How Much Your Pet’s Routine Depends on the Maid (And What Happens When She Quits)
Shweta | Sep 03, 2025, 09:00 IST
Highlight of the story: In most Indian homes, the job of the maid is a lot more than cooking and cleaning. She is a figure that you cannot see but is crucial in the daily life of your pet. She may be more dependent on you than you think, having to be present on morning walks and mealtime rituals. However, what should happen when she just decides to quit? It can not only interfere with your domestic tasks, but the emotional and physical health of your pet as well.
The Secret bond between Pets and Maids
Shared Play Builds Trust
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Animals are sensitive to predictability. The maid who appears everyday, welcomes them warmly or gives them small gifts every now and then is a consolation. In time your dog will sit patiently at the door when you walk in the house and your cat will hang around the kitchen because that is where she hums as she cooks.
Why Your Pet Depends More Than You Think
The Comfort of a Full Bowl
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Play and Exercise: Pet walkers are a common practice by maids in busy urban families. In dogs particularly, this daily exercise is not a mere workout, it is also their way of exploring, socialising and venting their energy.
Accompaniment: Pets that are left unattended at home when the owners are away at work usually seek the company of the maid. Having any kind of informal communication such as a pat on the head or a word or two can be a way to ward off loneliness.
Observation and Caretaking: Maids who spend time at home pick up on minor changes--when the pet eats less, limps a little, or appears to be unusually silent. Owners may not notice these signs, but maids may be the first to notice that something has gone amiss.
When the Maid Quits: The Ripple Effect
Emotional Ripple of Change<br>
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Besides emotional distress, there are pragmatic problems as well. So who walks the dog when the two owners are working? Who makes sure that meals are delivered in time? Long periods of separation may cause separation anxiety in pets who are used to spending time with their owners.
Depending on the temperament of the pet, the adjustment may take days or even a period of weeks. There are those pets who quickly adapt, and those who exhibit stress-related symptoms.
Preparing for Transitions
Share Duty: Do not allow your pet to attach an individual to core work alone. When the maid normally walks or feeds the dog, sometimes walk it yourself. This will help your pet not to be too dependent on any single caregiver.
Bring In New Personnel Gradually: In case you bring in a new person to fill a vacancy, have your pet get acquainted with them over time. Be with your pet during the initial interaction to ensure that the pet is comfortable.
Keep Schedule: This is regardless of whether the individual is the same, machine the same. Have the same schedule every day, i.e. feed, walk, and play.
Additional Comfort-Spend more time with your pet during the transition. More play time, cuddles or even short car rides will probably relieve their anxiety.
What Owners Should Remember
Perhaps it is also worth noting the emotional labour maids do, which is rarely seen. To them, it can be in their job description to take care of your pet but to your pet it can be like love. That relationship should be valued.
Care Beyond Chores
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After all, routines are important, but what pets really need is to know that they are safe and loved. And that is something that only you as the pet parent can eventually guarantee.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How does the pet act when left alone?
Some dogs may develop behavioral issues like separation anxiety that can stem from boredom, anxiety and stress by being alone at home.Do dogs feel sad when owners leave?
Some dogs may feel a pang of despair when you leave and then move on.Should I feel guilty leaving my dog for vacation?
Try not to feel guilty about leaving your dog home when you go on vacation. It's perfectly fine to want to travel without your pet. In some cases, it may not even be possible to bring them along. Yes, your dog will miss you, and you'll miss them!How to prepare your dog for you leaving?
Teach that it is OK to be Alone. Each day, allow some time for your puppy to be alone. Stay Calm When Leaving. Give Your Pet Plenty of Exercise.Do dogs think we abandon them when we leave?
They might feel confused or anxious, which can mimic feelings of abandonment. This confusion is why many pet owners worry about their dogs' well-being during their absence. While these behaviors indicate distress, they do not necessarily mean your dog believes you have abandoned them.