You know what they say: pets in the workplace make everything better.
But how much do you REALLY know about this topic?
Well, if you’re like most people, the answer is “not enough,” and that’s where we come in. We’ve put together a list of pets in the workplace statistics to help you get up to speed on all things pet-related in the workplace.
Whether you’re looking for just the right stat to impress your boss or are trying to figure out what percentage of pet owners bring their dogs to work and how many employers allow dogs in their office spaces, we’ve got you covered.
So what are you waiting for? Check out our list now!
Pets in The Workplace Statistics (Editor’s Choice)
- Merely 11% of employers allow bringing pets in the workplace.
- 70% of employees would take a cut in pay to be allowed to bring their pets to work.
- 80% of people feel less anxious at work when their pet is present.
- Nearly half of employees who own pets believe allowing pets at work would help them improve work-life balance.
- Based on a self-evaluation, 98% of pet-friendly workplace employees reported good mental health.
General Pets in The Workplace Statistics
1. 11% of employers in the US allow employees to bring their pets to work.
(SHRM, Forbes)
As the Society of Human Resource Management’s data reveals, the number of employers allowing pets in the workplace has increased from 7% a few years ago to 11% today. While this is progress, there is still a long way to go before pet-friendly workplaces are the norm.
| Year | % of US employers that allow pets at work |
|---|---|
| 2019 | 11% |
| 2018 | 9% |
| 2017 | 8% |
| 2016 | 7% |
| 2015 | 8% |
| 2014 | 4% |
There are many steps that employers need to take before allowing pets in the office. They should gauge employee interest, talk to the property owner, create a detailed pet policy, and evaluate if the space is pets friendly. When service animals are in question, employers should consult a legal professional before allowing them to work.
Even if employers can’t allow pets in the office, they can support pet-owning employees with alternative policies. Some include hosting a happy hour or picnic at a dog park, organizing a volunteer program at a charity that focuses on animals, offering pet insurance discounts, etc.
2. 9 in 10 employees in pet-friendly workplaces express a high level of attachment to their company’s mission.
(Nationwide, HABRI)
We know you’re wondering: what’s the secret to employee engagement? Well, it turns out that allowing pets in the office is a pretty good start.
A new study has found that 90% of employees in pet-friendly workplaces feel highly connected to their company’s mission—compared to only 65% of employees in non-pet-friendly workplaces.
And that’s not all! Employees who bring their pets to work are more likely to feel more engaged with their co-workers and more likely to think that the company cares about them as people (versus just workers).
That’s a pretty big difference! So if you’re looking for a way to boost your company culture, consider making your office more pet friendly!
3. Over three times as many people who work in pet friendly workplaces have a positive working relationship with their coworkers and superiors.
(Nationwide, HABRI)
Pets have a profound impact on our lives. They bring joy, comfort, and companionship to their owners—and research shows that pet-friendly workplaces also offer significant benefits for employees.
- Of employees who work for a pet-friendly company, 52% report having a positive working relationship with their supervisor, compared to only 14% who work at companies that do not allow pets.
- 53% of employees who work for pet-friendly companies report positive working relationships with their co-workers, compared to 19% of those who work in non-pet-friendly companies.
So why do pets seem to make such a difference in the workplace?
One theory is that they help create a more relaxed and comfortable environment, leading to improved communication and collaboration among employees. Pets also provide us with much-needed companionship and emotional support, which can boost our moods and reduce stress levels.
4. Pet-friendly companies are more likely to retain employees long term.
(Nationwide, HABRI)
Employees who work in pet-friendly workplaces are more likely to stay with their company, and decline job offers from other companies.
- 72% of employees who work in pet-friendly companies would turn down a job offer at another company with similar pay, compared to 44% of employees who work in non-pet-friendly workplaces.
- 88% of employees who work for a pet-friendly company say they will stay with the company for at least another year, compared to 73% who work in non-pet-friendly workplaces.
This could be because they feel more comfortable and happy at their current workplace or because they feel that their company values them and their lifestyle choices.
A high employee turnover rate can cost a lot, meaning that pets can even bring considerable financial benefits to the company.
5. Pets make 75% of remote workers feel more inclined to stay home.
(Digital)
In Digital’s survey that included 1,000 employees, a staggering 75% of them who have pets say caring for their pets is one of the reasons they prefer to work from home.
The only reasons more frequent than leaving pets alone were caring for kids (the most frequent reason) and saving money and/or time on commuting.
However, this survey also shows that 14% won’t return to the office, even if their employer demands it.
6. 57% of pet owners admit to feeling guilty when taking care of their pets during working hours.
