There are several benefits of pets in the workplace. Things like higher morale, saving money, healthier employees, and reduced stress are all factors that make many employers consider the concept.
Can I Bring My Pet to Work?
At one time, bringing your pet to work was only a fantasy. If you asked if you could bring your cat or pup with you to the office, you likely would have gotten some interesting responses. However, nowadays, having a few furry co-workers around has become the norm in quite a few companies.
It might not come as a surprise that a company like PetSmart encourages employees to bring pets to work. However, companies like Amazon, Bissell, and Ticketmaster also offer pet-friendly work environments. One theory for why more companies offer this pet perk is the shift to remote work during the COVID-19 pandemic.
People got used to working from home, with their pets by their side. For many, it made a big difference in their mood and overall well-being. As people gradually started going back to work, they found the idea of maintaining that connection appealing.
Positive impacts of pets in the workplace appear to be most pronounced in companies with a pet-friendly culture. In other words, not just as a perk to retain employees or show off to customers.
Five Benefits of Pets in the Workplace
Maybe you already work in a pet-friendly environment, and bringing your dog or cat to your job is a fun perk. But if you’re on the fence about whether or not your furry friend should come along, it’s important to make sure they’re ready for the experience. Pets do best at work if they are well-behaved, potty-trained, and get along with others (all traits you’d expect from any likable co-worker).
However, what if your workplace isn’t on board the pets-at-work train? You hate to bid your fur baby farewell while they look at you with that “not again” stare.
It would be fantastic if you could invite them along for the ride, but will your employer go for it? If you’re not sure your boss would like the idea of Fido coming with you, show them the benefits of bringing your pet to work.
1. Pets Can Reduce Stress
Simply petting your dog or cat could play a role in making you feel calmer and more relaxed. And if having your pet around means you can reduce stress, then that’s definitely a positive in the workplace.
2. It Could Lead to Healthier Employees
Are you worried you’ll run out of sick days before the year’s through? Bringing your pet to work could minimize the amount of time you need to take off from your job. Among the potential physical benefits of pets are a healthier heart, lower blood pressure, and improved mental well-being.
3. Pets Help People Maintain a Connection to Home
When you bring your dog or cat to work, it can help you feel connected to home. You don’t feel as if you’re completely away from your entire home life, which puts you in a more positive mood.
4. Dogs and Cats Can Help Boost Morale
Dogs and cats hanging around the office could help boost morale among employees. Everyone who interacts with your pet could enjoy the benefits of less stress and a more relaxed workplace. And if your pooch or kitty is extra cute and cuddly, how could they not make everyone smile more?
5. You Could Save Money Bringing Your Pet to Work
Did you know that pet sitters cost roughly $30 a day, or on average, $10 to $15 an hour? If you work long hours, then you could easily spend $100 or more a week on a dog walker or pet sitter to check on your cutie pie midday. But if your pal’s at work with you, that money stays in your pocket, and you don’t need to worry about prepping your house for a pet sitter.
What Are the Cons of Bringing Pets to Work?
After giving your boss all the benefits of bringing your dog or cat to work, it isn’t a given that they’ll say yes. They could fire back with these drawbacks of having pets in the workplace, so be prepared.
1. You Could Face Potential Liability Issues
You or your employer could be in hot water if your pet injures someone or damages property. Of course, it hopefully goes without saying that if your pet doesn’t do well in public, they aren’t a good candidate for becoming a furry coworker. However, even a well-behaved pet could react unexpectedly if they get spooked or stressed.
2. Pets Could Cause Disruptions in the Workplace
Adding a pet to the work environment could lead to distractions, especially if there are multiple pets there. A barking dog or a cat jumping on your keyboard when you’re trying to type a report certainly disrupts things. But pets could also cause disruptions in more subdued ways if people want to spend more time playing with them than doing their work.
3. Dogs and Cats Could Trigger Allergies
It’s important before anyone brings a pet to work that they confirm no one is allergic to dogs or cats. Everyone deserves a safe and healthy workspace. So if your pet triggers someone’s allergies, that isn’t a good thing.
4. There’s a Potential for Conflict with Others Over Your Pets
Even if it’s company policy to bring pets to work, that doesn’t mean everyone will be open to the idea. Your employer might say okay, but what if other employees aren’t fans of dogs or cats? Bringing your pet to work could lead to possible confrontations or awkward moments with some of your coworkers.
When Your Pet Becomes Your Coworker
Pets can improve your entire outlook on your job if you bring them with you to work. Your dog or cat could also offer benefits like reduced stress, a boost to morale, and a more relaxed environment.
You could save money on pet sitters or dog walkers if you have your pal with you. And, when you’re more relaxed and less stressed, you may find you take fewer sick days.
But don’t get too up in arms if your boss says no to pets in the workplace. They have to consider possible liability issues, the other employees, and how your pet could lead to distractions.
However, if you get the green light to make your dog or cat your co-worker, make sure they’re well-behaved and ready to go to work. Bring their food for the day, a few treats, their favorite toy, and a comfy place for them to rest. Also, don’t forget a water bowl and their leash or litter box for potty breaks.
Want to learn even more about your faithful companion? Check out the rest of the Neater Pets blog for helpful tips, fun facts, and other interesting info about your favorite furball.