The Purr-Fect Co-Worker: The Benefits of Including Pets in the Workplace

Taking your furry buddy into the office isn’t just about companionship—it turns out it has tangible benefits for workplaces. From reducing stress to boosting productivity, there are plenty of reasons why allowing pets in the workplace might be one of the best moves you can make in 2025.

Let’s start with the numbers: a staggering 91% of employees in pet-friendly offices report being more engaged at work. Pets also foster trust and team cohesion, with groups ranking their teammates higher in collaborative settings when a dog is present. Beyond the workplace camaraderie, employee health can see significant improvements, too. Pet ownership is linked to lower levels of depression, better mood, decreased stress, lower blood pressure, and elevated oxytocin levels—all essential factors for a happy, productive workplace.

As trends shift towards more in-office work, pet-friendly policies can serve as a powerful draw for employees accustomed to remote work. A survey of pet owners found that 44% would consider a career move for a pet-friendly workplace, and 37% said they’d sacrifice vacation time or take a pay cut to bring their pet to work. For those who adopted pets during the pandemic, the prospect of taking their furry friends to the office is exciting. Even petless employees benefit from the increased morale—without the responsibility of vet visits.

Worried about distractions? Studies suggest otherwise: 67% of employees in pet-friendly offices report being more productive. Of course, we understand it’s not feasible for every business. Allergies, building policies, or other constraints might limit what’s possible. But even if a full pet policy isn’t on the table, alternatives like bringing in service animals for periodic visits can provide similar morale boosts. NBCUniversal’s Atlas is a shining example. This six-month-old black lab is training to become a guide dog for a military veteran at the Guide Dog Foundation. Employee satisfaction surged after Atlas joined the office, complete with his own badge and Instagram page. Employees could schedule team meetings with Atlas, and his calendar quickly became packed. Atlas even has a small “office” of his own, filled with toys, and follows an RTO policy—an excellent way to boost morale and bring smiles to everyone’s day.

If implementing a pet-friendly policy is viable, it’s a no-brainer. The physical, mental, and productivity benefits are worth integrating into your workplace plans. And if a real pet isn’t an option, why not adopt a mascot instead? Sully’s Sandbox, a platform designed to help companies harness trusted, high-quality data and AI solutions, takes inspiration from its canine namesake. This platform offers businesses tools to solve critical challenges by providing customizable models, resource configurations, and permissions tailored to their unique needs.

Explore how Sully’s Sandbox can help fetch bigger opportunities for your business. Apply for early access here!

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