A 2015 Society for Human Resource Management survey found 8% of American workplaces allow employees to bring dog to work, a 3% increase from 2013. The same survey found 9% of companies offered pet health insurance to employees, which also saw an increase in recent years.
- They act as a stress reliever. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has reported that pets can decrease blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
- Excuse to get up and exercise, take breaks to take them on walks.
- They are not at home alone, more chances to be taken outside.
- Allows the dogs to interact with others.
- Low-cost employee benefit and increased job satisfaction. As our own marketing manager, Rachel Reed, explained, “I’ve worked in my office for three years and there have always been dogs in and out of the office. It really brightens your day and makes coming to work fun. Now that I have my own pup, I’m so grateful that my company is a place where he’s part of my work day.”
- Increased connection with co-workers. Sandra Barker, a professor of psychiatry at Virginia Commonwealth University, explained, “People without dogs would go by and see people with dogs and ask if they could take them for walks. And we also noticed people were much more connective”.
- Those that do not have dogs get to interact with them.
- Allows more dogs to be adopted. “People who work long hours often hesitate to get a pet, but when they can bring their dogs with them, it knocks down that barrier and can help more animals find homes.” -Jodie Valade
Sandra Barker also speculates that workplace pets could be a low-cost benefit to keep employees happier and healthier. But, she admits, the system only works if all of the dogs in the office are friendly, clean, and well-behaved.