6 Benefits of having your pets at work

Imagine entering your workplace and being greeted by a wagging tail or calming purr. Does this sound too good to be true? Think again!  

More and more companies are recognizing the benefits of having pets at work, transforming the office into a fun, engaging and productive space.  

Here are six reasons you should want pets in the workplace.  

Reduced stress

Let’s face it: work can be stressful. Deadlines, meetings and endless to-do lists can take their toll. But what if you could take a quick break to cuddle a cute puppy or play with a curious cat? 

Research from Washington State University shows that sitting down and petting your dog or cat for as little as 10 minutes can help significantly reduce your stress levels.  

So next time you’re feeling overwhelmed, your furry friend might just be what you need.  

Better work-life balance

Balancing the demands of work and personal life can be challenging. But pets in the workplace can help by creating a more accommodating environment.  

Plus, a pet-friendly workplace can lead to greater job satisfaction and a more balanced lifestyle, reducing the risk of burnout and enhancing overall well-being. Employees can tend to their pet’s needs without the stress of rushing home to get to their beloved companions.  

According to a survey by Rover, 44 per cent of dog parents want to bring their dogs to work so, they are not alone all day. By 2025, Rover predicts the pet population will surpass 28.5 million, up from 27.47 million in 2016, driving a continued increase in demand for pet policies. 

Health and happiness

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Some benefits of having pets at work, according to the Human Animal Bond Research Institute include helping improve employees’ physical and mental health.  

Walking a dog during lunch or playing with a cat can provide much-needed physical activity, breaking up the act of sitting at a desk all day.  

Having a pet around the office can help your physical health and improve your mental health.  For example, seeing your dog wagging its tail and giving you a friendly smile can help you relax and feel comforted.  

Recruitment and retention

Dogster reports, that 8.5 million cats and 7.9 million dogs lived in Canadian households in 2022.  

This number has increased since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, when people started bringing home pets because they were spending all of their time at home. Due to this, more people are looking for a pet-friendly workplace or potential workplaces offer before accepting a new job. 

As more people return to the office, 78 per cent of Canadian dog owners believe it is important to have a pet-friendly workplace.  

Over half of Canadian dog owners said they would leave a job if dog-friendly benefits were suddenly removed.  

Employers can attract and retain more people by allowing pets in the office, especially those who don’t want to leave their companion at home.  

Boost productivity

You might think having a pet at work would be a distraction, but pets can help boost productivity. Short breaks with pets can re-energize you, sparking creativity and helping you tackle tasks with renewed focus.  

According to the Journal of Occupational Health Psychology, taking a 10-minute break can help reduce fatigue and stress, two hindrances to workplace productivity.  

By taking ten minutes to walk your dog or just a couple of minutes to pet your four-legged friend, you can return to work focused.  

Sparks collaboration

Pets are natural conversation starters. Whether you share stories about your pet’s latest antics or offer tips on pet care, these interactions can strengthen workplace relationships.  

A friendly office pet can help bring your co-workers together and help to build a sense of community.  

Pet-friendly workplaces help employees connect and socialize in the office. This can help with collaboration, as more people in the office stop to pet a dog and end up chatting.  

Protect your pet at work

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While bringing your pets to work can help reduce stress and allow your co-workers to visit your furry friend, there are risks associated with bringing them to the office.  

Your furry friends may get into trouble on the way to the office or at the office and may need to take an unexpected trip to the vet.  

Pet insurance can help you with unexpected vet bills and ensure your pet receives the care it needs.  

CAA has partnered with Pets Plus Us to help provide your pet with the best care possible in the event of an unexpected illness or accident. Help protect your furry friend by getting an online quote or calling 1-833-323-2456. CAA Members receive a 13.5 per cent discount on pet insurance*. 

*CAA Members receive a preferred rate of 13.5% off effective April 15, 2024. Non-members receive a preferred rate of 9% off effective April 15, 2024.