With close to 70% of people in the United States having pets, we're starting to see office spaces create pet-friendly work environments. Companies like Amazon, Uber, Airbnb, Etsy, Salesforce, Tito's Handmade Vodka, and others have fully encouraged their staff to bring their pets into the office. The companies are offering things like puppy spas, their own access cards, play areas, but most of all, love and attention. With this transition, these companies have drawn in young pet lovers across the country and have improved their employee retention/tenant retention rates.

One of the big concerns with bringing in pets is the chance for a drop in productivity. In reality, it's been shown to actually improve productivity due to the increase of work-life balance, community relationships, and personal health. Just think about the feeling you get when you get home each day to be greeted by your best furry friend, that just wants to love you. Our pets have the power to reduce our stress, anxiety, and high blood pressure. They don't want to be home alone, just as much as you don't want to leave them alone. We are certain that your tenants feel the same way!

Yes, your tenants or employees may have to let them out once in awhile but, a short break from the desk is the greatest key to staying dedicated and productive throughout the work day.

As you begin to plan and build upon your amenity list for the coming year, one new amenity you should begin considering is having pet-friendly office spaces to draw in a younger workforce that will be more likely to stay!

Here are the key things to think about before creating a pet friendly work atmosphere.

1.    Allergies: Pet allergies are not fun especially when you have to be in a confined space with them. All cases of pet allergies should be taken into consideration and be sure to offer a space/area for those with allergies to avoid contact and suffering.
2.    Responsibility of Cleaning: Our furry best friends are not the cleanest. Occasionally, there will be an accident. You will want the work environment cleaned more often. Who will clean up the accidents? Will it cost more to have the rugs, hardwood, and surfaces cleaned more often? Be sure to include any responsibilities in your pet policy while also stocking up on office cleaning supplies.
3.    Disobedience: We want pets in our work environment to diminish the stress levels at work and having a disobedient pet could quickly take a turn for the worst. If you want to add pet friendliness to your office policy just be sure to add a clause in about the obedience level for pets.
4.    Safety: If you own a pet then you know that they will do anything to keep us safe. They love us and we love them, but they may attack someone they don't like. The comfort of your tenants and employees comes first.
5.    Space: Having the space for pets would solve most of the issues from above. It would allow for the continuation of a peaceful and clean work atmosphere for those that don't enjoy pets or have allergies. In a lot of the live, work, play, communities individual offices allow for pet owners to bring in their pets as long as they follow a set of guidelines which involves cleaning and obedience.