Among the various descriptions of “working life post-pandemic,” one of the most hotly debated and discussed topics are centered around: “Can I bring my dog to work?”
Dear Boss,
I can’t wait to get back to the office! I miss the people, the buzz, and the free coffee. But one thing I’ll really miss if I’m not working from home is my 2-year old Puggle, Gus. He’s my main man, my work buddy, always sleeping in his little bed right here in my DIY home office. I’d love to bring him to work when we go back, even just for a couple days a week. Gus gets along with everybody, even other dogs, and work is just a lot better with him around.
Thank you!
One of your best employees
If you are planning to write your boss, you won’t be the only one. Numerous people have indicated that they have or are planning to reach out to their employer requesting they 
implement a pet-friendly policy once offices open back up.
- Recent survey results by Banfield Pet Hospital – have found that it seems likely that more employers will at least consider allowing pets at work. It makes a lot of sense: Of the employers surveyed who already have a pet-friendly policy, 42 percent say they’ve seen increased productivity among staff because pets are allowed at work.
- Are there challenges to making a workplace pet-friendly? Sure. Can all workplaces allow dogs? Nope. If you’re a teacher, a cook, or operate heavy machinery, you’re probably going to have to go the doggy-daycare route instead. But hey, there are dogs sitting in on senior cabinet meetings in the White House now, so maybe anything is possible.
One in 5 owners – including 1 in 3 Gen Zers and 1 in 5 millennials – are considering rehoming their pets if they can’t bring them to the office when they return to work.
- 32% of owners – including 48% of Gen Zers and 35% millennials – said they’ve recently reached out to their veterinarian for advice on making the transition back to the workplace easier on their pets.
- Further, 68% of Gen Zers and 42% of millennials plan to hire a dogwalker, take their pet to daycare or do a combination of both once they return to the workplace, which will hopefully relieve some worry for owners about leaving pets at home.
Pet owners and employers alike are thinking about pet-friendly workplaces
One in 2 C-suite (management level) executives surveyed said they’re planning to allow pets in the workplace upon return to the office, and 59% said they’ll allow more flexibility for workers wanting to stay remote with their pets. Among those who are considering implementing a pet-friendly policy:
- 59% said they’re doing so because of employee requests;
- 58% cite understanding their staff has gotten used to spending all day with their pets during the pandemic;
- And 42% say they want to entice their employees back into the office.
Of pet owners who wish to bring their pets to the office:
- 38% cite being worried their pet will experience separation anxiety;
- 37% want the companionship of their pet at work;
- 28% think their pets can help keep them calm during those stressful workdays;
- And 23% say they’ll be more productive with their pet as a desk mate.
With nearly 1 in 2 Gen Zers and 1 in 3 millennials saying they would consider looking for another job post-pandemic if their workplace was not pet-friendly, 20% of business leaders are hoping allowing pets in the office will also increase employee retention.
Considering implementing a pet-friendly policy and not sure where to start? This Pets Work at Work Toolkit from Mars Petcare’s Better Cities For Pets™ program includes the benefits of pet-friendly workplaces, leadership and legal considerations, tips for communicating the program to employees, and much more. The program also provides a toolkit for businesses like stores, events and restaurants aiming to go pet-friendly.
If business leaders haven’t heard from their staff about pets in the workplace yet, there’s a good chance they might. 71% of Gen Zers and 48% millennials have or are planning to reach out to their employer requesting they implement a pet-friendly policy once offices open back up. With 75% of C-suite execs saying being a pet owner has made them a better, more compassionate business leader, it’s likely these requests will be carefully considered.
“We’ve seen the human-animal bond only get stronger during the pandemic, and it’s no surprise that owners are thinking about how they can best be here for their pets when they start to spend more time outside of home,” said Brian Garish, president of Banfield Pet Hospital. “We believe we can advance human health through pet health, elevating societal well-being. That’s why we’ll continue to be here for pets and their owners as they adjust to this next normal, providing high-quality preventive care, no matter what 2021 brings.”
Executives make the case for pet-friendly policies
According to survey findings, C-suite executives have good reason to believe a pet-friendly policy will come with benefits. While the pandemic likely led to many leaders considering pets in the workplace for the first time, there were a number of employers (48%) who already had a policy in place. Of those:
- 67% saw increased socializing between employees when pets were around;
- 61% say employees were more willing to come to work;
- 42% saw increased productivity among staff;
- 41% say employees were more willing to stay at work later;
- 31% saw increased retention;
- And 24% say employees seem happier in the office/workplace.
Allowing pets to tag along with their owners to work isn’t the only benefit employers are offering. In fact:
- 45% provide financial support for veterinary care;
- 37% offer pet bereavement leave;
- 41% offer “pet-ernity” leave for new pet owners;
- And 40% also offer paid time off to take a pet to the veterinarian.