By Brianna Hansen
The school bus pulls away, the backpacks are gone, and suddenly the house feels quiet. All summer, your pets have had a front-row seat to chaos … kids thundering down the stairs, doors slamming, snack wrappers crinkling, and impromptu living-room dance parties. Then September hits, and in a single week the soundtrack of their day drastically changes.
Our pets may not understand school calendars, but they certainly feel the void. Many dogs and cats experience confusion or sadness as they wander the house looking for their missing playmates, perk up at every car door, or camp out by the front window waiting for the after-school rush. This sudden drop in energy and activity can show up as anxiety, extra affection, vocalizing, changes in appetite or good old-fashioned mischief.
The good news? With a little planning, you can turn this seasonal shift into a healthy reset. If you know your pet struggles with change, start before the first day of school by introducing short periods of quiet time and independence.
Help them ease into the day with something to focus on as the house empties. A food- or treat-dispensing puzzle toy can redirect your pet’s focus from “Why am I alone?” to snack sleuth in a heartbeat. Rotate toys and treats to keep things interesting … and remember that a cardboard box with hidden snacks can be just as exciting as something from the store!
If your dog was used to daily backyard games, they may have some energy to burn. If you’re able, adjust walk times to bookend the school day: Enjoy a brisk morning walk after the kids leave to help shake off anticipation and nervous energy, and an afternoon or early evening walk to give your pup something predictable to look forward to. Cats can benefit from a similar rhythm. Try a short wand toy session, a new window perch or a few treats hidden around the house to encourage natural hunting behavior.
Of course, in a suddenly silent house, your presence is your pet’s greatest anchor. Build in 10–15 minutes of intentional quiet time each day: No phone or TV, just petting, brushing, gentle play or cuddling. This reassures them that while the household rhythm may change, their bond with you never will.
And you know what else can help? A pup-friendly event like Humane Animal Partners’ Muttini Mixer at the Beach on September 23rd in Lewes, or Brunch in the Ballroom on November 8th in Wilmington! Partying alongside your pup to help raise money for homeless pets is a pretty wonderful way to settle into a new fall groove.
Back-to-school season may leave the house quieter, but it doesn’t have to leave your pet feeling lost. A little enrichment, movement, and one-on-one attention can really go a long way!
– Look for the this month’s Humane Animal Partners (HAP) sponsored by Tito’s Handmade Vodka featured adoptable pets in the print version of this month’s issue, linked here.
