Welcoming a new pet into your home can be one of life’s most rewarding events. The special bond that forms between pets and their owners can be deeply rewarding for both parties. However, if you add your furry family member when you’re starting a new company, how can you balance your work obligations while also ensuring your new friend feels loved? 

Consider these strategies, tools, and resources to help you succeed as both an entrepreneur and a pet owner.

Consider a Home-Based Business

Launching your company from the convenience of your own home can be the perfect solution for both your venture and your pet. As Today’s Work At Home Mom explains, business advantages include things like fewer start-up risks, reduced overhead, greater flexibility, and more free time. 

The extra time and flexibility can be especially beneficial if you have a new pet because animals adjust more quickly when they aren’t left alone in their new environment.

You may also want to consider making your office both accessible and inviting to your pet. Your physical presence can be comforting and reassuring to a furry family member, so place your pet’s bed near your desk to help your new companion feel at ease. 

You also benefit from this arrangement because having a pet companion at work can reduce stress, increase happiness, and even boost productivity.

Stay Organized

Being home with your pet makes it easy to establish a consistent schedule of feedings, exercise sessions, and potty breaks. By strategically using your work breaks to attend to your new companion’s needs, you provide your pet with a sense of stability while also providing yourself a welcome time-out from the monotony and focus of work.

Also, soon after bringing your new pet home, you should connect with a well-rounded and trustworthy veterinary clinic, as well as look into options for training and pet supplies.

Gather Gadgets

In today’s increasingly digital world, there are many apps designed for pet owners. 

For example, if your dog needs to go out while you are tied up with work, consider booking an on-demand walk with a professional dog walker in your area through an app, such as Wag! or Rover. 

If you are looking to train your pet, there are a variety of apps that guide you through the process with step-by-step instructions.

There are also smart gadgets and apps that can track your pet’s medical care and fitness goals. PitPat is an activity monitor that works with an app to track and analyze movement, calories, and weight. For tracking your pet’s health, the VirusVet app is a good option that allows you to keep track of vaccinations and medical records while also providing scheduled reminders for your pet’s medication.

There is a plethora of smartphone apps to help you with your business, too. For everything from basic communication to bookkeeping and project management, there are tools like Slack and Expensify that can make running your venture far easier and more efficient. A smartphone payroll service can also improve efficiency by automating your payroll process. An app like Quickbooks allows you to access and view employee details and pay stubs, create accurate paychecks, and set payroll and tax filing reminders all from your smartphone.

Duller Details

Setting up for your new friend and gathering supplies and helpful tools can be pretty fun, but as you move forward with your new pet and your new passion project, there are some duller details you need to address. 

For one thing, when you’re setting up a space for your new companion, keep safety in mind. Do some general pet-proofing, like securing trash and removing choking hazards. 

You also need to address your company’s safety concerns. When you conduct business via the web, data security is a must. Follow appropriate protocols, like updating your software regularly, using firewalls and using strict password protection. 

Launching a company while welcoming a new pet does not have to be unmanageable. By working from home, staying organized, and taking advantage of online tools and apps, you can succeed as an entrepreneur while helping your new companion feel comfortable and loved.

Guest article by Cindy Aldridge of ourdogfriends.org.