With January marking the peak season for job hunting, new research from Rover.com, the world’s largest online marketplace for loving pet care, has today revealed that more than a third (37%) of dog owners would refuse a job if it meant they couldn’t bring their pooch into the office.
The findings point to a paw-sitive trend in workplace expectations – with over a quarter (26%) claiming their workplace has become dog-friendly in the last 1-2 years, helping to reduce stress (65%), boost team morale (54%) and improve workplace atmosphere (50%). Going one step further, almost 1 in 4 (23%) said having dogs in the office has made it easier to get to know their colleagues on a more personal level – beating traditional icebreakers like team away days (30%) and company drinks (28%).
The research highlights a wider cultural shift in priorities, with a whopping 47% of owners now expecting dog-friendly policies as standard. And putting hounds over pounds, 29% of would be willing to take a pay cut to ensure their dog is welcomed at work, while 1 in 5 (20%) would even turn down their dream job if it didn’t accommodate for their furry friend.
It’s clear that for many, fur babies are more than just pets, with an astonishing 43% believing that pet owners should have the same privileges as parents. In fact, 17% of dog owners have turned down a job simply because it lacked dog-friendly policies, while 23% said the option to bring their dog to work is a top priority when job hunting—outranking perks like a company gym (6%), paid health care (18%), and a company canteen (10%).
A third (33%) of workplaces currently boast dog-friendly policies, with Coventry (57%) leading the pack. Close on Coventry’s tail is Newcastle (49%) who is also showing its love for workplace pups, followed by Brighton (47%).
Top 10 UK cities with dog-friendly workplaces:
- Coventry (57%)
- Newcastle (49%)
- Brighton (47%)
- Oxford (44%)
- Leicester (40%)
- Cambridge (39%)
- Bristol (38%)
- Sheffield (38%)
- Belfast (36%)
- London (37%)
Top 10 breeds that make the best ‘office dogs’:
- Golden Retriever (13%)
- Labrador Retriever (11%)
- Cockapoo (8%)
- Cocker Spaniel (6%)
- Jack Russell Terrier (5%)
- Dachshund (5%)
- German Shepherd (5%)
- Cavalier King Charles Spaniel (5%)
- French Bulldog (4%)
- Border Collie (4%)
For those who already bring their dogs to work, more than 1 in 4 (27%) have playfully given their pups honorary job titles, with ‘Pawsitivity Maker’, ‘Chief Fun Operator’ and ‘CEO of Happiness and Cuddles’ among the list of examples.
However, while 62% of respondents say they would love to bring their dog into their workplace, over a third (34%) admit they wouldn’t feel comfortable bringing their pup into the office. Among the reasons given, 25% believe their dog would be too excitable, 16% say their dog requires better training, and 13% feel their dog would be too stressed in a busy office environment.
For those unable to bring their pup into the workplace, 35% rely on friends and family, while 36% use pet care services. Shockingly, a further 31% confessed to leaving their dogs alone during their working hours.
Rover’s VP of People and Culture, Jovana Teodorovic says: “At Rover, we believe that fostering a pet-friendly work environment is a great way to enhance employee wellbeing, morale, and productivity. With a growing demand for flexible, dog-friendly policies, it is clear that pet-friendly workplaces are not just a passing trend—they are becoming an essential aspect of modern office culture and a key factor in attracting and retaining top talent. Companies that embrace this shift can give themselves a real edge by creating a welcoming, inclusive environment that appeals to employees and potential recruits alike.”
“For workplaces that may not yet accommodate pets, Rover offers flexible pet care options, allowing employees to arrange for a trusted sitter or dog walker to look after their furry friends during the working day. This ensures employees can focus on their tasks without worry, knowing their pets are in safe hands.”
For more advice on bringing your dog to the workplace, follow Adem Fehmi, Rover’s Canine Behaviourist’s tips:
- Assess your dog’s temperament
Not all dogs are suited to the office environment, and it’s important to consider their temperament and behaviour. Confident, laid-back dogs are more likely to adapt well, whereas nervous or high-energy dogs may find the experience overwhelming. Observe your dog’s personality and energy levels carefully before deciding if they’re ready for the office.
- Prepare them beforehand
A well-exercised dog is more likely to settle during the workday. Make sure your dog has had a chance to expend their energy with a walk or playtime before heading to the office. Regular breaks throughout the day for short walks, toilet trips, or some mental stimulation will also help keep them content.
- Create a comfortable setup
Set up a quiet, safe space for your dog at the office, away from high-traffic or noisy areas.
Bring along a comfortable bed, some toys, and perhaps a chew or treat to help them relax.
Training them to settle on command or stay in their designated space can also be beneficial.
- Be considerate of others
Not everyone may be comfortable around dogs, and some colleagues may have allergies. If this is the case, it may be best to leave your dog at home with a trusted sitter. If your office has dog-friendly policies, it might also be worth coordinating with colleagues to ensure everyone’s needs are respected.
- Plan for the toilet breaks
Most dogs will need to go outside every three to four hours, though puppies and older dogs may need more frequent outings. Ensure your dog is fully toilet trained before bringing them to the office, and consider how accessible suitable toileting areas are near your workplace.
- Start slowly
If your dog has never been to the office before, ease them in gradually. Begin with shorter visits during quieter times and build up to longer days as they become more comfortable. Patience is key, and it’s important to give your dog time to adjust to the new environment.
For those navigating the demands of office life while ensuring their dog is well cared for, Rover is offering new users £20 off its services. This allows pet parents to arrange for a loving, trusted sitter or walker to look after their dog during the workday. Simply enter the code WORKLIKEADOG at checkout. Terms and conditions apply.
