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With return-to-office mandates, are more workplaces embracing pet-friendly policies?
CANA Launches National Survey to Find Out on Take Your Dog to Work Day
Stress levels in Australian workplaces are among the highest, with employee burnout doubling and return-to-office mandates emerging as a key contributing factor, according to studies*.
Pet-inclusive policies can help reduce stress, boost wellbeing and strengthen workplace connection*. Yet many employers are still unsure how to implement them successfully, says national animal welfare charity Companion Animal Network Australia (CANA or Australia CAN).
On Take Your Dog to Work Day (June 20), CANA is launching a nationwide survey to explore the current status of pets in the workplace, inviting employees and employers alike to share their experiences, opinions and challenges around welcoming pets at work.
“With so many people now balancing hybrid work or returning to offices full-time, we want to understand how attitudes toward pets in the workplace have shifted,” says Trish Ennis, CEO of CANA. “For many people, pets became essential companions during remote work, and they’re not so easy to leave behind. Our survey aims to explore whether workplaces are adapting to that reality.”
Benefits of pets in the workplace
Evidence continues to show that pets in the workplace can lead to reduced stress, stronger workplace morale and improved work-life balance.* However, many businesses are not prepared to have animals on site, with 64% lacking formal policies in place to support pets in the workplace, according to a global published study.*
Some businesses have challenges to navigate, such as allergies, building regulations or employee comfort.
“Creating a pet-friendly workplace involves carefully balancing the interests and rights of all employees, ensuring the welfare of the animals and managing the associated liability risks,” says Ms Ennis.
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| Credit: Eastern Innovation (Melbourne) |
“All pets need to be trained and not cause disruptions, such as reactive dogs that tend to bark at other people or animals,” says Ms Ennis. “CANA’s Pets in Business survey will help gauge how common pet-friendly workplaces in Australia really are in 2025, what concerns employers and staff have and what support is needed to make pet inclusion work for everyone.”
Get the Pets in Business Toolkit and support CANA
As part of its Pets in Business initiative, CANA offers a comprehensive toolkit available for purchase by businesses interested in exploring or formalising pet-friendly policies. The toolkit can also be custom branded to reflect the company’s identity and workplace needs.
It includes:
✔️ Policy templates
✔️ Rules for pets and people
✔️ Pet-friendly and pet-free zone signage
✔️ Office pet rosters
Purchasing a Pets in Business toolkit supports CANA’s ongoing work with animal welfare member agencies across the country. For more information or pricing, please contact info@australiacan.org.au
“As some companies struggle to persuade employees to spend more time working onsite, implementing a pet-friendly policy might be the perfect solution for creating happier and more productive workplaces!” says Ms Ennis.
“Even a small change, like one pet day a week, can have a big impact. We’re inviting businesses to start the conversation and we’re here to help guide them.”For tips to make your office pet friendly, please visit australiacan.org.au/can-your-office-be-pet-friendly
Pets in Business Survey: Have your say
The survey is open to all Australian employees, employers and business owners, whether you already welcome pets at work or are just curious about the idea.
Take the survey australiacan.org.au/pets-in-business-survey
Real stories from the workplace to the home office
Pets are making a difference in diverse work settings, from creative agencies and physiotherapy clinics to co-working spaces.
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| Chalky brings pawsitivity to the office Credit - Pepperit |
Chalky, a 10-year-old Cattle Dog cross, brings a unique "pawsitivity" to the office, even if his main contribution is sleeping and following people to meetings!
Julie highlights the tangible benefits of Chalky's presence: “Having Chalky in the office reduces stress and encourages activity throughout the day.”
Julie highlights the tangible benefits of Chalky's presence: “Having Chalky in the office reduces stress and encourages activity throughout the day.”
This aligns with the growing understanding that pets can create a more relaxed and connected work environment.
While Pepperit's pet policy is flexible, it's also considerate. They coordinate schedules when multiple dogs are in the office and ensure Chalky isn't present when colleagues with allergies are in. Julie emphasizes that while pet-friendly workplaces aren't yet the norm, many environments could benefit.
As Julie explains, “It can improve work-life balance and provide interaction for people who aren’t able to have pets at this time in their life, for whatever reason.” For Julie, being the only pet owner at Pepperit, having Chalky at work "feels like Christmas."
Benji: The "Paws-on" Physio Assistant Bringing Comfort and Joy to Clients
Deb Mooney, Director and physiotherapist at Inspired Physiotherapy in Sydney, has a unique team member: Benji, her nearly two-year-old German Shorthaired Pointer. Since joining the clinic at 13 weeks old, Benji has become an integral part of the team, offering comfort, companionship, and a welcome distraction to clients on their road to recovery.
Benji attends the clinic once a week, providing a comforting presence for both Deb and her clients.
"He’s a ‘velcro dog’ so he doesn’t like being left at home alone. It’s comforting to know he’s being looked after while he’s at work with me and the staff," Deb shares.
Benji's impact is particularly evident with clients like Isabel, a 15-year-old basketballer recovering from an ankle injury. Deb noted that Benji's presence helped ease Isabel's nervousness, made her laugh, and generally made sessions more enjoyable.
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| Benji's 'paws-on' approach to therapy is clearly a hit with Isabel - Credit: Caroline Zambrano |
"Benji was a real comfort to Isabel. He made her laugh and helped make the sessions more fun and comfortable. It made a big difference," Deb explains.
Beyond individual sessions, Benji also entertains clients in mature-aged classes, proving to be a genuine spirit-lifter.
To read more happy Tales from Australia CAN, visit https://australiacan.org.au/tales/ or subscribe to their newsletter.
About Companion Animal Network Australia
Companion Animal Network Australia (Australia CAN or CANA) is a registered charity representing the companion animal welfare work of our member organisations across the country: Animal Welfare League QLD, Lort Smith (VIC), Sydney Dogs and Cats Home, Dogs’ Homes of Tasmania and Saving Animals From Euthanasia Inc (WA). Our members provide rescue, shelter, re-homing, fostering, health care and enrichment services to more than 50,000 animals every year.
Through national campaigns, partnerships and initiatives, we advocate for the human-animal bond and promote responsible pet ownership. We use our national voice to lobby for the humane treatment of all companion animals, and we rally support for our member programs that deliver high welfare standards. Australia CAN national campaigns include Pets in Aged Care, Rent with Pets and Pets in Business. To discover more, visit www.australiacan.org.au
MEDIA RELEASE, Australia, 20th June 2025
Ensuring a Fun and Stress-Free "Take Your Dog to Work Day" for All
Australia CAN launches Pets in Business program to help set up pet-friendly policies in the workplace
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