Large companies like Amazon and Google have welcomed dogs at work for decades, with perks like custom canine badges, tasty treats, and dog parks on campus. Now dog-friendly workplace policies are gaining broader traction as employers compete for top talent and continue to encourage their teams to return to the office.
It makes sense to Director of Pet Health Information Ann Hohenhaus, DVM, a senior veterinarian and oncology specialist at the Schwarzman Animal Medical Center (AMC) in New York City. “Americans consider their pets part of the family,” she says. “You wouldn’t leave your kids home alone while you go to work, so should you leave your dog home alone?” She says separation anxiety is a particular concern following the pandemic, when many households acquired new pets and dogs became accustomed to their owners working from home. “They aren’t used to being alone. Here in New York City, we live in shared spaces where a barking, whining, miserable dog left at home can provoke complaints from the neighbors.”