(Vetster)
However, pets can actually provide many benefits in the workplace. For example, studies have shown that having a pet can reduce stress levels and increase productivity. In fact, 80% of pet owners who bring their pets to work report feeling less stressed than those who don’t.
So if you’re feeling guilty about taking care of your pet during work hours, don’t be! Your furry friend may just be making you more productive.
7. One in five pet owners fears separation anxiety from their pets when they return to the office.
(Pet Product News)
As the study of 3,000 pet owners across the US reveals, one in five (or 22%) pet owners fear separation anxiety from their pets when they return to the office. In addition, over two-thirds of pet owners think that their pet has helped to preserve mental health during the lockdown.
Statistics Regarding Benefits of Pets in The Workplace
8. 80% of people report feeling less anxiety at work when their pet is present.
(Vetster)
Pets can have a calming effect on people, and this is especially true at work.
According to a recent survey, 80% of respondents said they felt less anxiety when their pet was present at work. Pets can help create a more relaxed and positive work environment, which can lead to increased productivity and creativity.
If your workplace allows it, consider bringing your pet in to help you de-stress during the workday!
9. Employees who bring their dogs to work are 22% more satisfied with their jobs.
(University of Lincoln)
Employees who bring their dogs to work are more satisfied, happier, and more engaged in their work than those who don’t. And it’s not just because dogs are cute!
In fact, studies have shown that allowing dogs at work increases employee satisfaction by 22%, increases absorption in the task by 33.4%, and increases dedication toward the task by 16.5%. Overall, these employees report an increase in work engagement of 14.4%.
What’s more, employers report that employees with dogs are less likely to take sick days, so they’re less likely to cost you money!
10. 47% of employees who own pets believe allowing pets at work would promote better work-life balance.
(Petco)
Petco’s survey, which included 2,101 pet parents from the US, revealed that employees see many benefits of dogs and other pets in the workplace. Namely, 53% think it would lead to strengthening working relationships with coworkers.
In comparison, 72% would be more likely to even decline a job offer with a similar salary for an employer that allows no pets in the workplace. Data like this proves that the benefits of working with pets aren’t negligible.
11. 58% of survey respondents believe employers having a pet-friendly policy would help alleviate stress at work.
(Petco)
Bringing your dog to work can be highly beneficial for stress management, and nearly 60% of survey respondents think the same.
According to Petco’s research, allowing pets in the workplace can improve employees’ pets’ mental health, physique, and social health. Therefore, both employees and their pets benefit from it.
12. 83% of pet owners minimized their stress levels by working from home and being in close contact with their pets.
(Petco)
Those who worked from home during the pandemic know what it’s like to work with a pet.
Many reported feeling better and safer during lockdowns, so it’s not surprising that 52% would be more likely to stay longer with an employer that allows pets.
13. People who brought pets to the workplace noticed an 11% drop in stress levels.
(Culture Map)
It’s no secret that pets can help you stay calm and focused. But did you know that bringing them to work could actually make you less stressed?
A new study by Virginia Commonwealth University shows that the presence of pets in the workplace can help employees lower their stress levels, while leaving their pets at home can have the opposite effect.
The study found that employees who bring their pets to the workplace experience an 11% drop in stress levels. This is compared to employees who were forced to leave their pets at home, who experienced a 70% rise in stress levels.
14. 83% of those who work for a pet-friendly company see their work as exciting and rewarding.
(Nationwide, HABRI)
Working with pets is beneficial, as only 46% of people in non-pet-friendly workplaces perceive their work as engaging and exciting.
Further, the comprehensive study involving 2,002 US full-time employees reveals that 91% of people who work for a pet-friendly company are engaged with their work, while 65% who work in non-pet-friendly workplaces claim the same.
25. 91% of employees who work for a pet-friendly company think that their company supports their physical health and wellness.
(Nationwide, HABRI, Wellable)
As unwell workers cost US employers $530 billion in lost productivity each year, taking care of their employees’ physical health is a must. Letting employees bring their pets to work makes them feel the company cares about them.
Statistics of pets at work from a HABRI and Nationwide’s study point out that, apart from supporting their physical health, 91% of people whose employers have pet-friendly policies feel that their mental health is important to the company.
Therefore, it’s a great idea to allow pets in the workplace because it might even make employees trust their employers more.
16. 85% of those employed in a pet-friendly company rarely miss a work day for recuperation or well-being.
(Nationwide, HABRI)
Statistics of pets at work based on a recent study prove that allowing pets in the office can do more than just increase employees’ morale and communication.
Namely, HABRI and Nationwide’s recent study reveals that presenteeism in pet-friendly companies is 8% higher than in companies that don’t allow pets, as 77% of people employed in a non-pet-friendly company rarely miss a day of work for recovery.
