cat and dog sitting together outside
General tips,  Pets

Should your pet Dog/Cat be kept inside or outside?

Guest post by CPC Cares – ‘Provider of Pet Cremation Services for bereaved pet owners with sensitivity and respect.

We’ve come a long way from our pets just being working animals. Now it’s more like we treat our pets like people!

Here in the UK it’s common practice to keep your pets indoors, but that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s your only option as a pet owner. There is no right or wrong way but a lot needs to be considered before making a decision.

There are pros and cons to both and we think it very much depends on your particular circumstance, lifestyle choices, and type of pet.

Legally, it is your duty to ensure your pet’s welfare needs are met.

So as long as they are still receiving the best possible care and attention a dog or cat can be kept inside or outside.

two domestic dogs running outside

Dogs:

Keeping a dog Outside

If keeping your dog outside is something you’re considering or even if it’s just for when you’re out or at work, there are some musts:

  • Dogs will need a large enough space to allow separate sleeping and activity areas. Each dog must be able to walk, run and wag their tail without touching the kennel sides; to play, stand on their hind limbs and stretch/lie down without touching another animal/kennel.
  • Shelter to protect from rain, wind, and direct sunlight. Dogs should be able to move where they feel more comfortable, away from direct sunlight. Dog crates are not a suitable permanent environment.
  • Heating and/or automatic cooling/ventilation, if necessary, so temperatures remain above 10°C and below 26°C.Heating/cooling systems used must be safe and not pose a risk, e.g. no trailing cables, or risk of burning. The temperature must be monitored daily to ensure these requirements are met.
  • Dogs must not be tethered/chained, except for very short periods, as it can lead to injuries and restricts normal behavior.
  • You must provide access to clean drinking water and a well-balanced diet. (these must be cleaned)
  • Provide an opportunity for daily exercise, play, and interactions with people and other animals.
  • Check daily for injury and illness. Take safety precautions and be alert to risks that may affect them.

Benefits

Environmental enrichment

Your dog has more stimuli

Gives the dog a sense of nature

Risks

Bonds are harder to form

Risk of fleas and ticks

Dogs are social animals and love attention. So whether they are inside or out, the same level of attention must be given to them for them to thrive.

Outdoor breeds:

Alaskan Malamute

Bearded Collie

Chow Chow

German Shepherd

Great Pyrenees

Mastiff

Old English Sheepdog

Rottweiler

Should your pet Dog be kept inside or outside PIN

Keeping a dog Inside

Depending on the size and breed of the dog will give an insight into how well they’ll develop inside the home. Some smaller ‘toy’ dogs are lower maintenance and require less exercise, and grooming and larger dogs do better when they have the opportunity to run and exercise to exert some of their energy.

Consider if you’re going to be home frequently and can provide regular attention.

white and black dog looking up tongues hanging

Benefits:

Closeness

Protection

Fewer allergies

Risks:

Increase risk of Zoonotic disease which is transferred from dog to human and vice versa.

May encounter aggressive tendencies if a dog isn’t receiving enough exercise

Toilet training will be a MUST

Inside breeds:

Beagle

Pomeranian

Skye Terrier

Cavalier King Charles

Bulldog

Pug

Shih Tzu

Cats:

For cats, it’s ideal for them to have access to both indoor and outdoor environments, but cats are individuals. So wherever your cat spends his/her time, make sure they’re safe and happy. If you’re planning to have an indoor cat additional considerations should be taken in the home to keep your cat mentally stimulated.

tabby cat outside blue sky

Risks & benefits of Outdoor only cats

Benefits:

Being outdoors gives your cat variety in their environment.

They’re able to express their natural behavior – this includes hunting so may in fact be a con.

They can help with unwanted rodents

The outdoor environment provides a mix of smells, sights, and tastes.

Exercise

An escape from the household if necessary.

Risks:

Injury/ death

Disease

Parasites

Loss – going missing, being stolen or getting lost

They are able to express their natural hunting instinct – yes this is either a benefit or a risk depending upon your view.

Outdoor poisons

Outdoor poisons

*There are ways to minimize the risk and keep your fur baby safe!

Try keeping them indoors at night.

Collar-fitted tracker devices are becoming more popular to help owners keep track of their pet.

MICROCHIPPING

SPAYING/NEUTERING

Regularly give your cat flea and worm treatments.

Outdoor cats:

American Bobtail (longhair)

Asian – Burmilla

Bengal

British Longhair

three kittens on sofa

Risks & benefits of Indoor only cats

Benefits:

Lower risks of disease, parasites, fleas, and ticks

Get lost

Won’t get hit by a car

They will not BE predators

Risks:

Every high bookcase, and shelf will become a perch

Household chemicals

House plants

Boredom

Laundry appliances

Loose wires

Indoor cats:

American Bobtail (short hair)

Balinese

British shorthair – Bicolour

Oriental – Shaded

Ragdoll

Should your pet Cat be kept inside or outside PIN

Whatever you decide

Experts will go back and forth with reasons behind each side but it really does boil down to the pet, owner, and their environment.  Whatever you decide STICK TO IT!

Comment and share below. What do you think of the pros and cons of keeping a pet indoors/outdoors? Is there anything you would add?

You can check out more tips for learning how to care for your pets as well as how to handle final preparations by visiting CPC Cares!

Source: https://www.rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/pets/dogs/environment/living

Post originally published June 30, 2017. Updated June 2022.