How Long Can You Leave a Dog Alone Legally?

How long is too long?

Laws aside, how long is too long to leave your dog? A general rule is that you should try not to leave them alone for more than four to six hours at a time. That doesn’t mean you’re abusing your pet if you have to work late, but it is a good idea to make some sort of arrangements if you know you’ll be gone for the day. The American Kennel Club suggests not leaving a dog alone indoors for more than six to eight hours.

Dogs are social, and being isolated for the bulk of the day can make them lonely, anxious, bored, and depressed. Also, dogs need to be able to relieve themselves, and it’s not good to force them to “hold it” for that long.

Since you may not have a job that allows you to spend all day with your pet, consider:

Hiring a dog walker

Dropping your pet at doggy daycare

Installing a doggy door

Spending your lunch break to let your dog out

Is it illegal to leave a dog alone overnight?

While it is not illegal to leave your dog alone overnight, as a pet parent, you should ask yourself if your dog can psychologically handle this.

First off, never leave a puppy alone for more than a few hours. (Teaching your puppy to be alone requires training and time.) If your adolescent or grown dog is clingy (or otherwise not particularly independent), this could heighten anxious behavior such as pacing about, scratching and chewing things, barking, and even starving themselves. To avoid this, the easiest thing to do is have a friend or dog sitter spend the night. That way your dog can remain in a familiar environment and know that they have not been abandoned.

If your dog is independent — i.e. you have previously and incrementally tested that they are comfortable being left alone — before you go, feed them and take them on a long walk so they can relieve themselves and expend some energy. Also, don’t forget to give them any medications they may need. Then be sure to leave them with food, water, and plenty of toys for distractions. (Interactive toys, in particular, are good for expending more energy.)

What about leaving them for the weekend?

This is never a good idea, and it’s really unfair to the dog. Will you be breaking the law? It depends on the circumstances, but leaving your dog alone for several days will certainly be walking too close to the line. Take into consideration that you may also be subject to federal, state, and local laws covering animal neglect, abandonment, starvation, and excessive barking. Legalities aside, leaving your dog alone for too long could also lead to destructive behavior in your home (scratching, biting, chewing), and even worse, self-harm.

Dogs are usually most comfortable at home, so consider looking for a house or pet sitter that you trust. If not, pet boarding or someone who can host your dog at their house are other options.