It’s more than a trend: it’s science. Spending time with dogs can increase productivity, workplace happiness, even prolong your life—and offices from coast to coast are taking note. After all, who doesn’t want a happier, healthier workforce (and lots of puppy kisses, to boot)? We’ve rounded some of the most inspiring dog-friendly offices in the country. Take a look!
Why Have a Dog-Friendly Workplace?
Rover.com and Wakefield surveyed 1,000 pet parents to find out just how key dogs are to our human happiness. Turns out 78% of employed pet parents would bring their dog to work if their employer allowed it—and nearly two-thirds (63%) would bring them along frequently. Plus, science supports what dog lovers have long suspected: having a dog around simply makes life better.
- Dogs improve moods: Studies have shown that having a pet can lessen the symptoms of depression and help you maintain an optimistic outlook.
- Dogs decrease stress: Consider this 2012 story about office workers in North Carolina who showed significantly lowered stress levels when they were allowed to bring dogs to work.
- Dog lovers get more oxytocin: Spending time with pets increases your level of the hormone oxytocin, often referred to as the “love hormone.”
- Dogs enhance the workplace: Central Michigan University released a study showing that dogs in the workplace resulted in increased trust and collaboration between coworkers.
12 Awesome Companies with Dog-Friendly Offices
Ben & Jerry’s
Photo via Ben & Jerry’s
This ice cream behemoth boasts the enviable employee perk of three free pints of ice cream…per day! But staff members are equally sated by a pet-friendly office that welcomes their beloved dogs.
BISSELL Homecare, Inc
The BISSELL offices (courtesy of BISSELL)
A love of pets is at the core of BISSELL. Their pet initiatives include everything from designing products specifically for pet clean-up (major points for less dog hair) to advocating for pet adoption and helping homeless animals through the BISSELL Pet Foundation. Employees benefit, too, with a dog-friendly office featuring the Bissell Pet Spot, an indoor dog spa with a play area and bathing stations.
“We’ve noticed that associates who utilize the Pet Spot are productive, happy, and appreciate the opportunity to bring their dogs to work,” says Becky Neibarger, Associate Manager of Public Relations and Social Media for BISSELL.
Rover.com
Via Seattle Met
You know we’ve gotta include Rover—because the truth is, the Rover offices take dog-friendly to a whole new level. With complimentary dog treats, doggy raincoats (it is Seattle, after all), and great dog benefits including funds to adopt a dog and canine bereavement leave, Rover truly is a dog lover’s other best friend. Get in on the fun! Watch the Rover office dogs nap and play on the RoverCam.
Build-A-Bear Workshop
Via Imgur
It only seems right that this furry and fluffy company—one of FORTUNE 100 Best Companies To Work for seven years running—would have a dog-friendly workplace.
Birthday “cele-bear-ations” feature tasty cakes for four-legged friends, and the company offers a special concierge service: Get your dog dropped off and picked up from their doggy day spa.
CLIF Bar & Company
Via Rover.com
A great workplace for outdoorsy dogs, CLIF Bar & Company practices what they preach. Dogs have access to a large off-leash area and a special pet insurance discount. Plus, employees get paid time off when they volunteer for animal-related causes.
Etsy
Photo via the Etsy blog
An early adopter of the dog-friendly policy, craft marketplace Etsy believes this benefit helps foster a sense of community and connection among employees. Coupled with meal-sharing, volunteer opportunities, and employee bike rides, this dog-friendly office definitely makes our roundup.
Known for its astounding employee perks (from on-site haircuts to free and fancy food), Google tops our list of the dog-friendliest workplaces. Their comprehensive dog policy lays out guidelines for pet parents, including being mindful of allergies and cleaning up after accidents. Employees count bringing their dog to work among their favorite Google perks—and at an office with a ball pit and complimentary massages, that’s really saying something.
Humane Society
Via Pinterest
This dog-loving organization wrote the book on dog-friendly policies—literally. They published Dogs at Work: A Practical Guide to Creating Dog-Friendly Workplaces (Humane Society Press, 2009), “the definitive guide to creating a business environment where employees’ dogs are welcome.” Their own policy allows for reimbursement for pet care expenses incurred due to work-related travel, discounts on pet insurance, and more.
Mashable
Via Rover.com
This digital news outlet boasts 42 million monthly visitors (of the human variety), and an office amenable to furry friends, too.
Refinery29
Via Rover.com
This lifestyle destination is committed to empowering puppy lovers. The dogs roaming their pet-friendly office help bring colleagues together and add even more cuteness to an already-fashionable bunch.
Trupanion
Via Trupanion
It follows that a pet insurance company would offer terrific dog benefits. Employees get baby gates, pet insurance, full-time dog walking services, and pet bereavement leave—plus an official team overseeing their robust pet policy. Trupanion has an excellent resource center for other workplaces looking to go dog-friendly. Check out their Celebrating Dogs in the Workplace checklist and learn how to make your office a happy space for humans and dogs alike.
