Our cat becomes very loud and needy when we return and wants lots of pats and attention. We try to keep her occupied with toys and scatter treats around for her to find while we’re gone

Our girl dog does a bit, I find leaving the TV or or toys or blankets around that smell like us helps a bit

I have 2 indoor cats and we have left them a few times now by themselves. Each time we went away was only for 2 days max. We always made sure there was plenty of wet and dry food and lots of water bowls around the house. Being cats, I haven’t noticed separation anxiety, or at least they haven’t showed it. I think my kids and I have the separation anxiety issues. We miss our pussycats.

Not at all and I am so happy about this after hearing the issues that some friends have. Ours can be left alone overnight with no issues . They are very excited when we arrive home though.

It’s hard isnt it! It took a lot of time and a consistent routine for them to get the hang of it. At first he would always bark at the door as we leave and we always felt so uneasy and guilty. Then we set up a pet cam and realised once he could no longer hear our car drive off, he just walks off and takes a nap. So that helped us!

Yep. I have a 13yo maltese shihtsu. She used to be fine on her own. Then we got a staffy x kelpie and my partner refused to leave him at home. To start with it was because he was a puppy and he didn’t trust him not to destroy the house. So the little dog ended up coming out with us all the time too. Now, the maltese is still OK home alone but the big dog does not cope at all. It’s frustrating as it affects how and what we do as a couple. Eg we had my son, dil and grankids visit recently. One of us had to always stay home when outings were organised cos of the big dog. I didn’t mind that as I was the one going out.