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When the Workplace Goes To the Dogs

Animal Radio

Why Take Your Cat To Work Day Never Caught On!

Maybe you’ve seen the cartoon that shows a cat sitting snugly - some would say smugly - on a computer keyboard, under the heading, “Why ‘Take Your Cat to Work Day’ never caught on.” While a feline focused workday is probably not in the cards for many companies, an astounding number of employers allow pets at work either as a regular practice or in a pet-sitting emergency.

A recent poll by the American Pet Products Manufacturers Association suggests nearly one in five companies permit pets. Benefits range from reduced employee absenteeism to workers agreeing to put in more hours because they’re not fretting about racing home to walk the dog or feed the cat her vittles.

Not every workplace is ideal for animals, though. Health care, food service and factory settings are obvious no-go zones. But so are those where numerous employees are allergic, phobic or simply regard pets as pests.

Is it possible to keep puppy-lovers and puppy-loathers in the same ballpark or are pet-friendly companies barking up the wrong tree?

Before a pet project:

-Make sure pets are acceptable to the landlord, business owner and other employees.
-Decide in advance which pets are welcome at work.
-Have employees sign a contract agreeing to be accountable for their pets’ behavior and care.
-Ensure there’s a spot at the office to stow the pet if a visiting client is uncomfortable around animals.

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THE UPSIDE
People are happier when their animals are with them.

THE DOWNSIDE
Like your kids, not everybody likes your pets as much as you do.