Want to Intro a Dog-Friendly Culture to Your Workplace? Read On.

Mary Simpson
by Mary Simpson

Here to stay, those workplace pooch-perks are turning once staid organizations into GenZ-savvy employers.

(photo credit: la.lyubov / shutterstock.com)

Years ago, the proverbial carrot dangled in front of prospective employees included that all-important pay packet, followed closely by pension and dental plans. Not so today, as millennials shift into their 40s and are replaced by Gen Z. Yes, that 20-something crowd are now shopping companies for the best possible deals vis-à-vis workplace benefits. And those perks have nothing to do with dental work or retirement.


In fact, many top employers are introducing that one special perk everyone seems to be looking for. Pet Friendly.


Yes, we’re not talking about bring-your-dog-to-work friendly. We’re talking Rover riding shotgun as you head into the office each day, kinda friendly.


Let’s take a peek at who does it best.


Leading the pack are Amazon Headquarters, which offer dog-friendly water fountains, a series of dog parks, and hosts over 7,000 employee pooches each and every day.


Nipping at the heels of Amazon is, of course, Google, which identifies canines in its code of conduct as being a “core cultural facet”. Not sure what that means, but they did create “Doogleplex,”… a private dog park for employees to exercise their pooches during working hours. So, top points for them.


Then there’s Bissel, which has “Petspot” bathing stations at their head office along with indoor and outdoor play areas… and kennels for when naughty happens.


I love Clif Bar and online game creator, Zynga, which discounts and subsidizes pet insurance. Hey, I’m always down for savings.


But pet perks aside, how does an organization that’s vying for top talent set up this type of working arrangement in the first place?


According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), there are basic rules to follow that start with:

  1. Create a policy. Can you accommodate both the dog lovers and non-dog lovers? Because you’ll need to.
  2. Do you have outdoor space to exercise these four-legged employees and allow for potty breaks? Directly in front of the building is not the welcome sight or smell that prospective clients will appreciate.
  3. Have you pet-proofed your office space? That means no loose wires, lidded trash cans to prevent rummaging, and treats or snacks be placed above desk height. Do you want to go so far as to ban chocolate from your office?
  4. Are you able to introduce gates to prevent pets from wandering out of offices and down halls? Don’t we all know they’ll make a beeline for the non-dog lovers!
  5. Do you have space near your desk to store food/water bowls, toys, and treats? Even better, a crate where he can retreat to if feeling overwhelmed.


When it comes to expectations of the dog owner, these will be part of that new policy you’re drawing up and should be non-negotiable.

  1. All office dogs must be up to date on vaccines. Proof will be required.
  2. Are they socialized, and do they get along with strangers and other dogs? No option here for pet parents to say they’ll just keep a close eye on them. They must be socialized, and in a nod to the AKC, making that official through their Canine Good Citizen might be a good source of verification.
  3. Is the dog high-energy? Or will they be content to hang out near the pet parent’s desk as they work? If high energy, what is the plan to cover this off?
  4. As an employer, do you want to limit dog size or number per employee?
  5. Do you plan to offer any dog-centric perks such as feeding or treat stations, blankets, beds, free poop bags, communal rooms, etc.?


So, lots to think about, but if employers are to pursue new methods of attracting youthful talent, appealing to their hearts is a great first step.

Mary Simpson
Mary Simpson

Sharing space with three seriously judgy Schnoodles and 2 felines who prefers to be left alone. #LivingMyBestLife

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