Work can be stressful, but dogs are here to help! To celebrate National Bring Your Dog to Work Day, Rover.com, the world’s largest network of 5-star pet sitters and dog walkers released their inaugural Best Dog-Friendly Companies 2019 report.
Petsmart Ranks in Top 5 Dog-Friendly Companies
Among this list are companies including Amazon, Airbnb and the Arizona-based company, Petsmart, which ranks #4. Petsmart is a leader in the pet retail industry, which reflects in their office culture, too. Petsmart employees are able to bring their dogs to the office. Furthermore, they receive specific pet-related benefits. For example, they receive partial coverage for pet insurance.
Increasingly, companies like Petsmart recognize the benefit to employees of hanging with pups all day. According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, 40% of all workers feel overworked and dogs can offer relief in an office.
Dog-Friendly Work Benefits
The benefits of a dog-friendly office also impact workplace satisfaction. A recent Rover survey found that 75% of pet parents, who are able to bring their furry family members to the office, are more likely to stay with their current employer.
They’re more engaged too! For instance, two-thirds of employees, who currently bring their dog to work, feel strongly that they’re more likely to approach and start a conversation with a coworker if they have a dog with them.
Phil Tedeschi serves as Rover’s human-animal behavior expert and executive director of the Institute for Human-Animal Connection at the University of Denver. He indicates that having pets in the workplace is often welcomed by many employees. Not just pet parents.
“The bond between humans and animals is good for human health and can build connections in the work environment,” Tedeschi said. “Pets often allow for engagement and shared activity, in turn strengthening bonds among coworkers.”
How dog-friendly is your office?
Maybe it’s time for you to find a new career that takes care of your pets as well! Or, maybe you see if your work can become a part of the dog-friendly companies list. Regardless, if you are struggling with anxiety at work, perhaps take a look at the jobs that could lower your stress level.
