🐾 Pet Care as Part of Employee Well-being: An Overlooked but Powerful Strategy

In today’s evolving workplace, companies are increasingly investing in comprehensive well-being strategies to attract and retain top talent. From mental health resources to flexible schedules, the emphasis on holistic employee care is clear. Yet, one key area remains largely untapped: pet care support.

As a pet care professional and former education leader, I’ve seen firsthand how the responsibility of caring for beloved animals intersects with stress, productivity, and life satisfaction. Employees who are pet parents often juggle demanding schedules while ensuring their furry companions are happy, healthy, and safe. This balancing act—especially for professionals who travel frequently or work long hours—can contribute to anxiety, distraction, and even absenteeism.

Why Pet Care Matters for Employees

1. Pets are part of the family. According to the American Pet Products Association, 66% of U.S. households—over 86 million homes—own a pet, and nearly all of them consider their pets family members (APPA, 2023). For these individuals, leaving pets alone during long workdays or travel can be emotionally taxing.

2. Pet-related stress is real. A 2021 study published in Human-Animal Interactions found that pet ownership can reduce stress, but the stress of meeting pet needs—especially during busy periods—can have the opposite effect (Hoy-Gerlach et al., 2021). Concerns about pets being lonely, sick, or neglected can weigh heavily on working professionals, impacting focus and emotional well-being.

3. Employees want support for pet care. A report from Banfield Pet Hospital revealed that 63% of pet owners would be more likely to stay at a company that offered pet-friendly benefits, including pet care support or paid time off for pet needs (Banfield, 2021). With millennials and Gen Z leading the pet parenting wave, these expectations are shaping the future of workplace benefits.

What Can Employers Do?

Forward-thinking companies are now recognizing that supporting employees as pet parents can be both a humane and strategic move. Here are a few ways to integrate pet care into employee well-being initiatives:

✔️ Partner with pet care providers. Companies can offer discounts or corporate accounts with trusted pet care services like in-home pet sitting, dog walking, or drop-in visits. This kind of support is especially valuable for remote or hybrid employees balancing work-from-home duties with pet needs.

✔️ Provide flexible work schedules. Allowing employees to step away during key times—like early morning or late afternoon—for pet routines can reduce stress and improve focus when they’re on the clock.

✔️ Offer “pawternity” leave. Some companies now offer time off for new pet adoptions or to grieve a pet’s passing. This recognizes the emotional significance pets hold and fosters a culture of empathy.

✔️ Host pet-friendly events. Allowing pets at work (where appropriate) or hosting occasional “bring your pet” virtual meetings can boost morale, connection, and even creativity.

A Win-Win for Employers and Employees

Supporting pet care isn't just a kind gesture—it’s good business. Pet-friendly benefits have been linked to increased employee loyalty, reduced stress, and higher job satisfaction (SHRM, 2022).

As more companies aim to differentiate themselves in a competitive talent market, incorporating pet care into wellness programs may be the edge they need.

In a world where work-life integration matters more than ever, acknowledging the importance of pets in our lives is a meaningful step toward truly human-centered workplaces.

If you're an HR leader, business owner, or employee advocate, I encourage you to consider how pet care might fit into your organization’s well-being toolkit. And if you’re a fellow pet parent? You already know—support for our pets is support for us.

Warmly,

Tami Ordonez

Founder, Pawsh Pet auPairs | Pet Care with Heart 🐾

https://www.pawshpetaupairs.com

📚 Sources

• American Pet Products Association (APPA). (2023). Pet Industry Market Size & Ownership Statistics. https://www.americanpetproducts.org

• Hoy-Gerlach, J., et al. (2021). "The Pet Factor—Companion Animals as a Contributing Factor in Employee Well-Being." Human-Animal Interactions, American Psychological Association.

• Banfield Pet Hospital. (2021). Pet-Friendly Workplace PAWrometer™ Report. https://www.banfield.com/en/About-Banfield/Media-room/Press-Releases/2021

• SHRM. (2022). Workplace Pet Policies: Survey of U.S. Employers. Society for Human Resource Management. https://www.shrm.org