
20/06/2025
Take Your Dog to Work Day happens on 20th June and has fast become more than just a chance to snap adorable office selfies. It’s now part of a growing trend that reflects just how deeply pets are woven into modern life and how companies are beginning to recognise their emotional importance. From boosting morale to lowering stress levels, bringing pets into the workplace has become a tangible way to enhance employee well-being and job satisfaction.
There’s no doubt, as far as we’re concerned, that dogs in the office encourage social interaction, collaboration, and a more relaxed atmosphere - all of which contribute to a more positive, ‘sticky’ workplace culture where emotionally and socially engaged employees are more likely to stay put. If you don’t believe me, just ask the Kennel Club. According to its research, 70% of people say that dogs alleviate stress in the workplace, and 67% believe they make the atmosphere more friendly.
What used to be considered a quirky or unconventional concept seems to be becoming more commonplace, especially in tech companies, startups, and more progressive work environments. Pet-friendly offices are definitely growing in popularity, with more organisations setting clear policies that support employees who want to bring their pets to work. Because it’s good for business! A study by the University of Lincoln found that employees who bring their dogs to work report a 33% boost in 'work absorption', a 17% rise in 'work dedication', and a 14% increase in 'work engagement'. The figures don’t lie.
This office pet trend aligns with a much broader shift in workplace culture toward employee-centred benefits that we’ve been seeing for a while now. Companies are increasingly acknowledging that pets are part of the family - and that accommodating them can be a compelling retention and recruitment tool. 82% of businesses that adopted dog-friendly policies in 2022 reported positive impacts on recruitment and retention according to a survey by IFA Magazine.
We’ve been inviting peoples’ pets into the office for years, by the way, but then we are a pet brand marketing agency, so…
The science behind all the tail wagging
Back in 2012, a study published in the International Journal of Workplace Health Management found that employees who brought their dogs to work reported lower stress levels throughout the day compared to those who didn’t. We also know that the simple act of petting a dog can release oxytocin, a hormone associated with bonding and stress relief, while reducing cortisol, the body’s primary stress hormone.