Why is there always a buzz when “Take Your Pet to Work Week” comes around? Beyond the happy barks and loving purrs, it offers a genuine glimpse into what a more vibrant, engaged company culture could look like.  

Considering that our 2025 Benefits Survey Report shows two-thirds of US households have pets, and a staggering 97% of owners view their pets as part of the family, tapping into this connection makes smart business sense. 

“Take Your Pet to Work Week” offers a unique window into the tangible rewards of embracing a pet-friendly workplace. It also highlights how year-round support through comprehensive pet benefits can seriously boost productivity, morale, and your ability to attract and retain top talent. 

The Real ROI of a Pet-Inclusive Culture 

Maybe last year’s “Take Your Pet to Work Week” created a buzz, and you saw some more smiles around the office. But what’s the lasting business value in fostering this kind of pet-inclusive atmosphere year-round? While a feel-good week is memorable, tangible returns are what keeps your business sustainable. 

Productivity with a Paw-sitive Spin 

It’s not just wishful thinking that a supportive work environment boosts focus. When employees feel their entire families are supported – including their furry family members – stress levels often decrease. This is also a well-documented benefit of the human-animal bond.  

In fact, a recent Gallup meta-analysis shows that highly engaged workforces see a 14% boost in business productivity. 

Less worry about a pet at home means more mental bandwidth for tasks on the job. In addition, pet ownership itself has mental health benefits, and should be supported by any employer who wants to build a healthy company culture. Even brief, positive interactions with a pet can act as a genuine mental reset, restoring crucial mental resources more effectively than another cup of coffee – and leading to more sustained focus and improved productivity. 

Happier Teams, Stronger Loyalty 

Beyond individual output, consider the ripple effect on employee engagement and morale. When you acknowledge and support something so integral to your employees’ lives – their pets – it signals that you see them as whole people.  

This fosters a deeper sense of connection and loyalty, which is critical when you learn that over 3 out of 5 employees have contemplated leaving their current job for one with better benefits, even if it meant taking a pay cut. 

And in today’s competitive talent market, especially when trying to attract and retain Millennial and Gen Z talent, this support matters immensely. Voluntary benefits like pet-related perks are especially favored among the younger members of the workforce, who value a company culture based on comprehensive employee wellness.  

Suddenly, being pet-friendly isn’t just a nice perk — it becomes a strategic component of your Employee Value Proposition (EVP) and a powerful tool for employee attraction and retention.  

This is especially true when we realize that one in three Fortune 500 companies now offer pet benefits, recognizing the rising cost of pet care for the 66% of American households who own pets. 

Year-Round Support with Powerful Pet Benefits 

“Take Your Pet to Work Week” is a fantastic way to celebrate the bond between your employees and their companions, but how do you keep that positive momentum going all year long?  

The answer lies in comprehensive pet benefits that provide tangible support tailored to the real needs of pet parents. According to our report, 68% of pet parents feel dissatisfied with the current support they receive from their employer, and 40% feel overwhelmingly concerned with the costs of vet care. 

Giving Employees Real Choice and Peace of Mind 

At Pet Benefit Solutions, we understand that one size rarely fits all, especially when our survey shows employees are interested in a range of options, including pet insurance, discount bundles, and wellness plans.  

That’s why we offer a suite of solutions. Consider our Wishbone pet health plans, which provide a crucial safety net for unexpected accidents and illnesses that can lead to hefty vet bills, offering employees peace of mind. Wishbone also comes with standalone pet wellness plans (a rarity in the industry), that help cover the cost of routine pet care like vaccinations and annual exams. 

Then there’s our popular Total Pet Plan. This is a powerful, bundled solution. It offers instant discounts on in-house veterinary services at participating vets – with no exclusions based on age, breed, or pre-existing health conditions. 

It also includes savings on prescriptions, a crucial 24/7 Pet Telehealth for 24/7 advice from licensed vets, and a lost pet recovery service with a digital pet ID tag that helps find lost pets faster than a microchip. 

Why This Matters to Your Team (And Your Bottom Line) 

Offering these kinds of voluntary benefits tackles real-world employee anxieties. When you provide solutions that alleviate financial stress, you’re not just helping employees care for their pets — you’re contributing to their overall well-being and focus.  

This is underlined by the fact that 66% of our survey respondents have inquired about pet-related benefits more than once. This kind of support is increasingly what employees, especially passionate pet parents, are looking for when they decide where to work and how long to stay. 

Unleashing True Workplace Potential 

“Take Your Pet to Work Week” might last for just a few days, but the enthusiasm it sparks can be a powerful catalyst for lasting change in your company culture. The real magic happens when you weave that spirit into your everyday support for pet parents.  

By embracing a truly pet-friendly workplace, offering meaningful pet benefits that employees clearly desire, and perhaps even becoming a certified Pet-Centric Employer, you’re doing more than just keeping pet parents happy. 

You’re actively boosting employee attraction and retention, nurturing higher morale, and paving the way for a genuinely more engaged and productive workforce. It really is a win-win, creating a workplace where both people and their beloved pets feel valued. 

Explore our industry-leading pet plans and become a Pet-Centric Employer today!