work responsibilities and their personal lives.

Tips to Ease the Transition for Pets and Owners

When a pet owner travels for work, the disruption can be stressful for both the pet and the owner. Taking a few key steps can help make the separation easier.

1. Maintain a Consistent Routine

Pets thrive on routine and predictability. Abrupt changes, such as an owner’s absence, can cause anxiety. Keeping feeding, walking, and playtime schedules consistent is essential for minimizing stress. If you hire a pet sitter or ask a friend to care for your pet, ensure they stick to the usual routines. This familiarity can help your pet adjust and reduce the chances of behavioural problems.

Why it’s important: Routine helps create a sense of stability, especially for pets prone to anxiety. According to the ASPCA, predictable routines can provide comfort and security during stressful times, helping to prevent the development of anxiety-driven behaviours.

2. Video Calls

Though it may sound unconventional, video calls can be helpful for pets—especially dogs. Hearing your voice and seeing your face can remind them that you’re still connected. While it’s not a substitute for physical presence, research suggests that dogs recognize their owners’ voices and benefit from this auditory connection.

Why it works: According to Harvard Magazine, studies show that interacting with pets releases oxytocin, a hormone that fosters bonding and reduces stress. Although physical interaction is best, video calls can reinforce this bond when you’re away(Harvard Magazine).

3. Interactive Toys and Comfort Items

Provide your pet with interactive toys or puzzles to keep them mentally engaged while you’re away. This can distract them from feelings of boredom and loneliness. Additionally, leaving behind an item with your scent, such as a blanket or shirt, offers comfort and reassurance, reducing anxiety.

Why it works: Scent plays a critical role in a pet’s sense of security. Dogs and cats both rely on familiar smells to feel at ease, so leaving an item with your scent can help bridge the emotional gap during your absence(Harvard Magazine).

4. Reliable Pet Care

Choosing the right caregiver while you’re traveling is crucial. Whether you hire a pet sitter or use a pet daycare, ensure your pet is well cared for. A trusted caregiver can provide the attention, playtime, and care that your pet needs, helping to ease their anxiety and preventing destructive behaviors.

Why it’s important: Extended isolation can worsen separation anxiety. According to PetMD, having a reliable caregiver or sitter can prevent loneliness and provide the companionship pets need to remain happy and calm.

How Employers Can Support Pet Owners

In addition to these personal steps, employers can play a significant role in supporting traveling pet owners by offering a range of benefits and flexible policies:

1. Pet-Friendly Travel Policies

For longer trips, some companies can allow employees to bring pets along, especially if driving or staying in pet-friendly accommodations. This option can help reduce both the owner’s and the pet’s stress.

2. Flexible Scheduling

Offering flexible work schedules or shortening travel periods can allow pet owners to stay in regular contact with their pets, whether through video calls or frequent returns home.

3. Pet Care Support

Employers can partner with local pet care services, offering employees discounts on pet sitting, boarding, or daycare. This reduces the financial and emotional burden on traveling employees, ensuring their pets are well cared for while they’re away.

4. Mental Health Resources

Recognizing the emotional strain that traveling away from pets can place on employees, employers can offer access to counseling and stress management services. Employee assistance programs (EAPs) that include mental health support can help employees manage their worry and guilt, ensuring their well-being while traveling.

Conclusion

For sales professionals who frequently travel for work, the emotional and behavioral impact on their pets can be significant. Pets, especially dogs and cats, thrive on routine and the presence of their owners, so the absence of a beloved family member can lead to anxiety, stress, and even depression-like symptoms. This not only affects the well-being of the pets but also places a heavy emotional burden on pet owners, who often experience guilt, worry, and anxiety about leaving their pets behind.

Fortunately, there are practical steps that can help ease the transition for both pets and their owners. Maintaining consistent routines, using video calls, providing comforting items, and ensuring reliable pet care can make a big difference. Furthermore, employers can support their traveling employees by offering flexible scheduling, pet care partnerships, and mental health resources.

By taking proactive steps, both pet owners and their employers can help mitigate the emotional strain of separation, ensuring a healthier, more balanced work-life experience for all.

References:

- Human-Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI). (2021). The Science of the Human-Animal Bond. Available at: habri.org
- Harvard Magazine. (2021). The Health Benefits of Owning a Pet. Available at: harvardmagazine.com
- Mayo Clinic News Network. (2021). How Owning Pets Can Lead to a Healthier Lifestyle. Available at: Mayo Clinic
- Pew Research Center. (2021). Majority of Americans Think of Their Pets as Family Members. Available at: pewresearch.org
- PetMD. (2020). Understanding Separation Anxiety in Pets. Available at: petmd.com

The Emotional and Behavioural Impact on Pets and Salespeople When they Travel for Work