Dog lovers gather to weigh in on an impawtant question: can you be a good single dog owner and work in-office with a commute?

Author image for kalila courban
kalila courban
Apr 23, 2025 3:00 PM EDT

Hey there, doggo enthusiasts. We know that adopting a dog can sometimes feel like a full-time job, one that can be tough to balance alongside your actual full-time job, especially if you're a single person commuting daily for an eight-hour workday. One dog lover recently sparked a lively debate that struck a chord with many: can you be a good single dog owner if you work in-office full time and have a commute? The responses came in quickly, and they offered a well-rounded perspective.

Some folks pointed out that plenty of dogs live full, happy lives with working owners, particularly when those owners provide structure, enrichment, and support like dog walkers or daycare. Others emphasized how much it depends on the individual dog. High-energy breeds like Border Collies or Huskies need lots of mental and physical exercise, while older pups or low-energy breeds like Bulldogs may be perfectly happy snoozing the day away.

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  • Is owning a dog impossible for a single person with an 8-hour workday?

  • 01
    I feel like there is some kind of disconnect in my understanding of what it takes to take care of a dog. I'm doing research about owning a dog and keep hearing things like three 20-minute walks per day, at least an hour of vigorous exercise, and I quote "if you work an 8 hour work day, owning a dog may not be for you."
    via NextRefrigerator6306
  • 02
    Does everyone that owns a dog either not work, work from home or only work part time? Are they running with their dog 7-8 miles or throwing a ball for an hour EVERY day? Can/will a dog exercise themselves if you have a large enough yard?
    via NextRefrigerator6306
  • 03
    I don't think a single dog owner I've known has adequately taken care of their dog if this is the bare minimum standard. How do good dog owners not blow out their rotator cuffs or pound their knees in to oblivion?
    via NextRefrigerator6306

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  • 04
    Is this the point I learn that since I only run a few times a week instead of every day and I work 8 hours a day I should just forget about ever owning a dog?
    via NextRefrigerator6306
  • 05
    Cheezburger Image 10496219136
    via Gabe from Pexels

    This image is for illustration only, and the subjects are models; the image does not depict the actual subjects of the story.

  • 06
    coenobita_clypeatus My dog is a crotchety old man who sleeps 20 hours a day. He was old when I got him, and now he's four years older than that, but he's living his best life here in his "retirement." You can absolutely have a dog. You just need the right dog for you!
    via coenobita_clypeatus
  • 07
    Glittering-Panic-131 I've been a multiple dog owner working days longer than eight hours. Not all dogs are super energetic, and I utilized a pet sitter to drop in mid day and take them outside.
    via Glittering-Panic-131
  • 08
    showme420 Please remember there are tons of shelter dogs waiting that are ok alone for that long and would be ok with it.
    via showme420
  • 09
    kn1ght-of-heart It very very much depends on the breed. Not every dog is gonna expend that much energy. As for eight hours, that also depends on the dog, how often they need to go to the bathroom and stuff. I have an older havanese. He doesn't need much exercise but if I have to be gone for eight hours it's better to get someone to take him out because he will Not wait to go to the bathroom.
    via kn1ght--heart
  • 10
    TheMostSuperlativest I think people have very strong opinions about what it takes to be a "good" dog parent. It looks differently for everyone and every dog. There are so many great services available if you work. I was single and had a golden retriever puppy on my own, pulling long days at the hospital. I had a great Rover walker, and I did what I could when I got home. It's definitely doable, and so many great dogs need someone who cares enough to ask this question!
    via TheMostSuperlativest
  • 11
    Cheezburger Image 10496218880
    via Elayne Massaini from Getty Images

    This image is for illustration only, and the subjects are models; the image does not depict the actual subjects of the story.

  • 12
    TCgrace Top 1% Commenter It depends on the dog. This isn't a good situation for a puppy, but an older dog would be fine if they are a lower energy dog.
    via TCgrace

  • The general takeaway? Know your lifestyle, know your dog, and plan accordingly. When it is the right match, being a working dog parent is not only doable, it is genuinely rewarding.

  • 13
    mileybean A dog will not exercise themselves in a yard. They may enjoy a yard, but it doesn't replace what you need to do for them. You can definitely own a dog if you work 8 hour days, and many people do. But yes you do need to exercise them and provide them mental stimulation. I work eight hour days and my dog usually gets two 30-60 minute walks a day and then a shorter 10 minute walk before bed. He only eats one meal out of a bowl, and the other meal is usually a combo of training and some ki
    via mileybean
  • 14
    StrainHappy7896 No, definitely not impossible. I work more than 8 hours many days and easily take care of my dog. I walk or run at least 3-6 miles with my dog every day. My area is filled with other single people who work full time and own dogs. If you're going to be gone 8+ hours then you may need to hire a dog walker or use doggy daycare. Not all dogs can comfortably go 8 hours without a bathroom break.
    via StrainHappy7896
  • 15
    Cheezburger Image 10496218624
    via K_Thalhofer from Getty Images Pro

    This image is for illustration only, and the subjects are models; the image does not depict the actual subjects of the story.

  • 16
    6gunrockstar When I was working and commuting 3+ hours a day, I was not a great single person dog owner. I did the best I could. Years later I was eventually able to change into a fully remote role and that was a game changer. I definitely made up for it those last 6 years.
    via 6gunrockstar
  • 17
    I think it's really hard to meet expectations you've outlined. Some people can, but they are the minority. Especially if you're working/commuting to an office.
    via 6gunrockstar
  • 18
    I am very active with my dogs but they wear me out and I'm WFH. 3x walks a day about :15 each walk. I interact with my dogs each morning when we wake up and give them attention throughout the day but I just don't have the energy to entertain them the way I used to.
    via 6gunrockstar
  • 19
    It is a LOT easier when you have multiple people in the house. Being a single dog owner is a grind. No regrets but if you're working think twice,
    via 6gunrockstar
  • 20
    needanadult I had a dog and worked from home 8 hrs a day. It was actually really good for me to break up the day by taking him on walks. On nice afternoons I would take him to a field nearby and we'd run around. That said I did have help during his puppy phase and could not have done that part on my own.
    via needanadult
  • 21
    We go on a 30ish minute walk in the morning, then a short one at lunch, and at least an hour long one and/or dog park trip at night. She's still always worn out and snoring by the end of the day. Labs are great.
    via needanadult
  • 22
    logaruski73 I worked longer hours. The magic is adopting an older dog, not a puppy. Lots of benefits. Dog is already house trained, more information on which to base your decision to adopt or not, has a set personality so you know if it's closer to the couch potato basset or closer to the hyperactive Australian Shepard.
    via logaruski73
  • 23
    For your own relationship with the dog, I do suggest a fast walk in the morning and a slower sniff walk at end of day. A day a week in a reputable doggy daycare for friendships and socializing.
    via logaruski73
  • 24
    At our shelter, we've had dogs that would match perfectly with you and your schedule. I do recommend getting a Furbo so you can look in on your dog during the day or if you go out. You can see him sleeping or if there are accidents, then you know when and can schedule a dog walker for that time. It also allows you to give treats and talk to him.
    via logaruski73
  • 25
    Do understand that a dog is forever so dating doesn't change it, wanting to going on vacations doesn't change it. It takes about 6 months for a dog to fully settle.
    via logaruski73

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