If you’re a pet owner, you already know how much joy your furry friends bring to your life. But when it comes to working from home, or even just casually using your computer, pets can pose a few challenges. From pet hair clogging up your fan to unexpected screen appearances during important Zoom meetings, managing your workspace around your pets is essential. Here’s how to keep your tech safe, your meetings professional, and your work environment ergonomic.

1. Protect Your Computer from Pet Hair

Pet hair has a sneaky way of getting everywhere—especially into your computer. One of the most vulnerable parts of a computer is the fan. When pet hair (or dust) clogs your fan, it can cause your device to overheat, which reduces its performance and lifespan.

How to prevent this?

Using a laptop tray or stand can elevate your device away from surfaces that collect pet hair. Not only does this keep your computer cool, but it also helps to maintain an ergonomic workspace and will keep your device safe and your posture healthy.

If your fan has already fallen victim to pet hair, it’s time for a cleaning. You can either invest in a laptop fan cleaner or have the job done professionally. At PC Harmony, our Computer Health Check includes fan cleaning to keep your device running smoothly, so you don’t have to worry about the details.

2. Lock Your Screen When You Step Away

Your pet might be adorable, but they aren’t the best office assistants. Cats love walking across keyboards, and dogs might knock your mouse off the desk while wagging their tails. To avoid accidental keystrokes, make sure to lock your computer when you step away from your desk. It’s easy—just press the Windows Key + L to quickly lock your screen. This simple step protects your files, emails, and even that half-finished spreadsheet from unwanted interference while you’re away.

3. Use a Static Zoom Background

Pets can be unpredictable, and while having your dog stroll into the background of a Zoom call might be cute, it’s not always professional—especially during important meetings. A simple solution is to use a static background on Zoom, hiding the chaos behind the scenes.

Here’s how you can change your Zoom background:

• Open Zoom and go to “Settings.”
• Navigate to “Backgrounds & Filters.”
• Choose a static image or background, or upload your own.

Now, your pet can roam freely without making an unexpected appearance in the middle of your presentation.

4. Keep Drinks Safe

We all need a cup of tea or coffee to keep us going throughout the day, but drinks and electronics don’t mix. Cats and dogs can easily knock over a mug in their excitement. It’s a good habit to always use a cup with a lid when working near your laptop or desktop to avoid damaging spills.

5. Ergonomics for You and Your Pet

Don’t forget about the importance of an ergonomic setup for yourself. A laptop stand (like this one on Amazon) helps maintain proper posture, preventing strain on your neck and wrists. And when it comes to pets, having an elevated workstation can also keep your laptop safe from curious paws.

For those who want to take things a step further, consider creating a small pet-friendly corner near your workspace. This gives your pet a cozy spot to rest while keeping them out of your way. A happy pet means fewer interruptions!

6. Let PC Harmony Help!

Pets and computers can coexist peacefully when you take a few simple precautions. From cleaning pet hair out of your computer to setting up the perfect ergonomic workstation, I’m here to help. At PC Harmony, I offer a Computer Health Check service that includes fan cleaning, device optimization, and a full inspection to make sure your tech is in top shape. You can also check out my TikTok video featuring my Pupsonal Assistant called Noodles doing a day’s work at PC Harmony! Just click on the image below!

Book your appointment today, and let me help you focus on what matters most—without the tech stress!