Our family of three has direct experience caring for two pets (one through puppyhood to old age and one who had severe epilepsy and needed medication administered three times a day). Someone should always be at home to care for your pet. I personally work varying hours but my husband works from home during the week and has the weekends off. I have an older child who has experience with pets as well. We recently adopted a medium sized dog. We can only accept dogs who get along reasonably well with other dogs.