Last year, in light of the slowly lifting lockdown restrictions, we wrote an article to highlight the huge benefits to employees in a pet-friendly workspace. 

Since then, as you will know, there has been a significant shift in people heading back into offices and workspaces – some with more flexible hours and patterns – so where has that left our pets?

Newly released data from the Pet Food Manufacturers’ Association (PFMA) highlighted that pet relinquishment figures are concerning. The Gen Z and Millennial demographics represent 53% of those owning new pets – sadly, 23% of people in these age groups have been unable to keep their pet and 71% of all relinquishments can be attributed to this demographic.

There were several reasons cited by Gen Z and Millennials who had given up their pet, including a change in living arrangements and financials obstacles, and changes in working arrangements was also high on the list. The research also showed that 40% of owners don’t have pet-friendly offices and an additional 11% unsure.

Nicole Paley, Deputy Chief Executive at PFMA, said: “At the PFMA, we believe there is a need to boost the provision of pet-friendly policies at work and in rental accommodation. There are some excellent campaigns focused on this. We also need to ensure that potential pet owners are aware of the full implications of pet ownership and the significant responsibility that comes with a new family member.”

There are some gradual, anecdotal shifts in the perception of having a dog-friendly office, with many realising the need to adapt to a new way of working, and the great benefits that pets have in the office.

Some of the key benefits include:

1. Stroking a dog has been proven to reduce stress, whether the dog belongs to you or not

Just the act of stroking and petting a dog has a calming effect on most people. It relaxes us, giving us a little burst of the bonding hormone, oxytocin. Just feeling that soft fur also lowers our heart rate and blood pressure. 

2. Pets are a compelling source of social support for us

Pets, especially dogs, are very loyal and non-judgemental. They show you unconditional love, even if you’re having a bad day or feeling down. Dogs always respond well to a few kind words or a stroke, with enthusiasm and happiness, which can be very infectious. We feel rewarded by our actions, raising dopamine – the reward hormone – reducing cortisol, the stress hormone. 

3. Dogs encourage outgoing and sociable behaviour

Dogs can be an ice breaker – most people can’t resist petting or talking to dogs and in that British reserved way, it’s much easier talking to the dog before the owner! This positive behaviour also works in the professional environment, encouraging your colleagues to talk more to you and to each other, both in groups and individually.

4. Dogs lower stress related symptoms, like heart rate, high blood pressure, cholesterol and loneliness

Being around dogs in the workplace has multiple health benefits. In terms of productivity, studies have shown that employees in pet-friendly offices make less visits to their GP and take fewer sick days.
 

National Pet Month spoke to a WeWork who embraced dog-friendly policies a long time ago – and have reaped the benefits ever since:

WeWork offers flexible co-working spaces globally and in general their locations have always been dog-friendly, adopting a pet policy which enables this to be continuingly successful.  
 

A spokesperson for WeWork said, “At WeWork, we believe pets can improve our member’s experiences by boosting well-being and facilitating more social interactions within our community. We always encourage members to be mindful of others when deciding to bring their pet into a space, and have policies in place to ensure every member feels comfortable in a WeWork location regardless of their fondness for furry friends.”  

Members can check within an app when they are booking space to confirm whether a location is dog-friendly. Pet-free zones are also communicated by the building’s Community team, who can provide water bowls if an owner forgets to bring one – however this is the only item which is provided. Pet owners are responsible for making sure that they have everything their pet may require when bringing them to a WeWork workspace.

Although the month of April and #NationalPetMonth2022 is behind us, National Pet Month continues to provide useful and important advice to pet owners throughout the year.

Follow us on our social channels and keep an eye out for regular content throughout the year!


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