Houston Humane Society Shares Back-to-School Pet Tips to Help Ease Anxiety in Cats and Dogs
As Houston families get back into the swing of school routines this August, the transition may be harder on some family members than others—particularly the furry ones. The Houston Humane Society is reminding pet owners that cats and dogs, especially those adopted over the summer, may struggle with the sudden absence of their human companions during the day.
“I would aim for keeping potty times, feeding times, and play times as consistent as possible to reduce anxiety,” said Kalli Sandel, behavior and enrichment coordinator at Houston Humane Society. “The kids being back in school already changes the animal’s routines, so having consistent scheduling is a must”.
For rescue pets with a history of trauma or strong attachment, these changes can be even more stressful. Without proper structure or enrichment, pets may develop anxiety-related behaviors such as excessive barking, accidents in the house, or destructive chewing.
To help ease the transition, the Houston Humane Society’s Behavioral Rehabilitation Center is offering practical tips to help pets adapt gently and stay healthy—mentally and physically.
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Daily Routine is Key
Experts recommend that pet owners begin easing into the new schedule before the school year is in full swing. This includes:
- Keeping feeding, bathroom breaks, and playtimes as consistent as possible
- Creating a predictable routine for morning and evening interactions
- Using positive reinforcement training to gradually shift the schedule
“I would aim for keeping potty times, feeding times, and play times as consistent as possible to reduce anxiety,” said Kalli Sandel, behavior and enrichment coordinator at Houston Humane Society.
Young volunteer offers a treat-filled toy to a shelter dog, sparking trust and curiosity. DIY Enrichment to Reduce Stress
For pets who suddenly find themselves home alone for hours, boredom can turn into anxiety. The Humane Society encourages simple, low-cost enrichment ideas to stimulate your pet’s mind while you’re away:
- Create a cozy space with your pet’s favorite toys, blankets, or items with your scent
- Hide treats in a t-shirt or blanket to encourage scent work and engagement
- Leave the blinds open for cats to observe birds and outdoor activity
- Play soothing music or pet-friendly TV programming to keep them company
"Keeping pets mentally stimulated through these sorts of activities not only supports their overall wellbeing, but it also creates a more peaceful home and environment for the entire family,” said Aqsa Dhanani, behavior and enrichment coordinator at Houston Humane Society.
Additional Support and Low-Cost Vaccines
For families who need more help during the day, boarding or doggy daycare can be a great solution. These facilities typically require pets to be up-to-date on vaccinations. To make this accessible for all pet families, the Houston Humane Society’s low-cost wellness clinic is offering discounted vaccine packages this month, which include DA2PPC, rabies, Bordetella, and influenza shots.
The clinic and shelter are located at 14700 Almeda Rd, Houston, TX 77053, serving pet owners throughout the Greater Houston area. In 2024 alone, the organization provided veterinary care to over 28,000 animals and helped nearly 2,500 pets find their forever homes.
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Supporting the Entire Pet Family
With over 67 years of service, the Houston Humane Society continues to be a vital resource for animal welfare in Southeast Texas. Whether through adoption services, affordable veterinary care, behavioral support, or education, the nonprofit remains dedicated to ending animal cruelty and helping pets—and their people—thrive.
For more back-to-school pet care tips, enrichment ideas, or to schedule a wellness appointment, visit houstonhumane.org.
Stay tuned to My Neighborhood News for more seasonal advice and pet wellness updates tailored for Houston-area families.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
