Paws at Work: Benefits of Bringing Your Dog to the Office

Embracing a Pet-Friendly Office Culture

Embracing a Pet-Friendly Office Culture

In today’s evolving work environment, creating an engaging and productive space means rethinking traditional office policies. With 66% of American households owning a pet—and even higher figures among millennials and Gen-Z—pet-friendly policies serve as an attractive perk. With almost one in five families adding a pet during the pandemic shutdown more and more, employees are making career decisions with their pets in mind, benefiting both their personal well-being and organizational success.

The Benefits of Bringing Your Dog to Work

1. Stress Relief

Dogs naturally help reduce stress. Whether it’s a quick cuddle or a brief walk during a hectic day, the calming effect of a furry friend can lower anxiety and improve overall mood. Research shows that petting a dog can trigger the release of endorphins, making the workday feel less overwhelming.

2. Enhanced Collaboration

Having dogs in the office encourages informal conversations and interactions among employees. The presence of a dog can act as an icebreaker, making it easier to connect with colleagues. A quick walk with your dog during the day can also provide an opportunity for new ideas and collaborations.

3. Increased Creativity and Problem-Solving

Dogs bring a sense of joy and playfulness that can boost creativity. Taking short 15-minute breaks to walk or interact with your dog can refresh your mind, leading to innovative solutions and new perspectives on work challenges.

4. Better Work-Life Balance

Bringing your dog to work means you don't have to worry about rushing home to care for them. This leads to a more balanced day and reduces stress over leaving your dog alone for long hours. Ultimately improving your focus and work-life satisfaction.

5. Boosted Employee Engagement

A pet-friendly workplace is a powerful signal that an organization values employee well-being. Such policies have been linked to higher job satisfaction, improved retention rates, and increased overall engagement, as employees feel their needs are being recognized and supported. In a November 2023 Harvard Business Review article, researchers Shawn X. Quan and Kira Schabram detailed how pet-friendly workplaces can significantly lower stress levels. Their findings suggest that employees in offices that welcome pets experience not only reduced anxiety but also higher overall job satisfaction.

6. Improving Mental Health and Well-being

For many, especially those facing mental health challenges, a dog in the office can provide essential emotional support. A study available through the National Institutes of Health found that brief interactions with dogs can lead to a notable reduction in cortisol—the body's primary stress hormone—while increasing oxytocin levels, which are associated with improved mood and social bonding. This means that even short breaks to spend time with a friendly dog can have measurable positive effects on your mental health.

7. Encouraging Physical Activity

Dogs require walks and playtime, which can get employees out of their seats and moving around. Regular physical activity, even in short bursts, can significantly improve energy levels and overall health. Whether it’s walking around the block or a quick play session during break times, dogs can encourage a healthier lifestyle for office workers.

Training The Perfect Office Dog

Before bringing your dog into the office, it’s important to ensure they are well-trained and comfortable in a public environment. Start by focusing on basic obedience training, such as sit, stay, and come, to ensure your dog can follow commands reliably. Socialization is key. It is essential that your dog interacts with other people and dogs in a calm, non-aggressive manner. 

• Start with Basic Training:
  Ensure your dog is an expert in basic commands like “sit,” “stay,” and “come.” It is important that you practice these commands outside the home like your local Starbucks or brewery to ensure they are able to follow simple commands in different, busy public spaces. Your dog should be fully potty trained prior to bringing them into the office.
• Introduce Gradually:
  Begin by bringing your dog for short visits during quieter times. Gradually extend these visits as your dog becomes more comfortable with the office setting.
• Designate Pet Zones:
  Establish specific areas where your dog can rest and play without causing distractions. Clear boundaries help maintain productivity and keep everyone comfortable.
• Use Positive Reinforcement:
  Reward good behavior with treats or extra playtime. Consistent positive reinforcement helps your dog associate the office with positive experiences.
• Schedule Regular Breaks:
  Incorporate brief walks or play sessions into the day. These breaks not only help your dog expend energy but also give you a refreshing pause, boosting creativity and productivity.

With almost one in five families adding a pet during the pandemic shutdown more and more, employees are making career decisions with their pets in mind, benefiting both their personal well-being and organizational success.

How to Create a Pet-Friendly Workplace

With nearly one in five families adopting a pet during the pandemic, employees aren’t just working around their pets—they’re making career decisions with them in mind. Pet-friendly workplaces are no longer a niche perk; they’re a powerful way to boost employee satisfaction, reduce stress, and even improve collaboration.

But creating a pet-friendly office isn’t as simple as just opening the doors to dogs. The best workplaces take extra steps to make sure both employees and their furry companions feel welcome, safe, and supported. Whether you’re a business owner considering this policy or an employee looking to convince your workplace to give it a shot, here are key strategies to successfully introduce pets into the office:

✅ Start Small with Pet-Friendly Days – Before going all-in, consider piloting “Bring Your Dog to Work” days or allowing pets in designated areas to test the waters. Collect feedback and adjust policies based on employee input.

✅ Designate Dog-Friendly Spaces – Some companies, like Google, have gone all out by creating dedicated dog parks like The Doogleplex. While that may not be feasible for every office, setting up pet-friendly break areas, comfy pet zones, or outdoor play areas can go a long way in keeping pups entertained and minimizing distractions.

✅ Offer Pet Perks – Businesses that truly embrace pets don’t stop at just allowing them in the office. Companies like Kinship provide "paw-ternity" leave for new pet parents, pet stipends, and flexible time off for vet visits—all of which show a deep commitment to employee well-being.

✅ Set Clear Guidelines – The best pet-friendly workplaces balance fun with professionalism. Consider creating a policy that includes basic behavior expectations (potty-trained, non-disruptive dogs), leash requirements, and designated quiet areas for employees who prefer pet-free spaces.

✅ Provide Employee Resources – A thriving pet-friendly office supports employees in managing their pets responsibly. This could mean bringing in trainers for office-friendly obedience sessions or offering discounted pet insurance, like some forward-thinking companies already do.

A Workplace with More Wags = A Better Workday

A dog-friendly office isn’t just a fun perk—it’s a game-changer for stress relief, teamwork, and work-life balance. With more companies embracing pet-friendly policies, now’s the perfect time to make sure your pup is the best (and most well-behaved) coworker ever. Sometimes, all it takes is a wagging tail to transform your workday!

At Paws on Planes, we help you seamlessly integrate your Service Dog or pet into your daily life—whether it’s training for public spaces, preparing your dog for office life, or transitioning your pet into a working service dog. Nothing is more frustrating than wanting to bring your dog along but feeling held back by their behavior—or skipping plans because you haven’t been home all day.

✨ We can help you navigate all of this so you and your dog can live your best life—together.
➡️ Email us to get started!