Trends in Company Policies Towards Dogs in the Workplace

Ever since John Steinbeck took his poodle Charley with him on a cross-country camping trip, and kept the journal that later became "Travels With Charley", taking a pet to work has seemed like a great idea to me. However, until recently, I never succeeded in convincing any boss that it was a good idea. Since I've become self employed, though, my dog Kelly accompanies me every day. I just may have been ahead of my time, as there's been a definite trend in the past few years... and not just in the U.S.

Certain dogs have always been welcome at work. Guide dogs and companion dogs are common in retirement and convalescent homes and hospices, and their positive influence is well known. Recently, though, there has been a growing leniency in mainstream company policies regarding pets in the workplace.

The Blue Cross, a well known British pet charity, has been sponsoring a Take Your Pet to Work Day for the past 11 years. It's a popular annual event in England and has enjoyed increased global support, from Canada to Pakistan. The event raises funds for charity and promotes companion dogs for the disabled, as well as highlighting responsible pet ownership.

Chatham College in Pittsburg PA has allowed teachers to bring their pets to school for the last 25 years, and there have always been several dogs around the lecture halls, but their numbers have increased significantly in the past few years.

A North Carolina organization called Pet Sitters International reports that participation in the group's annual Take Your Dog to Work Day event in June rose from 300 companies when it started in 1997 to more than 10,000 this year.

The majority of companies that allow dogs are small start-up companies who realize the need for a flexible work environment or large high tech firms that allow dogs in order to capture the interest of prospective employees or to retain their current employees.

A survey by the American Humane Society claims that allowing employees to bring their dogs to work increases morale and productivity, encourages camaraderie among employees and fosters more cooperation and enhanced job performance. They claim that store owners who bring their dogs to work show increased sales.

A Connecticut-based national trade group surveyed 50 small and large companies across the U.S. that allow pets in their workplace, including law firms, Internet sales companies and retail shops. Their results showed that allowing pets resulted in lower absenteeism rates and employees who were more willing to work overtime.

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