More than a third (37%) of dog owners would turn down a job if they couldn’t bring their dog to the office, according to research by pet care marketplace Rover, and 29% report that they would take a pay cut to ensure that their dog was welcomed at work.
Nearly half (47%) of the 1,000 dog owners surveyed reported that they expected dog-friendly policies as standard in the workplace, and 23% indicated that having dogs in the office has made it easier to get to know their colleagues.
For around a quarter (26%) of owners, their workplace had become dog-friendly in the last one or two years, which they claimed had helped to reduce stress (65%), boost team morale (54%), and improve workplace atmosphere.
We asked whether HR professionals should support and introduce dog-friendly policies in their organisation.
“The benefits of dog-friendly offices are clear,” Molly Johnson-Jones, CEO and co-founder of flexible work platform Flexa, told HR magazine.
“Our team can vouch for how Flexa’s office dogs can help reduce stress, boost team morale, and provide a talking point that builds bonds between colleagues.”
Dog-friendly offices could also improve retention and attraction, Johnson-Jones added.
She noted: “Beyond this, there are practical benefits for dog owners. Dog walkers can be incredibly expensive, but it’s not always feasible to work from home or fit in trips to the park at the end of a long day in the office.
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“All this means that dog-friendly offices are in high demand, and are a benefit for employers looking to easily attract and retain talent.”
Nearly half (43%) of pet owners believe that they should have the same privileges as parents, Rover's research found.
A third (33%) of workplaces currently have dog-friendly policies, the research suggested.
Before introducing a dog-friendly policy, employers should consider whether their organisation is suited to it, warned Pete Holder, activation officer at Paws in Work, a workplace puppy therapy provider.
Speaking to HR magazine, he said: “When deciding on dog-friendly policies, HR should consider factors like office layout, employee preferences, and the potential for allergies or fears.”
Jovana Teodorovic, Rover's vice president of people and culture, agreed. She told HR magazine: “Consider if your office is suitably equipped to accommodate dogs. For example, are desk areas secure enough to prevent dogs from wandering freely? Is there nearby outdoor space for toilet breaks? Can you provide cleaning supplies for potential accidents?
“Above all, what are some rules and best practices that employees should follow when bringing their dogs to work (for example, dogs must be on a leash or with their owner at all times)?
“Another important consideration is ensuring that all dogs entering the office are fully vaccinated and have up-to-date flea and worm treatments.”
Creating a behavioural policy could prevent dog mishaps, Teodorovic added.
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She continued: “You also need to establish a clear behavioural policy. Rover has a three-strike rule, however, if biting with punctured skin is involved, the dog is immediately banned from the office, for everyone’s safety.
“Additionally, limiting the number of dogs permitted on any given day can help maintain a manageable and comfortable environment.”
Employers should explore flexible working options that could allow dogs into the office, Johnson-Jones advised.
She added: “Advertising the policy upfront helps avoid this issue whilst also attracting all those in favour of taking dogs to work.
“Having designated office dog days also helps to keep both sides happy. Another option is to offer other benefits – like work-from-home days and flexible hours – which allow staff to more easily fit dog care responsibilities around work, without bringing pets into the office.”
Rover's team surveyed 1,000 UK dog owners using the survey platform Pollfish in January 2025.
