Bringing Your Dog to Work: The Benefits of a Pet-Friendly Office

Work once meant a strict divide between the office and home—until the COVID-19 pandemic reshaped our routines. Remote work increased, commutes disappeared, and pet ownership spiked. Midday walks and belly rubs (off-camera or on) became our new normal, creating for many a better work-life balance enhanced by the human-animal bond.

Now that companies are calling employees back to the office, so many of us are wondering—what now? For smart companies, pet-friendly workplaces are part of the answer, as they encourage better productivity, improved mental health, and, of course, more time with your office best friend (your dog!).

Here are the benefits of pet-friendly offices, the etiquette to follow, and how to pitch the idea to your place of employment.

Benefits of Bringing Your Dog to Work

Whether you’re a dog parent or just love being around pups, you’ve probably heard about the positive effects pets have on people. But it’s not just feel-good stories—there’s real science to back it up.

Here’s how dogs in the workplace might just improve your workday and make the return to the office a little easier for everyone.

Less Stress

Most of us experience work-related stress (hello, looming deadlines and overflowing inboxes). But research suggests that when those daily pressures leave you frazzled—or completely overwhelmed—an office pup could make a difference.

Just five minutes with a dog can promote relaxation—but what about a full workday? One study monitored saliva levels of cortisol, a stress hormone, along with employees’ self-reported stress. Employees with dogs at work had significantly lower stress throughout their day. But on dog-free days they felt less relaxed, with cortisol levels matching those of their dogless coworkers.

But why? Research indicates that spending time with animals correlates with lower blood pressure, heart rate, and cortisol levels while increasing the production of oxytocin, the hormone linked to happiness and bonding.

Better Teamwork

Bringing a dog into your work group could make your team more successful, according to a 2017 study. Researchers speculated that because dogs have been found to improve mood and social interactions between individuals, their presence would also positively influence dynamics within work groups.

Their findings suggest their hypothesis was right. During problem-solving and decision-making tasks, groups with dogs were rated as more:

• Cooperative

• Comfortable

• Friendly

• Active

• Enthusiastic

• Attentive

Less Burnout

Skipping breaks at work could make you less productive and ultimately leave you feeling burned out, research shows. Yet 38% of U.S. workers feel discouraged from taking a lunch break, and 45% have quit a job due to inflexible schedules. While employers must adopt more flexible practices to see the benefits, dogs can encourage healthy choices.

For instance, pets remind us to step away, stretch, and reset—whether it’s for an afternoon walk or a quick indoor play session. Research on the human-dog relationship in the workplace found that employees in pet-friendly offices who take breaks to care for their pets return feeling more refreshed and engaged. As one employee put it, “Sometimes I work even better with [my dog] because I get mental breaks or go outside at noon, which helps me recharge.”

And the stats might just back it up. According to a survey of about 2,000 U.S. employees conducted by Nationwide in partnership with the Human Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI), 85% of employees in pet-friendly workplaces report rarely missing work for well-being or recovery, compared to 77% in non-pet-friendly workplaces.

A More Supportive Workplace

Research shows a significant connection between pet-friendly policies and a culture of connection and support. Employees in these environments report experiencing stronger bonds with their coworkers and supervisors, leading to a more positive and engaged workplace.

According to the Nationwide/HABRI survey, employees at pet-friendly companies have positive relationships with their coworkers (53%) and supervisors (52%) compared to those in non-pet-friendly offices, where only 19% and 14%, respectively, feel the same. In one case study, an employee shared that dogs in the workplace sparked more conversations among coworkers because “dogs are such a connecting element.”

And when it comes to mental health, pet-friendly workplaces seem to shine. A staggering 91% of employees in pet-friendly companies feel supported by their company when it comes to their well-being, compared to 53% in offices that do not have pet-friendly policies.

So where does all of this lead?

Employees who feel supported tend to be more engaged at work and less likely to look for a new position elsewhere. In fact, 90% of employees in pet-friendly workplaces feel connected to their company’s mission and are eager to recommend their employer to others—compared to just 65% of employees in non-pet-friendly workplaces.

How To Create a Pet-Friendly Office Environment

A pet-friendly workplace can be a fantastic perk, but it only works if both your employer and coworkers are on board. Here are some common concerns that might come up:

• Allergies

• Cleanliness

• Aggression

• Distractions

• Property damage

• Comfort around dogs

Keep in mind that a pet-friendly workplace doesn’t have to mean allowing dogs in the office every day. By sharing ideas of what a pet-friendly environment can look like, you might help your employer think outside the box.

Companies like Ben & Jerry’s, Amazon, Google, Airbnb, and Chewy are already leading the way with pet-friendly workplaces. Here are some ideas inspired by their pet-friendly policies:

• Designated pet days. If an employer isn't up for a daily pet-friendly policy, pitch the idea of allowing pets on specific days or during special events.

• Pet perks and benefits. Offer pet-related benefits like pet insurance as a voluntary benefit, veterinary telehealth, paid pet bereavement leave, and backup pet-sitting services. After all, 43% of U.S. workers say inadequate benefits played a role in their decision to leave a job.

• Office pet wall or Slack channel. Create a dedicated space for employees to share pet photos and stories.

• Flexible work hours. For vet appointments, new pet adoptions, or pet-related emergencies.

• Volunteer and donation programs. Partner with local shelters to organize volunteer days, donation drives, in-office adoption events, or lunchtime shelter dog walks.

Tips for Taking Your Dog to Work

As a dog parent, you play a key role in making a dog-friendly workplace successful.

• Respect coworkers—not everyone is comfortable around dogs.

• Keep your dog leashed or gated in your designated area (a doggy play pen can work too).

• Good behavior is key – leave your dog at home if they show any signs of aggression, illness, excessive barking, or reactivity.

• Stay current on wellness exams, parasite control, and vaccinations, keeping documentation on hand—employers may require this.

• Keep your dog well-groomed and bathed.

• Practice socialization outside of work.

• Teach basic commands like stay, sit, and leave it.

• Provide regular bathroom and exercise breaks.

• Pack the essentials:

  • Collar and leash or a harness

  • Treats

  • A comfy bed

  • Quiet and engaging toys

  • Water bowl

  • Food bowl and food

  • Cleaning supplies

• Know when to call it a day; if your dog seems anxious or disruptive, it may be best to leave them at home next time.

Successfully integrating dogs at work requires a commitment to health, safety, open communication, and flexible scheduling from both employers and employees.

As the debate continues about whether and how often employees will return to the office, a pet-inclusive workplace can be an important consideration in boosting morale, maximizing productivity, creating a healthy work-life balance, and fostering an environment where people feel supported.