Bring Your Dog to Work Day is June 23, but for some lucky humans, it’s every day of the year. To celebrate this most glorious of holidays, we wanted to know just how many of you enjoy the perks of a dog-friendly workplace. Healthy Paws conducted a survey to find out.
Is your workplace dog-friendly?
A lucky 35% of survey respondents are able to bring their dogs to work, but the majority (65%) cannot. Some workplaces are simply not appropriate for pups; if you work in a restaurant or healthcare-related field, pups are probably not welcome, and dogs could pose a risk or be hurt in a hazardous setting such as construction.
For those of you who have dog-friendly workplaces, how many of you take your dog to work?
A whopping 78% of respondents with dog-friendly workplaces bring their pups with them at least some of the time, with 45% reporting they take their canine companion to work with them every day.
While we may get a case of the Mondays, dogs actually like going to work!
So, what’s in it for the pups? Eighty-one percent of respondents report their pups enjoy having quality time with their favorite humans and 51% say it’s all that attention from coworkers.
And what’s the downside?
Having our dogs at work isn’t always perfect – the challenges run the gamut from “accidents” on the carpet to being a distraction. Sixty-seven percent of pet parents say that making sure dogs don’t bark at inopportune moments is their biggest hurdle with bringing a dog to work.
What’s on your pet-workplace wish list?
All the above! While most pet parents wish their employer offered pet insurance benefits, “Pawternity” leave ranked very high as well. Designated doggy potty stations (including baggies) and a daily dog break were highly rated, and the final three – an off-leash dog area, free treats and extra supplies – were equally important to responders.
- Pet insurance benefits: 71%
- Pawternity leave (time off when you adopt a new pup): 64%
- A designated doggy potty station, complete with poop bags: 57%
- A daily dog-time break: 57%
- An off-leash dog area: 43%
- Free treats: 43%
- Extra supplies (like bowls, leashes, etc.) in case I forget mine: 43%
So how do you convince your boss that your pup is a stellar addition to the team? If your dog is well behaved, house trained and friendly (and no one is allergic), go ahead and present your case:
Dogs in the office reduce stress and increase camaraderie:
Just as pets help humans at home to have lower blood pressure and less depression, a dog in the office can have the same effect. Plus, these furry social butterflies encourage even the shyest of coworkers to open up and say hi.
Retailers will see increased traffic:
If you’re a small business, having a dog (or cat!) in the storefront adds some personality! People will drop by to greet the pet and stay to purchase something.
Dogs get employees moving:
And not just their legs on lunchtime walks! Moderate exercise has the great side effect of increased productivity. More blood flow means more great ideas.
Your brand’s Instagram will boom:
Pets mean likes. Period. If you want to develop your brand to be sunnier, sweeter and all-around cuter, bringing a dog to work and Instagramming it is the way to do it!