Absenteeism costs employers $2,660 to $3,600 per employee per year, so if employers think that making offices pet-friendly is costly, they should keep this data in mind.
17. 98% of pet-friendly workplace employees reported good mental health in a self-evaluation.
(Nationwide, HABRI)
An overwhelming majority (98%) of employees in a pet-friendly company claim that they have good mental health. Nevertheless, the number of workers in a non-pet-friendly workplace who state the same is 17% lower.
Data like this shouldn’t be ignored. Allowing pets in the workplace literally makes everyone feel better about going to work, which can increase employee retention and loyalty.
Apart from that, another study discovered that the presence of a dog positively impacted people in groups who were tasked to solve specific problems.
18. 42% of pet owners who know what the human-animal bond is would be more likely to get another pet if their workplace was pet friendly.
(Nationwide, HABRI)
It’s well-known that pet owners can have a hard time with their pets because they have to leave them at home and go to the office, especially those who live alone.
Moreover, many people don’t have pets solely because they don’t want to leave them alone for long. Letting people bring their pets to work would solve that problem.
Apart from that, HABRI and Nationwide’s study shows that 49% of those who own pets and get the human-animal bond would be more likely to get another pet if their employer covered pet health insurance.
19. 88% of employees who work for pet-friendly companies would recommend their employer to others.
(Nationwide, HABRI)
When employees are happy, they’re more likely to recommend their place of employment to others. And it turns out that if you’re a place of employment that’s pet-friendly, you’ve got an even better chance of keeping your employees happy.
In fact, a recent study found that 88% of employees who work for a pet-friendly company would recommend their workplace to others. That compares with 51% of workers in non-pet-friendly offices.
That’s a huge difference! This goes to show how much more satisfied employees are when they can bring their pets into the office!
20. 48% of employed pet owners said that their pets have a positive impact on their productivity at work.
(Vetster)
In fact, more than half of cat (56%) and dog (53%) owners report that their furry friends have had a positive impact on their workplace productivity.
This is likely due to the fact that pets can provide much needed companionship and emotional support during stressful or difficult times. Additionally, having a pet in the workplace can help create a more relaxed and positive environment for everyone involved.
So if you’re looking for a way to boost your productivity, consider letting your pet join you at the office!
Existing Trends About Pets at Work
21. 53% would consider leaving their current employer for one that allowed dogs in the workplace.
(MSPCA)
According to the statistics of pets at work, some pet owners would go as far as to quit their jobs and choose an employer who allows dogs at the workplace.
Still, people who would do this should consider all the downsides of dog-friendly workplaces. For instance, dogs can fight with each other, whine loudly, bark, and even make a mess or break something valuable.
22. Two-thirds of employed pet owners say their pets have helped them build new friendships at work.
(Vetster)
Pets can be great icebreakers at work, helping you to make new friends and bond with your co-workers.
In a recent survey, two out of three pet-owning workers claimed that their pets helped them make new friends at the office. On average, they said they had acquired seven new friends as a result of bringing a pet to work.
So if you’re looking to make some new friends at the office, consider bringing your pet to work with you!
23. 60% of pet owners have left jobs because they were forced to work in office environments that did not allow pets.
(Vetster)
This is a significant finding, as it shows that many people are willing to sacrifice their careers in order to keep their beloved pets with them.
Studies suggest that pet owners feel more productive and motivated when they can bring their pets to work with them. This makes sense, as having a furry friend by your side can help reduce stress and increase feelings of happiness and well-being.
So if you’re considering implementing a pet-friendly policy at your workplace, know that you could be doing your employees a big favor! Not only will they appreciate it, but it could also lead to increased productivity and satisfaction across the board.
24. 67% of survey respondents with dogs would consider looking for a different job if their company stopped providing a remote work option.
(Time)
According to a survey of 400 dog owners, 78% said they would stay at their current job if they could bring their pets to work. The survey further revealed that 67% would consider looking for another job if their company stopped offering an option to work remotely.
Pet owners have reported difficulty getting to work, as most companies have reopened their offices.
25. 70% of employees would take a cut in pay to be able to bring their pets to work.
(Vetster)
The majority of employees who own pets see working with pets as so beneficial that they would gladly allow a pay cut just to be able to bring their pets to the office.
This data proves that bringing pets to work isn’t just about having fun while you work. If 70% of people would sacrifice their work benefits for a pet-friendly office, it’s more than just a fad for them.
26. Rover, the US’ largest network of dog walkers and sitters, has more than 50 dogs in the office every day.
(The Next Web)
Rover’s pet-friendly policies are just one of the reasons why it’s a great place to work for animal lovers.
