Paws at Work: Can Pets Make the Office a Happier Place?

Imagine walking into the office and being greeted not just by your coworkers, but also by a friendly wagging tail or a soothing purr. For some companies, it's already a reality, prompting researchers to ask: what actually happens when pets become part of our workday?

A recent systematic review dives deep into this topic, examining 20 scientific studies to find out what really happens when our furry (and sometimes scaly or feathered) friends join us at work.

What the Science Says

It’s (Mostly) Pawsitive:

• Stress Reduction: The most common benefit reported was lower stress levels. Employees with pets around (in a physical office or working remotely) felt calmer and more emotionally supported.
• Better Mental Health: Several studies showed improvements in mental wellbeing, and more positive emotions throughout the day.
• Social Connection: Pets acted like social icebreakers, encouraging more friendly interactions and team bonding.
• Improved Work Engagement: Employees who brought their dogs to work felt more engaged and committed, and had lower turnover intentions

Not All Tail Wags and Belly Rubs

• Allergies and Fears: Not everyone is a fan of animals. For people with allergies or phobias, a pet-friendly office can feel more stressful than soothing.
• Distractions: As adorable as they are, pets can be distracting (especially in tasks requiring deep focus).
• Cleanliness and Safety Concerns: Issues like pet hair, cleanliness, and maintaining a safe environment came up frequently.
• Pet Welfare: One lesser-discussed but important issue was the wellbeing of the animals themselves. Not all pets are cut out for the 9-to-5 life.

Paws to Consider

Some studies found no major effects, positive or negative. For example, having pets didn’t always impact productivity or job satisfaction.

Dogs Dominate, but Cats and Fish Show Up Too

While most studies focused on dogs, some also included cats, fish, birds, reptiles, and small mammals. However, researchers noted that few studies reported key pet details like breed, age, training, or temperament. These are important details to consider, as they are all factors that likely influence success in the workplace.

The Research Gap: We Need Guidelines

Despite promising findings, the review found a surprising lack of standardized policies or protocols for integrating pets into the workplace. Very few studies looked at animal characteristics or had formal procedures for ensuring the experience is safe and positive for both humans and pets.

The authors call for future research to:

• Identify traits of “ideal” workplace pets
• Develop clear guidelines for bringing pets to work
• Prioritize a balance of human and animal wellbeing

Should You Pitch a Pet Policy at Work?

Maybe, but thoughtfully. The takeaway from this review isn’t that every office should become a dog park. It’s that, when implemented well, pet-friendly policies can be part of a broader strategy to improve workplace wellness and satisfaction. But they need to be well-structured and mindful of everyone's needs.

Final Thoughts

Pets in the workplace can be more than just a cute gimmick as they can truly boost morale, reduce stress, and help create a more connected office culture. But it’s not one-size-fits-all. Just like any workplace policy, it takes thoughtful planning, consideration, and maybe a few lint rollers.