Pets at Work

As someone who has both a cat and a dog at work, I find that no matter how crazy my work day gets, a quick pat on the head or scratch under the chin for my dog can easily make me forget the day. It may be stressful at times or I may need to just take a quick break from the computer, that’s where both Jake and Kamea help to bring me peace and happiness.

I’m not the only one who loves having her pets with her while she works, your employees and clients will too. Here are the facts (from the American Humane Society):

Staff morale and worker productivity increased by bringing pets to work
Increased camaraderie among employees
Happier employees result in enhanced job performance
Increase in sales reported by store owners who take their dogs to work
Dogs can serve as a crime deterrent

Some companies that bring their pets to work and what they think:

Silverado Senior Living

Would you say that having your pet at work helps or hinders your work? She absolutely helps my work; in fact, I think now it would be hard to work in a place where I couldn’t bring Bindi Sue to the office.

What do clients think/say about Bindi Sue being at the office with you? They think it’s wonderful and many tell me that they wish they could bring their pets to work with them.

Do you think more offices should allow pets at work? Yes. Having pets in the office transforms the workplace in a very positive way. It’s a major stress-reducer.

What’s your favorite thing about having Bindi Sue at work?It makes me feel like I always have a close and supportive friend at my side. And I enjoy seeing how much she loves being here with me during the day.

IFAW, the International Fund for Animal Welfare

Would you say that having your pet at work helps or hinders your work? Winnie might look like she’s just “puppy dog eyes” and “wiggle butts” but she’s a real task-master. She takes helping animals as seriously as anyone, and won’t hesitate to remind you that those long days and late nights are absolutely worth it.

What do coworkers think/say about Winnie being at the office with you? Winnie easily wins the office popularity contest. She’s definitely the cool kid in school and I’m just lucky to be her side-kick.

Do you think more offices should allow pets at work? Absolutely. Not only do people and animals benefit from the additional companionship, it helps bring people and people together. I met more of my coworkers in the first week Winnie came with me to work than my first month without her. It gives people a reason to stop and chat, and something positive to share in common.

What’s your favorite thing about having Winnie at work? I certainly reap many rewards from bringing my beloved dog to work, but I truly appreciate seeing the way she’s able to connect with other people. It’s pure joy and I’m lucky to be around it.

Leon and Lulu

How would you describe a typical workday with Spot? Spot arrives, plays with his kong, takes a nap, visits with shoppers, takes another nap in the sun. He roams freely though the store playing with kids, sniffing customers
and being petted by staff and shoppers alike.

Would you say that having your pet at work helps or hinders your work? Spot is one of most valuable employees and is an enormous draw. Every day at least one person says he or she came in to see Spot…and most of them stay to shop.

What do clients think/say about Spot being at the office with you? They hate it when he is not in the store.

Do you think more offices should allow pets at work? Absolutely! We welcome dogs as shoppers and they are almost always well behaved and pleasant.

Carol Moulton, Director of the American Humane Society says it best: "There's something about pets that really brings people together"