Dog Lovers Conflicted on Ethics of Adopting if You Don’t WFH—What To Know

In a viral TikTok post, a woman from Washington D.C. asked users whether or not it is fair to adopt a dog, knowing that you will leave them home alone for most of the day. So Newsweek spoke to a veterinarian to find out the answer.

The video, shared in March under the username @cameronisaboysname, comes with a caption that says: “I saw this post of dogs at a shelter saying ‘we’d rather be alone 9 hours of the day than 23.5 hours of the day,’ encouraging people with full time in person jobs to adopt.

“I want a dog so badly and my fiance and I ruled it out [because] we both work full time in person. I would love people’s unbiased opinions on this [because] I would love to get a dog out of the shelter but I feel like it’s unfair for the dog to be left alone for most of the time (and also become comfortable in the home without us).”

Dr. Eliza O’Callaghan, veterinarian at Small Door Veterinary in New York City, told Newsweek that adopting a dog while working full-time can be a wonderful and responsible decision.

O’Callaghan said: “Having a busy schedule doesn’t mean you can’t provide a loving, stable, and fulfilling home for a dog. In fact, many dogs thrive in homes where their person works, as long as their emotional and physical needs are thoughtfully met.

“The alternative—remaining in a shelter, often in a stressful and unpredictable environment—can take a real toll on a dog’s well-being.”

According to O’Callaghan, canines are incredibly resilient and adaptable, and with a predictable routine, creative enrichment, and quality time when you are home, they can live incredibly happy lives.

“It’s not about being physically present all day—it’s about the consistency, love, and care you provide. Being a devoted, full-time worker and a devoted dog parent are not mutually exclusive,” O’Callaghan said.

It is only normal to worry about your dog’s well-being when you are not at home, but there are many effective and accessible ways to keep dogs enriched and comfortable while they are on their own.

Food puzzles, slow feeders, and safe chew toys filled with frozen peanut butter, or wet food, can keep a dog occupied and mentally engaged for extended periods.

“Leaving on calming music, dog-specific streaming content, or white noise can also help soothe anxiety and reduce environmental stress. A rotating toy system can keep their environment fresh and engaging,” O’Callaghan said.

Hiring a dog walker to take them out during the day can also provide an outlet for exercise and interaction. For more sociable dogs, another good option is day care.

“As a veterinarian who works long hours myself, I completely understand the concern. I have a dog at home, and I rely on a trusted dog walker to give her attention and exercise when I can’t be there,” O’Callaghan added.

For O’Callaghan, it is not about being physically present all day, as much as it is about creating a routine, and making sure your dog’s emotional, mental, and physical needs are consistently met.

O’Callaghan said: “I believe deeply in the power of the human-animal bond; it’s one of the reasons I do the work I do. The joy, comfort, and companionship animals bring into our lives is truly magical, and I don’t think the responsibility of a full-time job should take that experience away from someone.

“Rather than asking if someone should adopt, I think we should ask if they’re ready to be thoughtful, dedicated, and loving—because, if the answer is yes, then they deserve the chance to experience all the magic that comes with sharing life with a dog,” O’Callaghan added.

The video quickly went viral on social media, receiving over 1.4 million views and more than 80,900 likes, and the majority of users on the platform agree that a dog is better off home alone than at the shelter.

One user, Beagle_Mishief, commented: “Nine hours in a quiet safe crate while you work or 23 hours in a kennel surrounded by constant noise and stimulation. Which environment would you prefer.”

Brookewiest20 posted: “I’m a licensed vet tech with four dogs. I work full time and my dogs stay home. I’ve worked in shelter med and I promise you the best place for them is in a home with people who love them.”

Lozs97 added: “I work in rescue. There are hundreds of dogs sat in shelters who will NEVER find a home. A sofa and people with them all night is better than sitting in an empty kennel for 24 hours a day.”

Newsweek reached out to @cameronisaboysname for comment via email. We could not verify the details of the case.

Do you have funny and adorable videos or pictures of your pet you want to share? Send them to life@newsweek.com with some details about your best friend, and they could appear in our “Pet of the Week” lineup.