Pets as Coworkers

woman using laptop with dog

Pets make work better.

Two out of three employees say work stresses them out, while 40% say their job gets in the way of their health. Pets at work may help reduce stress, increase productivity and improve employee satisfaction, teamwork and collaboration.

Bring calm and productivity into the workplace.

  • When a dog joins a collaborative setting, group members rank their teammates higher in terms of trust, team cohesion and camaraderie.

  • Dog ownership is associated with a lower risk of depression.

  • Two out of three employees say work stresses them out, while 40% say their job gets in the way of their health. In a survey of pet owners, 44% responded that they would consider a career move for a pet-friendly workplace.

  • In a survey of pet parents, 37% say they would sacrifice vacation time and take a pay cut to bring their pet to work.

  • Having a pet may help you get more fit, lower your stress and blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar; and boost your overall happiness and well-being.

From increasing your cardiovascular health to helping you relax, pets can influence both your physical and mental health in ways you might not realize. Ask your employer about pet-friendly work perks.

Written by American Heart Association editorial staff and reviewed by science and medicine advisors.

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Last Reviewed: Jun 13, 2024