Care for a pet without owning one
How to enjoy the companionship of a pet, without having to own one
You might love the idea of having a pet around the house to care for and to keep you company, but sadly it’s not always possible. Perhaps you’re not allowed to keep pets where you live, or feel you can’t commit yourself to looking after one full-time. This doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the benefits of having pet – there are plenty of ways you can bond with animals without actually owning one.
Look after someone else’s pet
Owners aren’t always able to give their pets the attention they need, so why not offer a helping hand? Pop round to your neighbour’s house and offer to walk their dog or, if you know a friend or family member who’s going away, offer to feed their pets, or pet sit for them while they’re on holiday.
Borrow a pet
Services such as Borrow My Doggy and Pawshake allow animal lovers to look after other people’s pets if the owner is unable to. These companies will help you fill the doggy void in your life by matching you with local owners who are going on holiday, or unable to take their animal for regular walks due to health problems or work commitments. You could help by having their pet for a day, or even a week! You can take borrowed dogs on walks, holidays, or take the opportunity to see how a dog would fit into your own life if you’re considering getting one.
Volunteer
There will be animal shelters in your area which are desperate for your help. Volunteering is a great way of getting involved with a variety of animals for a good cause. The RSPCA has a wide range of opportunities available, from temporary fostering to being a wildlife volunteer helping various injured birds and small mammals get back into the wild.