Online Discussion Sparks Debate On Whether It's Cruel To Have Pets While Living Alone

"As long as they are well trained and owners are consistent, they will be fine."

Stephanie

• Published in Interesting
• March 1, 2024

Our pets are an important part of our family. We love them fiercely and would do anything for them.

But are we inadvertently being cruel to our furry friends if we leave them alone for much of the time? Should we be reconsidering having pets if we live alone?

A Quora user recently posed the question, which sparked an interesting discussion among the online community. Lisa Dooley Fisk asked fellow users if they considered it cruel for people who live alone to have pets.

She pointed out that she doesn't generally think that it's cruel for pets to be left alone for reasonable periods of time. However, she did mention that when she had a dog while living in an apartment, she walked him at least four times each day.

The dog was her emotional support while recovering from a severe illness. And, in return, she was his support as he endured old age.

The OP said that, since then, she has always had more than one dog at a time. She says when there is more than one, they do an excellent job of keeping each other company.

The comments on Lisa's post were unanimous, with other Quora users agreeing that it is not cruel to have pets while living alone. Keep scrolling to see what they have to say.

Lisa's "tireless trio."

Lisa pointed out that she doesn't generally think that it's cruel for pets to be left alone for reasonable periods of time.

However, she did mention that when she had a dog while living in an apartment, she walked him at least four times each day.

When she moved into a house, her dog moved in with her dad.

Since then, she has always had more than one dog at a time.

The single dog was her emotional support while recovering from a severe illness.

She says when there is more than one, they do an excellent job of keeping each other company.

Currently, Lisa's "tireless trio" of pups each like to think of themselves as the only dog in the house.

Some other Quora users shared their own experiences, and you can take a look at some of them below.

"Absolutely not!"

Absolutely not! Many times people who live alone like companionship when they get home.

Most dogs will sleep while their “person” is at work. If they’re older and not destructive, make sure to leave an enrichment toy (such as a stuffed Kong) to keep them entertained.

This can also be used for dogs who require crating when alone. It’s wonderful to have an animal greet you when you arrive home from work.

A cat may be a better pet for someone who travels a lot as they’re more self sufficient and can entertain themselves and use a litter box. Obviously they need to be fed.

I lived alone for many years and have had up to 3 dogs while I worked. It was very comforting knowing I had “someone” to come home to!

Dogs live in the moment and don’t go by a clock counting minutes until you come home.

- Anne Burke

"If they have other animals, then they aren't alone."

No, dogs and cats sleep 12-16 hours. We sleep 8.

As long as they are well trained and owners are consistent they will be fine. Also, if they have other animals then they aren't alone.

It would actually be more beneficial for that person's mental health to have a pet and that pet to have a loving home. You can also have neighbors/family check on them, get a dog walker, doggy daycare, etc.

Now, if you have an animal and you don't take care of it, it doesn't matter if they are gone for 15 hours or there 24/7.

- Taylor Peters

"Go for it!"

Look at it this way… which is more “ cruel “…. Having a safe home and loving person for most of the day, but being alone for several hours- but has toys, a comfortable bed and quiet to get a good nap in...

Or sitting in a lonely kennel with minimal interaction with people or out on the street or being euthanized? As long as an individual is financially able to take care of a pet and actually wants a pet - go for it.

- Doris Wright

What are your thoughts on this question? Do you think pets should only be kept if their owner can be with them all the time, or do you think it's reasonable for them to be left alone sometimes?

Surely, as long as our pets are well taken care of and provided for, it isn't cruel to leave them alone at times. As long as they're not alone all the time, of course.

We would love to hear your opinions on this. You can share your thoughts with us in the comment section.

Stephanie