Paws at Work: Benefits of Bringing Your Dog to the Office

Paws at Work: Benefits of Bringing Your Dog to the Office

Imagine walking through the lobby with coffee in one hand and a leash in the other. Your dog bolts toward the receptionist’s desk, nose twitching at the scent of biscuits kept just for office pups. Paws tap against polished concrete, coworkers call out your dog’s name, and someone kneels for a quick ear scratch. The whole floor feels warmer, lighter.

Like you brought a little bit of home to work before you even glance at your inbox.

Many feel this is just a pipe dream. But it’s reality at a growing number of companies redefining what it means to be “people-first.”

Gold Tier of Pet-Friendly Workplaces in 2025

Amazon | Chewy | Salesforce
Pet‑friendly offices, comprehensive pet insurance, and even paid “paw‑ternity” leave. Amazon’s Seattle campus hosts 8,000 registered dogs and its own dog park—complete with free treats and (mercifully) plenty of poop bags.

Trupanion
Zero‑deductible coverage, on‑staff dog walkers, and daily office pets. No wonder it’s often called Seattle’s most pet‑friendly employer.

But the tail-wagging doesn’t stop there.

Culture Champions Raising the Bar

• Kinship (Mars Inc.) offers on‑site dog boarding for employees who travel.
• Harvesting Robotics (India) made headlines by naming a Golden Retriever its Chief Happiness Officer.
• Google, Airbnb, Etsy, BARK, Twitch, and Hinge host adoption events, issue pet badges, and carve out in‑office dog‑walking zones.
• Zogics lets pups sit in on meetings and stars them on the website.
• Ben & Jerry’s hands out treats at the front desk—no pup leaves empty‑pawed.

Why This Matters to You and Your Employees

These aren't just fun perks, they’re signals to pet parents. A clear message from leadership, saying:  We trust you. We see you. We are here to support your whole life.

And that’s often the difference between a job and a workplace you never want to leave. Know a pet parent hunting for a desk beside a dog bed? Share this post and make their search easier. :-)

Meet Kolby—Your Career Wingman

Kolby founded Job Huntr to help professionals who feel boxed in swap dead-end roles for work that fires them up each morning. He works side-by-side with clients to sharpen their stories, spot the right openings, and negotiate offers that pay well and align with their values.

Whether you’re reworking a résumé that no longer fits or weighing a job offer that finally does, Kolby gives you a clear path forward. All so you can trade burnout for a job that pays the bills to a career that fuels your sense of purpose.

Connect with him over at @jobhuntr for real talk on job hunting, spotting red flags, and standing out—without selling out.

Training The Perfect Office Dog

So, you’ve landed your dream job—flexible hours, a mission you believe in… and dogs allowed at desks. Now what?

Before your pup starts clocking in, it’s time to make sure they’re office-ready. That means more than being adorable (though that helps). A successful office dog is calm, confident, and knows how to behave in shared spaces.

Start with basic obedience—sit, stay, come—and make sure your dog can follow commands reliably, especially in distracting environments. Socialization is just as important. Your pup should be cool around new people and other dogs, not bouncing off the walls or barking during Zoom calls.

• Start with Basic Training: Ensure your dog is an expert in basic commands like “sit,” “stay,” and “come.” It is important that you practice these commands outside the home like your local Starbucks or brewery to ensure they are able to follow simple commands in different, busy public spaces. Your dog should be fully potty trained prior to bringing them into the office.
• Introduce Gradually: Begin by bringing your dog for short visits during quieter times. Gradually extend these visits as your dog becomes more comfortable with the office setting.
• Designate Pet Zones: Establish specific areas where your dog can rest and play without causing distractions. Clear boundaries help maintain productivity and keep everyone comfortable.
• Use Positive Reinforcement: Reward good behavior with treats or extra playtime. Consistent positive reinforcement helps your dog associate the office with positive experiences.
• Schedule Regular Breaks: Incorporate brief walks or play sessions into the day. These breaks not only help your dog expend energy but also give you a refreshing pause, boosting creativity and productivity.

With almost one in five families adding a pet during the pandemic shutdown more and more, employees are making career decisions with their pets in mind, benefiting both their personal well-being and organizational success.

A Workplace with More Wags = A Better Workday

A dog-friendly office isn’t just a fun perk—it’s a game-changer for stress relief, teamwork, and work-life balance. With more companies embracing pet-friendly policies, now’s the perfect time to make sure your pup is the best (and most well-behaved) coworker ever. Sometimes, all it takes is a wagging tail to transform your workday!

At Paws on Planes, we help you seamlessly integrate your Service Dog or pet into your daily life—whether it’s training for public spaces, preparing your dog for office life, or transitioning your pet into a working service dog. Nothing is more frustrating than wanting to bring your dog along but feeling held back by their behavior—or skipping plans because you haven’t been home all day.

✨ We can help you navigate all of this so you and your dog can live your best life—together.
➡️ Schedule a FREE call HERE to see if training your pet to become the office dog is right for you!