Corporate life used to be described as dog-eat-dog. But in the last few years, the modern workforce has started going to the dogs, literally. Some companies have loosened once-firm policies banning pets in the office, and other companies are offering pet-friendly workplaces as an extra perk, much like free drinks, yoga or a relaxed dress code, according to the Wall Street Journal.
A lot of the permissiveness depends on the type of business (offices can be cool with it, but restaurants or places with food products are less so), the type of animal (dogs and cats are great, horses or larger livestock, maybe not), and the ownership (if the owner is fine with it, everyone else is likely fine).
Part of the reason comes from studies showing pets are beneficial to our well-being, everything from a tranquil aquarium in a doctor’s office to a resident cat in the warehouse.
The Humane Society of the United States found that co-workers at offices with dogs are more trusting and more cohesive.
Adopting a Pet-friendly Culture
If your company is considering adopting a pet-friendly culture, there are some definite concerns to address, such as co-workers or visitors with allergies, quarantine procedures for illness or fleas, controlling disruptions like barking or fighting, new housekeeping needs, risk of injury or contamination, or even zoning permits for animals. A supervisor may even wonder if possible improvements in morale will be balanced out by dips in productivity if employees spend too much time interacting with the resident critters.
Using pet gates to keep pets away from the “busy” areas of the office would be helpful. A
pet gate with a walk thru door is ideal for easy access. Consider a Free Standing Walk Over Gate designed to be placed any where without the use of tools. Easy to setup and take down, with no assembly requried.
Bringing Barks to the Office
Pet-friendly companies are eager to share what methods they’ve taken to ensure employee concerns are met and that it’s a good experience for everyone. Enjoy these examples:
- American Kennel Club: The Raleigh-based employer offers benefits not just for ‘people’ like medical and dental coverage, but discounts for the AKC animal Healthcare Plan and free enrollment for purebred dog registration. Employees are encouraged to bring their dogs to work, and dogfriendly.com said they first must have an obedience title or a pass a Canine Good Citizen test, along with having current flea control and vaccinations. Dogs are asked to be by an employee’s desk during the day, but other employees are also responsible for them if the employee has to step away. There’s also a special outdoor walking area.
- PrintingforLess: This Livingston, Mont., printing company welcomes dogs. Most pooches take it easy near their owner’s work stations, where there are usually plenty of soft pillows and toys. Inc. said company owner Andrew Field started the trend when he brought his dog in, and encouraged other employees to do the same. The company also created a dog policy requiring all dogs to be vaccinated and housebroken. They also must undergo a one-day tryout to see if they’ll fit in. Employees say they like the ability to interact with a friendly pet in between projects.
- Schenk Medical Center: This Seymour, Ind., hospital has a pet therapy program, where patients are invited to interact with a specially trained Bermese mountain dog. USA Today says this has all sorts of positive results on their peace of mind, and also lowers stress levels for staff.
meals, but it is unhealthy for your dog and he or she may become overweight. Here are some tips to follow to make your cat’s meal time easier and more relaxing for both you and your cat:
