Working in London can mean long days away from home. Even if your working hours are reasonable, commuting across the city can add an hour or more at either end of the day.

For dog owners, this raises an important question: how can you make sure your dog is happy and properly cared for while you’re at work?

There is no single routine that suits every dog. Age, health, temperament and previous experience all affect how well a dog copes alone. In this guide, we explain how long dogs can generally be left, the signs that your dog may be struggling and the options available to working dog owners in London.

How long can you leave a dog alone?

UK animal-welfare organisations generally recommend that dogs should not routinely be left alone for more than four hours. Puppies usually need company, toilet breaks and supervision much more frequently.

Four hours is a guideline rather than a target. Some adult dogs can relax comfortably for that period, while others become distressed after only a few minutes.

Consider your dog’s:

  • Age and health
  • Toilet needs
  • Energy level
  • Experience of being alone
  • Normal exercise routine
  • Response when you leave
  • Need for human or canine company

The RSPCA advises owners not to leave dogs alone for more than four hours—and for considerably less time in the case of puppies. The PDSA gives similar guidance while stressing that every dog is different.

Under the Animal Welfare Act 2006, owners in England also have a duty to meet their dog’s welfare needs. The law does not set a universal maximum number of hours, but owners must provide an appropriate environment, diet, normal behaviour opportunities, suitable companionship and protection from suffering.

Why working in London can make things more difficult

A nominal eight-hour working day can easily become ten hours away from home once commuting, delays and after-work commitments are included.

Hybrid working can create another challenge. If your dog becomes accustomed to having you home every day, a sudden return to the office may be difficult for them. Dogs benefit from a predictable routine and should be introduced to time alone gradually.

Living in a London flat can make distress more noticeable too. Barking or howling may affect nearby neighbours, while a dog without access to a garden will depend on someone arriving to provide toilet breaks.

Planning care around your door-to-door absence, rather than simply your contracted working hours, gives you a much more realistic picture of your dog’s day.

Signs your dog may be struggling alone

Not every distressed dog destroys the sofa. Some signs of separation-related behaviour are easy to miss because they only happen after the owner has left.

Possible warning signs include:

  • Barking, whining or howling
  • Pacing, panting or trembling
  • Scratching doors and attempting to escape
  • Destructive chewing, particularly near exits
  • Toileting indoors
  • Excessive salivation
  • Refusing treats or food toys while alone
  • Becoming anxious when you pick up your keys or coat
  • Extreme excitement when you return
  • Repeated licking or other self-soothing behaviour

A pet camera can help you understand what happens in your absence. Watch your dog’s body language rather than checking only for barking or damage.

If your dog shows persistent signs of distress, speak to your vet. They can rule out medical causes and, where appropriate, refer you to a qualified clinical animal behaviourist.

Do not punish your dog for damage or accidents discovered when you return. Your dog will not connect the punishment with something that happened earlier, and it may increase their anxiety about your departure or return.

How to prepare your dog for a working day

Build up alone time gradually

Start with an absence your dog can comfortably manage—even if this is only a few seconds. Return before they become distressed and increase the duration gradually.

Moving too quickly can make the problem worse. If your dog becomes worried, return to a shorter, manageable period.

Arrange an appropriate morning walk

Give your dog an opportunity to exercise, sniff and go to the toilet before work. A calm, enriching walk is often more useful than trying to exhaust them with frantic exercise.

Allow time for your dog to settle before you leave rather than walking through the door immediately after an exciting activity.

Create a comfortable resting area

Make sure your dog has:

  • Fresh water
  • A comfortable bed
  • A safe room or resting space
  • A suitable temperature
  • Protection from distressing sights or noises
  • Only toys and chews that are safe without supervision

Closing curtains may help dogs that react to people or animals passing the window. Quiet background sound can mask some noises from communal hallways and neighbouring flats.