In addition to allowing employees to bring their pets to work, Rover also offers pawternity leave (paid time off for new pet parents) and bereavement leave (paid time off for those who have lost a pet).
These perks show that Rover understands the special bond between humans and animals, and is committed to supporting its employees’ furry family members.
27. One in five Bristol workplaces allows pets in the office.
(Bristol Post)
Nearly a third of workers in the Bristol region would like to see more companies that allow animals at work. As one in five Bristol companies allow pets at work, 75% of pets brought to the office are dogs, while only 13% are cats.
Nevertheless, 13% of Bristol employees filed complaints about pets invading the office.
28. 46% of UK women believe having a pet in the workplace eases stress.
(Bristol Post)
Nearly half of women in the UK claim that having a pet in the workplace eases stress. The popularity of pets in the workplace has probably increased because of opinions like this one.
Men, on the other hand, seem to have a bit different opinions about having pets in the office. Namely, 40% of UK men say animals in the office are a distraction.
29. The number of people searching for companies with dog-friendly offices on Flexa Careers increased by 350% in March 2022 compared to 12 months before.
(Work Life)
Flexa Careers is a flexible UK work platform that matches 400,000 users with roughly 150 companies. According to their newest data, the coronavirus pandemic has drastically changed people’s preferences when pet-friendly offices are in question.
Many people got pets to help them cope with the lockdowns, which resulted in people searching for job postings on Flexa Careers that allow pets in the office increase by 350% more than in 2021.
30. There was a 75% spike in searches for “pawternity leave” on Flexa Careers in March 2022 compared to March 2021.
(Work Life)
Having a pet is a considerable responsibility, and pet owners know that the best. Still, employees in 2022 want a comprehensive pets at work policy and “pawternity” leave.
If you wonder what a “pawternity” leave is, it’s giving employees some time off to welcome a new furry friend to their family.
Pets mean the world to some people, and modern businesses have started recognizing this. Besides companies, even people search for it on job boards more often.
31. 19% of men in the UK think pets at work are annoying.
(Bristol Post)
Unfortunately, some people can’t concentrate while animals are around them for many reasons. While some think they’re too loud or distractive, others just don’t like animals in general. Still, statistics show that men are more prone to being against animals in the office.
Nearly 20% of male survey respondents claim pets at work are annoying. Only 14% of men claim it makes them more approachable, while 21% of women believe it makes them appear friendly.
Related Questions (FAQ)
Should pets be allowed in the workplace?
There are numerous benefits of having a pet in your workplace. Some major advantages of bringing pets to work are lower stress levels and comfort. Pets can also be a common topic for many colleagues, encouraging social interactions. Therefore, pets should be an option, but only if an employer creates a comprehensive pet policy.
How many people bring their dogs to work?
Merely 11% of employers allow bringing pets to the office as of now. However, bringing dogs and other pets to the workplace has become a trend, so many employers must consider allowing pets in the future.
Do pets at work make you more productive?
According to a recent survey, 48% of people said their pets have helped them be more productive at work, including 56% of cat owners and 53% of dog owners.
How do you ask your boss if you can bring your dog to work?
One of the tips includes asking your co-workers for opinions or help, focusing on the benefits bringing pets would have for the company, offering to dog-proof the office, and making rules and regulations related to pets at work. Also, it’s a good idea to ask for a test week.
Is it legal to bring your dog to work?
There are no laws that forbid bringing your pets to work, meaning that it’s not really illegal. Still, the answer depends on a few factors, such as your company’s policy and your state’s laws.
Some companies allow employees to bring their dogs to work, while others have strict policies against it. In some states, laws prohibit bringing animals into the workplace, unless they are service animals. Before bringing your dog to work, check with your company’s HR department to see if any policies are in place.
Does Google allow pets at work?
Google has always been pet-friendly, with its first canine visitor arriving in 1999. Since then, the company has been more than accommodating to the pets of its employees across its campuses. Google allows all kinds of pets at work, from dogs and cats to reptiles and rodents.
Conclusion
We hope this list helped you in your quest to get more information about bringing pets to work! We believe that allowing pets in the workplace is good for everyone: the company, the employees, and even the customers!
If you’re considering introducing pets into your workplace, there are a few things you need to keep in mind.
- First, make sure you have the space and resources to accommodate them; some dogs or cats may not be comfortable in an open office setting, for example.
- You’ll also need to consider the needs of your employees; some people may be allergic to certain animals or simply not like having them around.
- Finally, be prepared to put some policies in place regarding pet care and safety; you don’t want anyone’s furry friend getting hurt on the job!
If you have any questions about our list or want to share any relevant statistics with us, please reach out to us via email. We’d love to hear from you!
Thanks for reading this long-winded article! We hope you enjoyed it!
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