Paws At Work Provides A Happy, Social Office Environment

Work can be stressful. And while there are many ways to relax during a hectic day at the office, there is nothing like being able to hug your best friend.

With the Paws At Work program, our new, four-legged team members provide relief and boost morale with the energy and joy only a pet can bring.

Paws at Work invites team members to bring their dogs with them to the office. Office buildings have designated, dog-friendly floors and a schedule to allow for as many paw-ticipants as possible. All dogs coming to work must be well-trained and up to date on their vaccinations.

Studies have shown that having your canine companion at the office helps reduce stress, increase morale and encourage more social interaction and even exercise. Our team members have experienced these benefits firsthand.

“Buster provides me a welcome respite from the occasional demanding day,” says Carl Anderson, Application Engineer at Rocket Central and dog dad to Buster, a pitbull/Saint Bernard mix. “He makes everyone happy just by being in the same room, and I’ve had teammates who actually demand I leave Buster with them when I go to a meeting. He tends to relax everyone around him, and I even find that there’s more person-to-person interaction when he’s there.”

Trevor Ferry, Product Owner at Rocket Central, isn’t the only one seeing the positive impact his Australian cattle dog Mckenna has had in the office. “The benefits are both me getting to enjoy more time with my dog but also other team members getting to enjoy their day a little more by interacting with her,” he says.

This program doesn’t just benefit the humans. Pet parents have seen positive results for their furry friends, too.

“I live out in the country, and without a lot of close neighbors, Buster doesn’t get a ton of nonfamily socialization,” says Anderson. “Taking him to the office lets him get more interaction, gives him a welcome change of scenery and – dare I say – makes him feel special!”

Ferry says Mckenna’s energy levels are better since she’s not staying home all day and that time in the office helps with her training because “she gets to show off her excellent social skills.”

For Courtney Blakes, Director of Security Operations Command Center at Rock Security, Paws at Work has given her dog Izzy, more exposure to new people and environments. The chocolate lab/husky mix also gets more social interactions, according to Blakes.

If you’re lucky enough to participate in Paws at Work, our experts have a few tips to make the office visit a success for you, your pet and your team members.

For Owners:

Make sure to plan your day out before bringing your dog in. Meetings are something to consider, since pups will need to sit those out. This is especially important the first few times you’re bringing your four-legged friend into an unfamiliar place. “I would plan to try it out on a day where you do not have many meetings and can leave work, if needed,” says Blakes.

If meetings are unavoidable, Anderson recommends a sitter. “On a practical note, before you bring your dog in the first time, find a team member who will be comfortable watching your dog while you step away from your desk.” 

For Dogs:

When it comes to ensuring your dogs have a nice time in the office, comfort is key.

“Bring a bowl of water, their favorite toy and a bed for them to feel comfortable and relax during busy times,” recommends Blakes. “[And] schedule potty breaks as they seem to need to go potty more often than at home.”

Remember that pets may get hungry during the day, just like you – and the office doesn’t offer free nonhuman snacks. “Don’t forget pet food,” says Anderson. “Take a bit more than you think you need, since it’s not always easy to get more food while you’re downtown.”

For Other Team Members:

While the office may be dog friendly, it’s important to remember that there may be some people who aren’t as comfortable around dogs. It’s always good to double check with your team and give everyone the heads up on what they can expect. 

“Make sure you talk with your team and those around you to ensure they know a dog will be in the space and are okay with that,” says Ferry.

For team members who are excited to see your pet, Anderson recommends a good way to start off on the right foot – or paw. “Take treats,” he says. “This is a great way to get your team members to interact with your dog and shows your pup that the office is a fun place to be.”

Team members who own pets have additional benefits for their animals, including pet insurance and a full year of premium membership to Care.com, where you can find pet sitters.

Rocket Companies^® ensures the health and happiness of family members – whether four-legged or two – and has several programs to support our team members while in the office and at home. From fertility and adoption assistance and parental leave to student scholarships and day care discounts, there are several benefits and perks our team members and their loved ones enjoy by being part of Rocket Companies.