Pets at home: 3 Ways to keep your pets busy

by Ann Hayward 03/31/2025

Pet owners who work from home have lived with the conundrum of what to do with their pets during the day. Some have established large and lavish “apartment areas,” consisting of a large crated area filled with toys, bedding and other pet supplies; while others allow their pets to roam and sit beside them during their work hours.

However, most pet owners would love a few extra ways to keep their furry friends entertained. Here are a few ideas to entertain your pets at home while you work:

Games

Animals love to play. It’s a method of teaching them social skills with small animals, key people in your household and other pets. However, playing with your pet may not be conducive to your daily productivity. Luckily, there are solo games that can be played by your pets during the day.

For example, if you have a dog, try a snuffle mat that allows your dog to bury its face and search for tiny morsels such as treats or pet food. There are also solitary games for dogs that teach them to use deductive reasoning and rewards them with a tasty tidbit when they’ve gotten the answer correctly.

For those with cats, try an exercise wheel for hyperactive felines, a logic puzzle for those kittens that like to get into trouble or a standard hanging cat toy above their favorite place. Cat games should also have treats hidden inside to keep them invested in play.

Toys

While toys may seem like an obvious addition to your work-from-home distractors, not all toys are the same. Try high-value toys, such as toys with treat compartments or herb pockets. These tend to keep your pets invested in their playtime and out of your company meetings.

Restful areas

Another pet distraction lies with restful places for your pet. Places that are heavy with items your pet enjoys, bedding misted with pet-friendly calming extracts and a good bout of pet-appropriate music may be just the thing you need to keep them busy.

Adding restful elements helps your pet relax, and with pet-specific music and sounds, your pet can get some well-deserved rest while you work through your day.

Your pets are a great addition to your household, regardless of their activity level. However, your workday doesn’t have to suffer distractions to keep them occupied. Try these simple tips and watch as both your productivity and your pet’s playful interests soar.

About the Author

Ann Hayward

Born in Philadelphia and raised in the suburbs, Ann Hayward got her Pennsylvania real estate license at age 18 even before going to college. This second-generation real estate professional followed in the footsteps of her father and two uncles, inheriting their passion for the business. Licensed in DC, Maryland and Virginia, Ann is accomplished in her career, with numerous designations including SFR, SRES, PSA, WHC, and multiunit Housing Development Finance Professional (HDFP) from the National Development Council. She specializes in Prince Georges and Montgomery Counties, Northern Virginia and Washington, DC, all jurisdictions where Ann has lived and knows very well. In addition to her professional expertise, she owns and manages personal investment property, understands and has been involved in the renovation/remodeling process, and has great resources which she shares with clients. When you hire Ann to represent you, she will make your buying or selling experience an enjoyable, rewarding one. Her compassion, sensitivity to her clients’ needs, eye for detail, and ability to see the big picture when guiding you through a purchase or sale are unique assets that will ensure your success. A diverse and relevant background also gives Ann a distinct edge. For 30 years, she worked in fast-paced, high-pressure television and theatrical production, attaining the highest achievement – DGA membership as a Director, and as an award-winning staff and freelance writer. Her keen audio visual skills and design sense benefit sellers in marketing their properties, and are invaluable in helping buyers see the potential of space. A true renaissance woman, Ann was also an income tax professional and office manager for H&R Block, so she thoroughly understands the tax and financial implications of acquiring and selling real estate. Her superior organizational skills are further evidenced as owner of a downsizing/professional organizing business, Managed For You, which allows her to connect with everyone from millennials to boomers and seniors, whether for small space planning or assisting with major decluttering and transitioning. Ann holds an AB in American History from Simmons College, Boston, plus attended Robert Wagner Graduate School of Public Administration where she was a candidate for Doctorate. She additionally studied Film Direction at the American Film Institute in LA, and was a Stanford University post-graduate Professional Journalism Fellow. Personally, Ann is an avid if not very good golfer, and the co-founder of a nonprofit 501c3 organization offering educational guidance, tutoring and counseling for youngsters from elementary school through college admission. She sits on the board of trustees of a nonprofit educational film production corporation as well. (202) 494-6252 [email protected]