15 Dog-Friendly Companies Where You and Your Dog Will Love to Work

It’s 8 AM on Monday, and instead of leaving your dog with sad eyes at the door, you’re packing their favorite toy for the office. Your pup gets a badge at Airbnb, romps in Google’s “Doogleplex” during lunch, or joins you in Amazon’s dog-friendly meeting rooms. This isn’t a dream scenario—it’s daily life at companies that recognize dogs can make workplaces better.

More than 10,000 dogs report to Amazon offices every day¹. Ben & Jerry’s has welcomed “K9-5ers” since 2000, contributing to their 97% employee retention rate³. From tech giants to ice cream makers, these 15 companies have built programs that treat dogs as valued team members, complete with dedicated spaces, employee benefits, and cultures where pets aren’t just tolerated—they’re celebrated.

Whether you’re job hunting or hoping your current employer will adopt dog-friendly policies, these companies show what’s possible when organizations embrace the human-animal bond at work.

Why Dog-Friendly Workplaces Matter

Bringing your dog to work isn’t just nice—it can actually help make your day better. Imagine taking a quick walk with your pup when you hit that 3 PM slump, or having your furry friend curled up under your desk during a stressful project. Studies show that 91% of employees report pets reduce work-related stress⁵, and the benefits go beyond feeling good. The National Institutes of Health found that being around pets decreases cortisol and lowers blood pressure⁷—your body literally relaxes when your dog’s nearby.

The real advantage? You’re not constantly checking your phone wondering if your dog is okay at home. You’re not rushing out the door at 5:01 PM because someone’s been alone all day. Instead, you’re present at work, less anxious, and actually enjoying those spontaneous hallway conversations because your dog’s making friends too.

The numbers back this up. Research shows that 88% of employees at pet-friendly workplaces plan to stay with their current employer, compared to just 73% at non-pet-friendly organizations⁴. Pet-friendly workplaces show a 22% reduction in overall stress levels⁶, and 82% of employees say bringing their pet to work creates greater loyalty to their employer⁸. Employers are paying attention—87% say dog-friendly policies help attract and retain talent, and 64% now offer pet insurance as a voluntary benefit.

What Makes a Company Dog-Friendly?

True dog-friendly companies go beyond a casual “sure, bring your dog” policy. The best programs create environments where both pets and people thrive, which means thinking through the details that make coexistence work.

Clear Guidelines That Actually Make Sense

Effective dog-friendly workplaces establish straightforward policies covering vaccinations, behavioral expectations, and what happens if behavioral issues arise. You’ll typically need proof of vaccinations, spay/neuter compliance, and sometimes a temperament assessment before your dog gets office access. Companies define quiet zones where dogs can’t go and designate specific areas where they’re welcome—nobody wants a surprise dog in the server room.

Spaces Built for Dogs (Not Just Humans)

The companies that get it right invest in real infrastructure. We’re talking outdoor relief areas with waste stations, indoor spaces with water bowls and treat dispensers, and meeting rooms clearly marked for pet status. Some go further with dog washing stations, grooming areas, and climate-controlled spaces for extreme weather days. Mars Petcare has 60+ acres of outdoor space plus a WiFi-enabled dog park, while Bissell built an entire indoor dog spa called “Bissell Pet Spot.”

Benefits That Recognize Pet Healthcare Costs

Progressive employers understand veterinary care is expensive. That’s why many employers now offer pet insurance as a voluntary benefit, often with employer contributions or group discounts. These benefits acknowledge that pets are family members with real healthcare needs. Organizations offering pet insurance report that their employees are more satisfied with their overall benefits package—turns out coverage for your dog may matter almost as much as coverage for yourself.

Culture Where Dogs Belong

The best dog-friendly companies integrate pets into their identity rather than treating them as an accommodation. Airbnb issues official badges to dogs and creates employee database pages for them. Tito’s Handmade Vodka names a “Co-woofer of the month.” Build-A-Bear employs a canine concierge. These aren’t gimmicks—they’re signals that dogs genuinely belong in the workplace culture.

15 Companies That Welcome Your Dog

Amazon

With more than 10,000 registered dogs across 100+ offices¹, Amazon runs the largest corporate dog program in the world. The “Dogs at Work” program welcomes all breeds and sizes without restrictions—yes, even that Great Dane you’re worried is too big. Amazon provides dedicated relief areas, indoor pet spaces, and dog-friendly meeting rooms throughout their Seattle headquarters and beyond.

