As people return to the office, so too are their pets.

Household names like Salesforce, Uber, Ben & Jerry’s and Google (Alphabet) are welcoming pets – mainly dogs – into their offices.

The flexibility is one of the perks more companies are using among hybrid work models and efforts to get people back in the workplace. On average, JLL estimates employees now spend 3.1 days of the week in the office.

It’s also caused by the rise in so-called lockdown puppies, acquired when many employees became dog owners during the pandemic. In the U.S., 78% of pet owners surveyed by Forbes Advisor acquired pets during the pandemic.

Even the European Commission last year began discussions on dog policies for EU institution buildings.

“More companies are opening their doors to dogs, and that’s coming at a time of serious discussion about the workplace, its appeal to hybrid employees and occupancy levels,” says Emma Hendry, People Experience Managing Director for JLL Consulting.

“Being dog-friendly offers companies a big opportunity to engage employees and potentially boost that days-per-week average,” says Hendry. 

There are practical benefits for dog owners, like not having to check the dog camera to see if things are ok back home, or pay a dog sitter. But it’s not just about convenience for dog-owners themselves.

There are wellbeing benefits. A study by the Harvard Business Review, University College London and the National University of Singapore found that pets contribute to a more pleasant and social work environment. 

“A dog under a desk may go unnoticed, but equally it can spark new conversation between colleagues and greater interaction. It’s a great icebreaker,” says Hendry. “Stress levels have been proven to lower.”

However, a pack of quadrupeds sniffing around the workplace is not for all. Many large employers have blanket no-dog policies, often due to feasibility, given the scale of their workforce and size of their workplace. 

“There’s of course a valid point that for some: it could affect focus and concentration,” says Hendry. “Impact on colleagues who aren’t dog lovers, or who may even be allergic, should also be considered.”