Back to School and Pets: How to Help Them Adjust

As summer comes to an end, many families shift back into school routines. Slow mornings are replaced with busy schedules, empty houses, and more time apart from the pets who spent the last few months enjoying constant companionship.

This sudden shift in household routine can be very disruptive, leading to back-to-school pet anxiety, a form of situational stress.

Though the return to school is exciting for many families, it can be a big adjustment for pets. Dogs and cats thrive on routine, and sudden changes in their daily environment can sometimes lead to stress, boredom, or separation anxiety. But with a little planning and patience, you can help your pet transition to the new routine and feel more comfortable while everyone is away.

Why the Back-to-School Season Can Affect Pets

During summer break, pets often get used to having people around throughout the day. They may enjoy more walks, play sessions, snuggles, and attention than they receive during the school year.

When the house suddenly becomes quiet again, some pets adapt quickly. Others may struggle with the abrupt change in routine.

Common reasons pets may experience stress during the back-to-school transition include:

• Spending more time home alone
• Less frequent playtime or exercise
• Changes in feeding or walking schedules
• Fewer opportunities for social interaction
• Increased household activity during busy mornings

Even pets that have never shown signs of anxiety before may need time to adjust.

Signs Your Pet May Be Struggling

Every pet responds differently to changes in routine. Some signs are subtle, while others are more noticeable.

In Dogs

Watch for behaviors such as:

• Excessive barking, whining, or howling after you leave
• Destructive chewing or scratching
• Accidents in the house despite being house-trained
• Pacing or restlessness
• Drooling more than usual
• Following family members constantly before they leave
• Loss of appetite
• Sleeping more than usual or appearing withdrawn

In Cats

Cats can experience stress too, although they may show it differently. Signs can include:

• Hiding more often
• Changes in appetite
• Excessive grooming
• Stress-induced urination or spraying
• Increased vocalization
• Destructive scratching
• Becoming unusually clingy, or unusually distant

These behaviors don't always indicate separation anxiety. They can also be signs of an underlying medical condition, so it's important to contact your veterinarian if the behavior is sudden, severe, or persistent.

Is It Separation Anxiety or Something Else?

Many pets simply need time to adjust to a new routine. They may seem a little disappointed when everyone leaves but settle down shortly afterward.

Separation anxiety is more intense. Pets with separation anxiety experience significant distress and may panic rather than simply becoming bored.

One thing to consider is that your pet might not be experiencing true separation anxiety, which is when a specific person leaving causes them to panic. Instead, it might be isolation distress—when your pet just doesn’t want to be alone. Both of these issues can be serious.

Signs of separation anxiety often occur shortly after you leave and improve when you return. In more severe cases, pets may injure themselves trying to escape or become extremely distressed during your absence.

Your pet might have separation anxiety if they react strongly to “departure cues” or signs that you are about to leave, such as:

• Picking up your keys
• Getting your bag
• Putting on your shoes

If your dog pants or whines when you’re getting ready to go, they might be feeling stressed because they know this means you’ll be heading out. Although it‘s less common, cats can experience separation anxiety too. If your cat meows or runs to the door, this could suggest that they’re worried about you leaving, especially if this is accompanied by out-of-character behavior while you’re out of the house.

If you think your pet may have separation anxiety, your veterinarian can help rule out medical causes and recommend a treatment plan. Some pets also benefit from working with a certified animal behavior professional.

How to Help Your Pet Adjust

Fortunately, there are several ways to make the transition easier.

Start the New Routine Early

If possible, begin shifting your pet's schedule a week or two before school starts. Try adjusting:

• Morning walks
• Feeding times
• Bedtime
• Periods when your pet spends time alone

Gradual changes are often easier for pets than sudden schedule shifts.

Make Time for Exercise

Physical activity helps reduce excess energy and provides valuable mental stimulation.

Before leaving for the day, consider:

• A brisk morning walk
• A game of fetch
• Tug-of-war
• A training session using treats
• Interactive play with a favorite toy

Even 15 to 30 minutes of activity can help some pets relax while you're away.

Enrichment Ideas for Pets Home Alone

Keeping your pet mentally engaged can help reduce boredom and encourage healthy behaviors.

Food Puzzle Toys

Instead of serving meals in a traditional bowl, try:

• Puzzle feeders
• Treat-dispensing balls
• Slow feeders
• Frozen food-filled toys for dogs

Working for food gives pets something productive to focus on and can help make time alone feel shorter.

Rotate Toys

Rather than leaving every toy out all the time, rotate them every few days.

Introducing "new" toys from storage helps maintain your pet's interest without constantly buying new ones.

Create a Comfortable Resting Area

Provide a cozy place where your pet feels safe. This might include:

• A favorite bed
• Soft blankets
• Access to a sunny window
• White noise or calming music
• An item that smells like you

Encourage Natural Behaviors

Different pets enjoy different types of enrichment. Dogs may enjoy:

• Snuffle mats
• Safe chew toys
• Nose-work games
• Window perches for neighborhood watching
  

Cats often appreciate:

• Cat trees
• Window perches for bird watching
• Scratching posts
• Puzzle feeders
• Interactive toys

Consider Midday Company

If your pet struggles with long days alone, breaking up the day may help. Options include:

• A trusted friend or neighbor
• A professional dog walker
• Doggy daycare (for dogs who enjoy social settings)
• A pet sitter

Not every pet enjoys daycare, so choose an option that matches your pet's personality and comfort level.

Practice Calm Departures and Arrivals

While it's natural to say a big goodbye, dramatic departures can sometimes make anxious pets more aware that you're leaving. Instead:

• Keep departures calm and matter-of-fact.
• Avoid making a big event out of coming home.
• Reward calm behavior once your pet has settled.

Over time, this can help normalize your daily routine.

When to Talk to Your Veterinarian

Some adjustment is normal, but if your pet continues showing signs of stress after several weeks—or if their behavior becomes destructive, severe, or affects their health—it is worth scheduling a veterinary visit.

Your veterinarian can determine whether an underlying medical condition may be contributing to the behavior and discuss options that may include behavior modification, environmental changes, training recommendations, or medication for some pets.

Early intervention can make it easier to help your pet feel comfortable and confident again.

The Bottom Line

Back-to-school season brings exciting changes for families, but those changes can be confusing for pets who have grown accustomed to having everyone home.

By recognizing the signs of stress, maintaining consistent routines, providing plenty of exercise and enrichment, and giving your pet time to adjust, you can help make the transition smoother for everyone.

A little extra planning now can help your furry family member feel safe, engaged, and happy until the next reunion at the end of the school day.

If your pet seems stressed or anxious as the kids go back to school, Pets Best policyholders can speak to a veterinary expert anytime through our 24/7 Pet Helpline. Our wellness plans can also help cover the cost of veterinary exams, helping set your mind at ease.