Back to office? Don’t forget about Fido

For almost two years it seemed every day was National Pets at Work Day, as droves of pandemic-spurred telecommuting workers got dogs as a salve for loneliness, or as an excuse to get outside and walk around the block.

On real National Pets at Work Day — today, April 19 — Petco Health and Wellness Company Inc. is advocating for employees to continue working with pets by their side, and encouraging employers to add pet-friendly employee benefits.

A survey conducted by Petco found that 69% of pet owners are stressed about what returning to work means for their pets; nearly half want their employers to adopt a pet-friendly workplace; and 41% say they would consider switching jobs if it meant they could bring their pet to work.

"After two years of remote work, employers returning to an in-office culture are looking for ways to make it a more positive experience for employees," a Petco official said in a statement. "Pet-friendly programs can not only offer employers a competitive edge, they can also provide many health and wellness benefits for both people and pets.”