Keeping your pet inside is a necessary evil of having pets and having a life. We love pets. Best case scenario for everyone is if Spot is safe, well fed, active and outdoors as much as possible. But most apartments don't come with doggie or kitty doors and a fenced in yard. And most jobs don't practice Take Your Dog to Work Day all year long.

For pets who stay in the apartment, make sure they have plenty of food, water and toys that are safe to play with unsupervised (which means most toys, but you know your pet better than anyone).

If you work close to home, come home for lunch to hang out with Spot several days a week. You save money by not paying to eat out. You get a breath of fresh air and a little time outdoors. And best of all, you get quality time with Spot (and a chance to clean up the little guy's mess before it sits there all day).

If you can't make it home for lunch, a pet sitter (or pet stopper by) is an option. They'll come play with Spot, feed him and take him out for a certain amount of money per visit. Definitely worth it, compared to the couch he could be eating.

Pets911.com is a good resource, if you don't know where to start to look for a pet sitter in your area.

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