AUSTIN, Texas (Aug. 6, 2025) — When kids head back to school, pets may seem like the ones getting left behind. But according to Thrive Pet Healthcare, the return to a structured routine benefits pets and often brings more calm, not less.
“During the summer, household routines tend to fall apart. Bedtimes change, feeding times shift, and daily walks get skipped or rescheduled,” said Dr. Kelly Cairns, Vice President of Medical Excellence and Education at Thrive Pet Healthcare. “As fun as summer can be, that unpredictability can create stress for pets.”
Cairns says the return to a school-year schedule often brings stability through regular mealtimes, walks and alone time, which helps pets feel more secure and balanced.
Pets Do Better When They Know What to Expect
Research supports this. A 2025
study published in
Applied Animal Behaviour Science used year-long behavioral tracking on pet cats and found that their activity patterns shifted significantly with changes in light, temperature and routine. Cats were less active and spent more time lying down during the summer months, suggesting that environmental cues and inconsistent schedules affect their behavior.
In another
study, UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine researchers documented that cats exposed to unpredictable routines showed signs of increased stress, including digestive upset, house soiling and hiding. Even moderate disruptions like inconsistent feeding or social interaction were enough to trigger negative behavior and health changes.
Dogs aren’t immune either. A
study published in
Scientific Reports showed that dogs mirror the long-term stress levels of their humans. The more structured and calm the household routine, the lower the dog’s stress hormone levels, even when activity levels stayed the same.
“All of this research confirms what veterinarians see every day,” Cairns said. “Routine reduces anxiety. It helps regulate everything from digestion and sleep to behavior.”
A Quiet House Isn’t Always a Bad Thing
When school starts, pets may whine or act out the first few days, especially if they’re used to constant activity. But Thrive Pet Healthcare says most pets adjust quickly and do better once routines settle in.
“If your pet seems restless or destructive when the house quiets down, it’s usually a temporary adjustment,” Cairns said. “Try shifting back into a consistent pattern now to ease the transition.”
Thrive Pet Healthcare recommends beginning those changes by mid-August, especially with National Back-to-School Prep Day happening Aug. 15.
Helpful strategies include:
Reinstate regular feeding and walk times
Start leaving the house for short periods to get pets used to being alone
Provide puzzle feeders, chew toys or calming music
Avoid dramatic exits or entrances, which can reinforce separation anxiety
If your pet shows signs of stress such as excessive barking, accidents or hiding, talk with your veterinarian. Some pets benefit from training or short-term anxiety support to get through changes in routine.
“Pets thrive on predictability,” Cairns said. “By reestablishing structure as school begins, you’re helping them feel safe and balanced again.”
To find a Thrive Pet Healthcare location near you, including primary, specialty, urgent and emergency veterinary care, visit
www.ThrivePetCare.com.
