The Student Room Group

Working full time plus owning a dog

I’ve always wanted a dog. I live alone, single, estranged from my family etc. eventually I will qualify as a lawyer and work full time . I’m not sure what my working situation will be like, whether I can work from home or go into chambers etc. but I would like to know whether anyone has gotten a dog in a similar situation and how they deal with it . Do you have pet sitters etc?
It doesn't sound like you would see much of your dog. Pet sitters/doggy daycare is expensive. It wouldn't be fair on a dog to leave it home alone all day. A cat would be a better choice in this setup
Original post by ReadingMum
It doesn't sound like you would see much of your dog. Pet sitters/doggy daycare is expensive. It wouldn't be fair on a dog to leave it home alone all day. A cat would be a better choice in this setup
I want to hear from someone who has made it work. Thank you
Reply 3
Original post by Butterflywings24
I’ve always wanted a dog. I live alone, single, estranged from my family etc. eventually I will qualify as a lawyer and work full time . I’m not sure what my working situation will be like, whether I can work from home or go into chambers etc. but I would like to know whether anyone has gotten a dog in a similar situation and how they deal with it . Do you have pet sitters etc?

Will you be specialising in Criminal Law?
Original post by AlanR88
Will you be specialising in Criminal Law?

No I’m hoping to go into commercial
Reply 5
Original post by Butterflywings24
No I’m hoping to go into commercial

No worries. I work alongside Barristers in a Criminal Law setting and so thought I may be able to provide some insight, but I am afraid that I don't know anything about Commercial Law.
Original post by AlanR88
No worries. I work alongside Barristers in a Criminal Law setting and so thought I may be able to provide some insight, but I am afraid that I don't know anything about Commercial Law.

Does anyone in your chambers have pets?

What are your earnings like ? Is it as bad as they often appear in the media?
Reply 7
Original post by Butterflywings24
Does anyone in your chambers have pets?
What are your earnings like ? Is it as bad as they often appear in the media?

I can't advise sadly as I am not that familiar with how Chambers operate as such. I work with Barristers in a Court setting, and they often take cases across the circuit, which can involve travel or overnight stays.
Original post by Butterflywings24
I’ve always wanted a dog. I live alone, single, estranged from my family etc. eventually I will qualify as a lawyer and work full time . I’m not sure what my working situation will be like, whether I can work from home or go into chambers etc. but I would like to know whether anyone has gotten a dog in a similar situation and how they deal with it . Do you have pet sitters etc?
I understand the enjoyment of having a dog, I have a dog myself and I love him to pieces but you should not get one if you are going to be working full time. You should sort out your job hours/location and get an idea of how you're work life balance is gonna be before wanting to get a dog. Theres no point in getting a dog and then getting a dog sitter for it to look after it when you are gone 70% of the time. If you want an animal around the home with less work(and by the sound of it, you do because you want a dog sitter) then just get a cat. I'm not saying that you should not get a pet sitter but I do think it's cruel to do so. Dogs are social creatures, not only do they want to be with people but they need long walks and exercise. Dogs are living creatures and you should provide them with a good quality of life.
I'm sorry that this is harsh but many people think that dogs are simple creatures but then they end up getting fed up with all the work they need to do.
(edited 2 months ago)
Reply 9
I have worked in commerical law previously and its not a 9-5 job, sometimes it could be a midnight finish or later depending. I got a dog 3 years ago, he has separation anxiety that he even follows me to the toilet if he can. He lliterally cries to let you know hes upset your going out. Its ok for him to go to doggy day care he runs in faster than a bullet can fly but not the other way around. Daycare is £27 a day and from 8 to 6 he goes twice a week for socialising. All dogs need 2 walks a day at least 30 - 60 mins depending on size and 2 meals a day at regular time. A drop-in to walk and feed your dog costs £20 once a day. Insurance in £59 a month, pet plan £20 a month, food runs around £150 a month as needs special diet. I love him to bits and hes very loyal and protective but if I had know all the issues I was going to get no I would never have got a dog. I have to hurry back from shopping even. Its worse than having a toddler at home. There is a website where you can "borrow my doggy". I suggest you try taking a dog for a weekend and see the reality of what it is like without the expense of having your own. You just cant leave a dog more than 3-4 hours on its own its cruel.