It turns out that bringing pets to work isn’t just a fantastic perk but something that contributes to a better workplace environment. Expert Tyson Butter explains some of the best reasons why we should embrace pets in the workplace.

Tyson is an ex ex-dog trainer and insurance executive who is now general manager at Pet Parking. Pet Parking’s mission is to better integrate pets into society, and as such, Tyson is passionate about sharing the benefits of pet-friendly workplaces.

Pets make work a happier place

The mood in an office can be instantly lightened the moment someone’s beloved pet pads in. Animals have an uncanny way of making people smile and feel more relaxed, which inevitably leads to a happier work environment.

Studies back this up, with a survey finding that 90% of employees who bring pets to work feel fully engaged, compared to just 65% in workplaces without pets. But it gets even better because the same study noted that employees were more likely to recommend their workplace to others when pets were part of the office culture​.

Animals break up typical work routines

A furry friend in the office also creates moments of joy that break up the routine. A dog trotting over for a nuzzle or a cat curling up on a keyboard can spark laughter and positive conversations. This boost in office morale isn’t just anecdotal, as research confirms that pets truly can make work more enjoyable.

In one survey, 58% of pet owners said that having dogs at work boosts their happiness during the day. When people are in a good mood, they tend to be more creative, energetic, and motivated, which is a win-win for both employees and employers.

Pets help reduce stress and anxiety in workers

There’s no doubt about it: work can get stressful – but pets are natural stress relievers. Simply patting a dog or watching an adorable animal can help anxiety melt away.

Research supports the calming effect of pets, with landmark study in 2012 finding that employees who brought their dogs to work had lower stress levels by the end of the day. Conversely, those without pets (or who left their pets at home) experienced an increase in stress as the hours passed​.

The study showed that on days when pet owners didn’t bring their dogs to the office, their stress levels rose steadily, mirroring the pattern seen in coworkers who had no pets at all​.

There are physical benefits too

Interacting with friendly animals has been shown to lower blood pressure and heart rate, which are markers of stress.

The comforting presence of a pet provides social support that can buffer us against workplace pressures. Instead of reaching for another cup of coffee when deadlines loom, having a pet nearby to cuddle or take for a quick walk can help employees recharge and refocus in a healthy way.

Pets bring people together

Animals are great icebreakers and they almost always prompt smiles and small talk. This means that co-workers who might not interact often can bond over the pet’s antics or exchange stories about their pets at home. These casual, positive interactions foster friendships and build a sense of community in the workplace.

Cooperation is better with pets in the picture

Controlled studies reinforce the social benefits of bringing pets to work. In one experiment, groups of people were tasked with working on problem-solving activities, some groups had a friendly dog present, and others did not. The results were telling: the groups with a dog were rated as being more cooperative and communicative, and even showed higher trust among team members​.

Participants in the dog-present groups tended to talk and laugh more, and they felt their teammates were more approachable and trustworthy​. The pet’s presence essentially helped colleagues connect on a more personal level, strengthening team cohesion. Over time, these improved social connections can lead to a more supportive workplace where people collaborate easily and look out for one another.

Tips for implementing a pet-friendly workplace

If the benefits of pets at work sound appealing, employers can take practical steps to introduce a pet-friendly policy that works for everyone. Here are some guidelines for making it a success:

Set clear rules

Decide which types of pets are allowed (e.g. dogs and cats) and define any off-limits areas (such as meeting rooms or kitchens). A written pet policy will set clear expectations for everyone.

Make sure pets are healthy and trained

Ensure that any pet brought in is healthy (vaccinated, free of fleas) and well-trained. A friendly, well-behaved pet won’t pose safety risks or major distractions (and any excessive barking or aggressive behaviour should be avoided).

Ask employees what they think first

Survey employees about their comfort levels (allergies or fears) beforehand. Make sure there’s enthusiasm, and address concerns with simple solutions—like establishing “pet-free” zones for those who need them.

Pet-proof the workplace

Prepare the office to welcome pets. Provide essentials like water bowls and a pet relief area, and keep cleaning supplies handy for the occasional accident. If space is limited, consider capping the number of pets allowed at one time to prevent chaos.

Start small and adjust as needed

Implement the policy gradually. For example, start with a “Pet Friday” or allow pets on certain days, then expand if all goes well. Encourage feedback and adjust the rules as needed.

With these steps, employers can create a balanced approach that lets people enjoy their pets at work while keeping the workplace professional and respectful.

A pet-friendly workplace isn’t just a trendy idea, it’s a genuine investment in employee wellbeing and great company culture. By boosting morale, lowering stress, and bringing colleagues closer together, pets can make the office a place people look forward to coming to each day.

So, next time you see a furry face in the office, remember that new “employee” might be doing more for your workplace than just looking cute.

Does your workplace allow pets to come along? We’d love to hear about it below!