February 20, 2025

By Gemma Rigby, HR Director at Anabas

In an effort to increase office attendance, employers are increasingly looking to more creative methods of encouraging their staff back to the office.

One growing trend is luring people into the office with paws.

Is this just another gimmick or does a dog-friendly workplace have deeper-rooted benefits? We ask the experts for their views.

Interest in dogs in the office has been rising for two decades

For many, hybrid working has divided the work week between the office and home, meaning office attendance is no longer a given. Employers now need to do more to encourage their employees into work.

Google Trends

But some are looking at this as an opportunity, rather than a challenge.

Online interest in the term ‘dogs in work’ is just one example of that, rising steadily over the last 20 years.

The benefits of dogs in the workplace

We recently caught up with some experts who revealed that the perks of having dogs in the office go beyond simply avoiding the hassle of arranging a dog sitter while you’re at work…

Bill Lambert of The Kennel Club, the UK’s largest organisation dedicated to dog health, welfare and training, shared some of these benefits with us: “Our canine colleagues help to boost morale, encourage productivity and can foster a positive atmosphere in the workplace.

“As such, we believe dog-friendly policies are so beneficial for owners, colleagues and dogs alike and we encourage businesses to be Open for Dogs.”

Pete Holder, from Paws in Work, which offers puppy therapy, agrees: “The benefits of having dogs at work are well documented: reduced stress, improved morale, and strengthened team connections.

“Dogs can be natural icebreakers, fostering relationships and boosting the overall workplace atmosphere.”

Can dogs at work encourage office attendance?

Very much so, according to a survey of puppy therapy participants. Companies who ran Paws in Work sessions after struggling with footfall post-Covid reported a 400% increase in office attendance.

What’s more, 99% of attendees were able to fully switch off from work pressures and 98% felt less stressed after just one session.

The Kennel Club echoes many of those thoughts, too. Their research shows three in ten people believe dogs in the workplace can alleviate stress, while half of us say dogs improve morale and job satisfaction. More than four in ten dog owners are more attracted to employers with dog-friendly policies.

How to manage dogs in the office

Of course, an important consideration is that dogs aren’t for everyone. To allow dogs in the office in a way that doesn’t impose them on all employees, there are steps you can take as an employer or office manager.

The experts we spoke with agree that managing dogs in the office is a shared responsibility between employer, employees and dog owners. Here are their tips for setting up a workplace that works for everyone:

• Consider office layout – is there sufficient space for dogs to move around without impacting all work areas?
• Factor in employee health and preferences – such as allergies and fears
• Create clear policies around hygiene and behaviour, and outline who is responsible (the employee, employer or external provider, for example)
• Ensure the dogs’ own needs are considered – such as exercise and regular breaks
• Have procedures in place for when people and pets are stressed or overwhelmed

Speak to your colleagues

It’s key to ensure that any dog-friendly policies are created with all colleagues in mind, including our four-legged coworkers!

Before rolling out any such policies, speak with your teams and get a feel for their preferences. You can also work with a dedicated facilities management provider like Anabas to support with implementation and management.