Google

Google’s Mountain View campus features “The Doogleplex,” an actual dog park where creativity and tail wags happen simultaneously². Employees can bring their pets once or twice weekly, though dogs must pass temperament assessments first. Google’s code of conduct famously states “Don’t be evil,” but it also officially addresses treating office dogs with respect. This attention to detail shows pets aren’t an afterthought.

Ben & Jerry’s

Ben & Jerry’s launched its “K9-5ers” program in 2000, and before the pandemic, about 40 dogs showed up daily at the Vermont headquarters³. The ice cream maker’s dog policy contributes to their remarkable 97% employee retention rate³—turns out free ice cream and office dogs are a powerful combination. The company treats pets as consistent with its values-driven culture, which includes caring about things that matter to employees’ lives outside work.

Etsy

This online marketplace has been dog-friendly since 2005, back when bringing your dog to work was still considered slightly radical. Etsy welcomes pets at its Brooklyn headquarters, with their hybrid model letting employees bring dogs during in-office days. The long-standing policy reflects the company’s craft-focused ethos—if you’re selling handmade dog collars on Etsy, having actual dogs around just makes sense.

Airbnb

Airbnb extends its hospitality values to four-legged employees by issuing official badges to dogs and creating employee database pages for pets. Yes, your dog gets their own profile, complete with photo and bio. This level of integration treats dogs as legitimate community members, making you wonder why every company doesn’t do this.

Salesforce

Salesforce launched “Puppyforce” in 2014, creating soundproof workspaces specifically designed so dogs don’t disrupt important calls or focused work. The company engineered the solution rather than banning the dogs, integrating pets into its Ohana culture that emphasizes family and community. Salesforce proves that with good design, you can have both productivity and puppies.

Bissell

When your business is cleaning up pet messes, having dogs at the office isn’t just policy—it’s product testing. Bissell welcomes dogs and provides an indoor spa called “Bissell Pet Spot” where employees can clean and groom their pets during the workday. Imagine having access to professional grooming equipment when your dog decides to roll in something questionable on the morning walk.

Tito’s Handmade Vodka

Tito’s embraces dogs through its “Vodka for Dog People” program and celebrates a “Co-woofer of the month” at the Austin headquarters. The company’s commitment extends beyond the workplace through charitable giving to animal welfare organizations. Tito’s basically built their brand around loving dogs as much as they love vodka, and employees get to live that mission daily.

Build-A-Bear Workshop

About 15 dogs show up daily at Build-A-Bear’s St. Louis headquarters, where the company hosts puppy parties and employs an actual canine concierge to coordinate pet activities. Someone’s job includes planning parties for dogs. The toy company’s enthusiastic embrace of workplace pets aligns perfectly with their playful brand, and employees say dogs inspire product development and marketing ideas.

Mars Petcare

Mars Petcare, maker of Pedigree and Whiskas, operates what might be the world’s most impressive pet-friendly campus. Their Franklin, Tennessee facility includes 60+ acres of outdoor space and a WiFi-enabled dog park. The company even offers “Paw-ternity Leave” for employees adopting new pets. When your business is pet food, having pets at work isn’t optional—it’s essential product research.

Bark (BarkBox)

At Bark, dogs aren’t visitors—they’re essential co-workers. The company behind BarkBox subscriptions provides comprehensive pet insurance to all employees, recognizing that veterinary care is expensive when you’re testing dog toys for a living. Dogs participate in actual product testing, which means someone’s job literally includes watching dogs play.

Clif Bar & Company

Clif Bar has welcomed dogs since 1992, establishing the company as an early adopter of what’s now a popular trend. About 12 dogs typically show up daily at the Emeryville, California headquarters, and the company employs a Chief Dog Officer named Gus who serves as the official canine ambassador. The long-standing policy reflects Clif Bar’s commitment to active, outdoor-focused culture—and dogs definitely embody that energy.

Zynga

The gaming company built a rooftop dog park at its San Francisco headquarters and welcomes not just dogs, but cats, ferrets, and bunnies too. Zynga’s inclusive approach recognizes that pet parents have diverse preferences—maybe you’re a bunny person, and that’s okay. The rooftop park maximizes limited urban space while giving pets exercise and socialization opportunities.

Kurgo

Inc. Magazine named Kurgo the “World’s Most Dog Friendly Office,” which is impressive recognition. The company manufactures dog travel and outdoor gear, so workplace pets serve as product testers and brand ambassadors. Employees don’t just bring dogs to work—they bring dogs who help design better dog products, creating an authentic connection to customers that can’t be manufactured.