Use enrichment carefully

A stuffed food toy, safe chew or puzzle feeder can give some dogs a positive activity when you leave. Introduce it while you are at home first and include the food within your dog’s normal daily allowance.

If your dog normally loves food but will not touch it in your absence, that can be a sign of anxiety rather than boredom.

Options for London dog owners who work away from home

A lunchtime dog walk

A professional dog walker can break up your dog’s day with exercise, toileting, enrichment and company.

This can work particularly well for adult dogs that are comfortable resting at home but should not be left for the entire working day. Depending on the dog, walks may be provided individually or in a carefully matched group.

When choosing a dog walker, ask about insurance, security arrangements, emergency procedures, group sizes, transport and how dogs are matched.

Dog daycare

Daycare can provide supervision, activity, rest and social contact during a longer office day. It may suit sociable dogs that enjoy an appropriately managed group environment.

However, daycare is not automatically right for every dog. Puppies, older dogs, nervous dogs and dogs that find groups overwhelming may need a different arrangement. A responsible provider should assess each dog and include sufficient rest rather than expecting constant play.

At Green Dog Walking, we always start with a trial walk/daycare session to ensure the service is right for your dog. We match dogs according to factors such as temperament, play style, age and energy level, with plenty of group training and positive reinforcement.

A home visit or dog sitter

A home visit may suit puppies, older dogs or dogs that prefer familiar surroundings. A sitter can provide company, feeding, medication where agreed and a toilet break.

For dogs with significant separation anxiety, an ordinary walk halfway through the day may not solve the underlying problem. They may initially need someone present for most or all of the owner’s absence alongside a gradual behaviour plan.

Help from friends or neighbours

A trusted friend, relative or neighbour may be able to share some of the care. Agree clearly who is responsible, when they will arrive and what they should do in an emergency.

An informal arrangement should still be reliable enough to meet your dog’s needs every working day.

Choosing the right routine for your dog

A typical adult dog that relaxes comfortably at home might benefit from a morning walk, a lunchtime visit and another walk after work.

A sociable, energetic dog may enjoy selected daycare days. A young puppy may need several visits or near-continuous supervision, while a nervous dog may be happier with an individual carer.

You could also combine different options across the week:

  • Office days: daycare or a dog walker
  • Work-from-home days: planned periods apart to maintain independence
  • Occasional long days: a sitter or extended care
  • Weekends: relaxed walks, training and time together

Judge the arrangement by your dog’s behaviour, not merely by how convenient it appears on paper.

Frequently asked questions

Can I leave my dog alone for eight hours while I work?

Leaving a dog alone for a full eight-hour working day—or longer once commuting is included—exceeds the routine four-hour maximum recommended by leading UK welfare organisations. Arrange a suitable break or daytime care based on your individual dog’s needs.

Is dog daycare better than a dog walker?

Neither option is universally better. Daycare can suit dogs that enjoy a carefully managed social environment. A walk may suit dogs that prefer resting at home, while an individual sitter may be more appropriate for puppies, older dogs or dogs that dislike groups.

Can a puppy be left alone while I work?

A puppy cannot ordinarily cope with an adult working day alone. Puppies require frequent toilet opportunities, feeding, supervision, rest and carefully managed socialisation. Alone-time training should begin with very short, positive sessions.

Will getting a second dog prevent separation anxiety?

Not necessarily. Separation-related distress is often connected to the absence of a particular person, and another dog may not resolve it. You could also end up with two dogs requiring care. Seek professional advice before making this decision.

Daytime dog care in London

Working in London does not mean your dog has to spend the entire day alone. The right combination of training, walking, daycare and trusted support can give your dog a safe and enjoyable routine while allowing you to concentrate on work.

Green Dog Walking provides dog walks and countryside doggy daycare in North, West and Central London. We take time to understand each dog’s personality, routine and care needs before recommending a suitable option.

To discuss care for your dog, contact us on 020 3394 0074 or email us at [email protected]