A world that isn’t filled with puppies isn’t a place we want to live in. Heck, we don’t even want to work in a place that isn’t crowded with cute dogs. Facing a hard day of endless tasks without a furry creature at our feet just feels so bleak.
But if you work for a progressive company that allows you to bring your dog in with you, you don’t have to live like that. Some studies suggest that workplaces that allow dogs are more likely to have employees that are less stressed and more creative, leading to a happier workplace environment — and bosses who have tested out the theory wholeheartedly agree.
“Having [dogs] by our side makes us happy, lowers our stress levels, and creates an environment that is comfortable, open, and flexible,” Chris Meiering, director of innovation at a natural pet treat company, told the American Animal Hospital Association. “Some offices have water cooler conversations; we have dog playtime conversations. Their presence really builds camaraderie in the office.”
More: My Dog Helps Me Cope With My Political Anxiety
If taking your dog to work sounds like a dream come true, it might be time for a change of scene. Here is a list of dog-friendly companies that allow their employees to bring their dogs to work every day.
1. Kimpton Hotels
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Kimpton lets you bring your dog to work — but watch your back, because they might steal your next promotion. Pets that come to work with their owners are given the title director of pet relations and even greet guests in the lobby.
Kimpton has also offered pet insurance to their employees since 2005.
2. Replacements LTD
The China retailer in Greensboro, North Carolina, regularly features their employees’ dogs on their website.
“I started bringing Buster to work to alleviate his loneliness, and he is loving it!” employee Julie Robbins said of her dog. “He thoroughly enjoys the attention he gets from other employees, and he loves lying in my lap for the last hour of the day while I work at my desk.”
3. Salesforce
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Salesforce created the “Puppyforce” program, which is basically a communal workspace where employees can bring their pets. The only hitch is that reservations are required, and the room is often full, according to Fortune.
4. Tito’s Handmade Vodka
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The Austin, Texas-based company doesn’t limit its pets policy to canines — you can bring in pretty much any animal that brings you comfort. They also provide an outdoor play area for dogs.
“Our team feels having their furry companions by their side during the work day contributes to a very productive and happy environment,” Beth Bellanti of Tito’s told Trupanion. “Tito built his distillery with a very beloved dog by his side 16 years ago and that culture of having dogs around us at Tito’s Handmade Vodka and helping other dogs has always been a comfort.”
5. Mars Petcare
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Home to many popular brands of dog food like Pedigree and Royal Canin, Mars welcomes dogs in all of its office locations across the world. Their Instagram feed is literally filled with adorable pics of dogs hanging out at work.
6. Google
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Google has allowed dogs to accompany its employees to work for several years, and it is clearly stated on its code of conduct page that “Google’s affection for our canine friends is an integral facet of our corporate culture. We like cats, but we’re a dog company, so as a general rule we feel cats visiting our office would be fairly stressed out.”
7. Embrace Pet Insurance
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One of the leading brands of pet insurance, Embrace absolutely allows dogs in its offices. Employees just need to get approval from a supervisor and make sure their dogs display good manners when on the job.
8. Ben & Jerry’s
It should come as no surprise that this sweet and tasty company wants to keep its employees as relaxed and creative as possible to be able to come up with all those awesome ice cream flavors. Ben & Jerry’s has allowed dogs in its offices for many years, but don’t worry, there is no paw dipping going on there — but you can on their website!
More: 12 Surprising (and Sometimes Creepy) Signs Your Cat Doesn’t Actually Hate You
9. Etsy
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Etsy has allowed employees to bring their dogs to work since it first began in 2005, and it even has a canine operations team. Having dogs in the office is one way that Etsy tries to keep the atmosphere creative and inspiring.
10. Build-A-Bear Workshop
For about the last 10 years, the Build-A-Bear company has allowed employees to bring their dogs to work. Employees are allowed to have their dogs by their sides at their desks and accompany them to meetings, but they cannot bring them to the cafeteria.
Build-A-Bear loves pets so much, they’ve also partnered with Petfinder Foundation to help guests of all ages learn about the responsibilities of pet ownership.
11. Amazon
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This internet sensation allows dogs in its offices as long as they remain on a leash or safely behind a baby gate to ensure the work area is safe and happy. Rumor has it that an easy dozen dogs or more can be seen at the offices on a single day.
12. Moochie & Co.
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This pet retail shop allows employees to bring their dogs to work in both retail locations and at its corporate offices in Columbus, Ohio. Dogs must be properly vaccinated, well-behaved and promise to wag their tails at every customer.
13. SheKnows
Bet you didn’t know that SheKnows is also dog-friendly! On any given day, you will find pups tagging along to our main headquarters in Scottsdale, Arizona, as well as our offices in New York City, Chicago and Los Angeles.
Watch this office dog takeover:
Originally published June 2014. Updated June 2017.
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