Spot Pet Insurance

Spot Pet Insurance maintains a pet-friendly office that employees describe as “filled with treats for people and pets.” The atmosphere reflects the company’s mission to support the human-animal bond. When you’re selling insurance that helps people afford veterinary care, having dogs around keeps you connected to why the work matters.

Essential Tips for Bringing Your Dog to Work

These 15 companies show what’s possible, but succeeding in a dog-friendly workplace requires preparation. Here’s how to make it work.

Make Sure Your Dog’s Actually Ready for This

Before showing up with your pup, honestly assess whether they’re suited for office life. Can your dog handle unfamiliar people without becoming overwhelmed or reactive? Will they settle down for several hours, or do they need constant entertainment? Are basic commands like “sit” and “stay” reliable, or more like friendly suggestions your dog sometimes considers?

Practice office scenarios at home first. Set up a confined space with minimal activity and gradually increase the duration. Dogs pacing and whining after 30 minutes at home aren’t ready for a full workday. Consider visiting the office during off-hours to let your dog explore without the stress of a busy workday. Think of it as a dress rehearsal—better to discover problems when there’s no audience.

Pack the Right Stuff (Your Dog Will Thank You)

More than just a leash and good intentions will be necessary. Bring water bowls, food if your dog eats during work hours, plenty of waste bags, a comfortable bed or mat, and toys that won’t annoy colleagues. Skip the squeaky toys unless becoming the office villain sounds appealing. Pack cleaning supplies for accidents—they happen, and being prepared looks responsible rather than panicked.

Keep vaccination records accessible since some companies do random checks. Consider bringing a spare towel if your dog drools or if weather might leave them wet. Something people forget: bring treats for other people’s dogs too. It’s good office citizenship, and your dog will make friends faster.

Respect the People Who Don’t Love Dogs as Much as You Do

Not everyone wants to meet your dog, and that’s okay. Some colleagues have allergies, fears, or just prefer a dog-free workspace. Keep your pup in designated areas unless heading to approved common areas. Watch for signs of stress—excessive panting, restlessness, whining—because a stressed dog can quickly become a disruptive dog.

Be ready to take your dog home if things aren’t working. Maybe they’re too excited, maybe they’re barking at the UPS delivery, or maybe back-to-back meetings make supervision impossible. Having a backup plan shows seriousness about making this work long-term. Remember, everyone’s evaluating whether workplace dogs are a good idea based partly on how well this goes.

Keep Your Work Quality High

Dog presence shouldn’t compromise productivity. Avoid bringing them on deadline days, during critical client meetings, or when uninterrupted focus is essential. Keep workspaces clean and odor-free—nothing ends workplace pet privileges faster than complaints about smell or mess.

Think of it this way: representing all dog parents happens when bringing a pet to work. Being responsible, maintaining professional standards, and staying on top of both work and dog needs keeps these policies working for everyone.

Understanding Pet Insurance

Office life can introduce risks many stay-at-home dogs don’t face: unfamiliar people, potential conflicts with other dogs, exposure to foods toxic to pets, and workplace hazards like electrical cords. The increased activity of a workplace can also reveal health issues that might go unnoticed at home.

Pet insurance typically covers unexpected accidents, illnesses, and emergency care, with most plans reimbursing 70-90% of eligible expenses after meeting the deductible. Some companies offer pet insurance as a voluntary employee benefit, often with employer contributions or group discounts. Policies can help protect against unexpected veterinary costs that can quickly reach thousands of dollars.

For dogs navigating office environments with their unique risks, having financial protection can mean focusing more on work with less worrying about whether emergency care is affordable if something happens. It’s one less thing to stress about when already managing the logistics of bringing your dog to work.

Key Takeaways

Before bringing your dog to work, research company-specific policies and make sure your pet’s temperament suits office settings. Prepare thoroughly with supplies, backup plans, and realistic expectations about whether your dog can handle a full workday in a busy environment.

The 15 companies profiled show that successful pet-friendly policies require planning, resources, and genuine cultural commitment. These workplaces invest in infrastructure, establish clear guidelines, and integrate pets into their identity rather than treating them as an accommodation.

If you’re lucky enough to work somewhere that welcomes dogs, treat the privilege seriously. Maintain professional standards, respect colleagues who aren’t dog enthusiasts, and keep your workspace clean. Responsible pet parenting helps ensure these policies continue benefiting everyone who wants to skip those sad goodbye eyes on Monday morning.