So your company has a Take Your Pets to Work policy. Should you do it, or not? Here’s some pros, cons and hints. But first,
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First, the pros--The HR Digest says “Research shows that employees and employers can reap big benefits from bringing dogs to work. According to a survey by Banfield Pet Hospital, 7 in 10 employees agree that allowing dogs in the workplace has a positive impact on employee morale.” Besides dogs’ obvious boost to good feelings among employees, this article says allowing pets in the workplace increases employee retention. Workers are less likely to quit and move on if their new prospect doesn’t allow dogs in the workplace. Dogs also encourage collaboration between employees. A friendly dog lying beside a worker’s desk can get their human higher perceived organization support. Even with people who don’t or can’t own dogs themselves, stopping and petting a woozle can bring down stress. It can make a rough day a little bit better. So as long as a company doesn’t have anyone with severe allergies or cynophobia (fear of dogs) The HR Digest is in favor of it.
Now the cons: Slate.com says despite the obvious benefits to employees, your woozle may not be happy being at work with you. Not many woozles enjoy lying next to your desk for eight hours a day. At worst, dogs that are brought to the office may develop behavior problems. No one, not even a canine behaviorist, can always interpret what a woozle is thinking. Even their owners, not to mention strangers, may interpret a stressed out expression as a smile. And stressed out dogs are prone to biting. Throwing in a pootie or two can bring out even more problems. In short, companies who allow pets would be best to have some oversight.
Here are some suggestions for doing it: The American Kennel Club offers some hints for being assured your woozle will be welcomed at nearly any workplace. First, make sure he is well socialized, can obey a few commands, and is not aggressive with other pets. No one wants a jumper in the office, either. This AKC article also suggests first letting your dog meet some other employees’ dogs outside the workplace.
The AKC’s Canine Good Citizen program is ideal. These classes can teach your woozle a few necessary commands to make them welcome almost anywhere. Their classes are open to purebreds as well as mutts of all ages. They have ten relatively simple items. (Grooming counts! Nothing fancy, it’s just that nobody wants to share a cubicle with a smelly, matted woozle.) I’m not going to list them all but you can find them here. If you can’t find an AKC program, any decent dog trainer can work with the pair of you.
Now, these are 2019’s most pet friendly workplaces in the US:
Amazon in Seattle, WA
Yes, Amazon. The Amazon offices can have up to 6,000 dogs on campus at one time. To serve all of these adorable employees, the offices offer multiple dog parks, and dog treats at every desk. One of their buildings is even named after their first company pet, Rufus.
2. Harpoon Brewery in Boston, MA
This brewery is always happy to open their doors to dogs, offering them plenty of space in their offices and access to the Boston Seaport. Canines are also allowed to accompany their owners on special "Dogtoberfest" beer tasting events.
3. Trupanion in Seattle, WA
The pet insurance company makes sure to take care of their own. Along with allowing pets in their offices, Trupanion also provides on-site dog walkers and vet services.
4. Ben & Jerry’s in Burlington, VT
This ice cream company is also sweet on pets. Ben & Jerry's has a Canine Culture Committee that provides employees with pet parenting tips and access to veterinary experts. Dogs, of course, are always welcome at the office.
5. Contently in NY, NY
Dogs are given free roam at the offices of the content marketing platform company. Employees are also encouraged to share pet parenting tips, pet photos and dog-sitting availability.
6. Procore in Carpenteria, CA
The Procore offices hosts happy hours for company dogs and their owners, and plenty of green spaces for pets to enjoy when they visit during business offers. Employee pets are also covered under the company's insurance package, which includes pet insurance.
7. Ticketmaster in Los Angeles, CA
Dogs are welcome at the Ticketmaster offices, and are covered at home with pet insurance provided by the company.
8. PetSafe in Knoxville, TN
When employees' pets visits the PetSafe offices, they are put to work. One of the perks of having an owner that works at a pet brand, is that you get to test all the products.
9. TripAdvisor in Needham, MA
Dogs are always welcome to visit and roam around the offices of this travel company.
10. Purely Elizabeth in Boulder, CO
Purely Elizabeth is a natural food brand dedicated to making humans feel good, so of course the company encourages employees to bring their pets to work.
So what’s happening with your critters?