LONDON CLAIMS NATIONAL TITLE FOR MOST DOG-FRIENDLY OFFICES
- The UK’s capital city is revealed to be the most dog-friendly, with nearly half of owners working in dog-friendly premises
- However, less than a third of offices nationwide allow canine companions, despite the positive benefits
- The Kennel Club supports businesses and offices to improve dog-friendly credentials via its Open for Dogs campaign
Research from The Kennel Club, released ahead of Bring Your Dog to Work Day (20 June), has revealed Greater London as the UK region that has the most dog-friendly offices, with two-fifths (40%) of dog owners confirming their workplace is open to dogs, and almost a quarter (22%) having specific dog-friendly policies in place.
The data also showed that London was more than 12% higher than the national average, with less than a third (30%) of owners nationwide allowed to bring their dogs into the workplace. Just behind London leading the charge was the South West (36%) and East Midlands (35%). Both Yorkshire and the Humber and the East of England were trailing behind, both with less than a quarter (22%) of workplaces in their regions open for dogs.
Benefits cited for bringing dogs into work included that dogs can have a positive impact in the workplace (61%), boost morale and job satisfaction (60%) and improve productivity (57%). More than half of owners nationwide (55%) would be more likely to take a job that allowed dogs in the workplace, rising to nearly two-thirds of workers aged 25-34 (62%), demonstrating that dog-friendly offices are beneficial to both businesses and employees.
Charlotte McNamara, spokesperson for The Kennel Club commented: “Welcoming dogs into the workplace can help to boost morale, encourage productivity and foster a positive atmosphere, and responsible dog-friendly policies can be really advantageous for owners, colleagues and dogs alike, so we encourage businesses – both in London and nationwide – to be Open for Dogs.
“Of course, it is the owner’s responsibility to ensure their dog is an exemplary colleague and to make all the necessary preparations to have them ‘office-ready’. This includes factoring in their dog’s needs with exercise and regular breaks, as well as making sure their dog is happy, confident and well-trained.”
To ensure the advantages of bringing a dog into the workplace is felt by owners, employers and colleagues alike, as well as fellow commuters, The Kennel Club has shared the following tips:
- Always be mindful of those around you – some people may not want to interact with your dog (both at work and when commuting to work), so make sure you are abiding by your company’s policy and keep them away from any off-limits areas such as toilets or kitchen areas
- Make sure you have toilet trained your puppy before bringing them in
- Ensure your dog has had basic training, and can sit and stay if needed
- Make time in your working day to take your dog out for regular walks and breaks
- Bring all your dog’s essentials, especially a lead, collar, ID tag, water bowl, food/treats, toys, poo bags and a blanket or dog bed
As part of The Kennel Club’s Open for Dogs campaign which encourages businesses, workplaces and other public places to welcome dogs responsibly, the organisation also provides advice, tools and resources for businesses who want to implement a dog-friendly policy, as well as tips for owners who want to bring their dog to work. More information can be found by visiting here on our website.