🐾 The Future of Work Is Pet-Friendly: Why Companies Should Invest in Benefits for Pet Parents

As the workplace evolves, so too must the benefits offered to employees. With 66% of U.S. households owning a pet (per APPA, 2023–24), the role of pets in our lives has never been more prominent. Today’s employees aren't just working professionals—they're also pet parents. And forward-thinking companies are taking notice.

But beyond being a feel-good perk, pet-friendly policies are becoming a smart, strategic move in total compensation design.

🧩 Why Companies Should Invest in Pet-Related Benefits

1. Employee Well-Being = Business Performance

Pets play a critical role in mental health. They reduce stress, combat loneliness, and encourage routine—factors that directly affect an employee's emotional well-being. By supporting pet care through insurance, leave, and pet sitting, employers help reduce one of the top sources of stress for their workers: leaving pets home alone.

• Reduced absenteeism: Employees are less likely to take unexpected time off to care for a sick pet or handle a crisis.

• Improved engagement: Employees feel seen, valued, and supported when their full life—including their pets—is acknowledged.

2. Attracting and Retaining Top Talent

Especially among Millennials and Gen Z, pets are considered family. Offering pet-related benefits makes your company more attractive in a competitive job market. These benefits are relatively low-cost but high-impact for retention.

• A 2023 MetLife study found that 70% of pet parents would choose one job over another based on pet benefits.

• Companies like VMware, Uber, and Etsy already offer pet insurance, bereavement leave, and pet-friendly offices—and they’re seeing the payoff in culture and loyalty.

🐶 The Case for Partnering with a Pet Sitting Service

While pet insurance and “pawternity” leave are growing in popularity, one of the most practical and daily-impactful benefits a company can offer is professional pet sitting—especially drop-in visits and overnight care.

Here’s why:

🔹 1. Hybrid & Remote Work Realities

Employees working from home often find themselves distracted by barking dogs, missed potty breaks, or pets needing medication or attention. This impacts productivity and work quality.

Partnering with a pet sitting service like Pawsh Pet auPairs allows companies to offer:

• Discounted or employer-sponsored visits during work hours

• Pet check-ins during travel or long meetings

• Peace of mind for employees, knowing their pets are cared for professionally and lovingly

🔹 2. Business Travel Support

Employees required to travel may hesitate—or even decline—opportunities due to pet care responsibilities. Offering in-home pet sitting removes that barrier and ensures business travel doesn’t come at the expense of their furry family members.

🔹 3. Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) Considerations

Single employees, employees without children, or older workers often find their pets to be their primary companions. Including pet care in benefits ensures equity—meeting all employees where they are in their lives.

🏆 Companies Already Leading the Way

• mParticle – Offers two weeks of paid leave for adopting a rescue dog.

• VMware – Includes pet insurance and pet loss bereavement leave.

• Uber – Provides a dog-friendly office and paid time off for pet training.

• Zogics – Offers gift cards and paid leave for new pet parents.

• Etsy – Has long maintained a dog-friendly office to support culture and morale.

These companies aren’t in the pet business—but they understand that people’s lives are intertwined with their pets, and that empathy pays dividends.

🐾 Conclusion: Pet Care Benefits Are the New Frontier in Employee Experience

As companies look for innovative ways to support their employees, enhance workplace satisfaction, and stand out in the job market, pet-related benefits present a golden opportunity.

Pet insurance, pawternity leave, and bereavement days are a great start. But adding access to personalized, trustworthy in-home pet sitting takes support from symbolic to substantial.

Pawsh Pet auPairs partners with companies to offer luxury, in-home pet care services designed for professionals who treat their pets like family. It’s more than a perk—it’s peace of mind for your people.