Building Culture, Connection, and Care with Pet-Friendly Benefits
In today’s work world—especially with the shift toward remote and hybrid models—employers are looking for ways to create deeper connections, support well-being, and build culture beyond office walls. One surprisingly powerful lever? Pets.
Michelle Yates, Executive Vice President of Business Development at PetPartners, brings years of experience from the insurance world, including more than 15 years in the employer benefits channel. Her passion for pet-centric benefits in the workplace is rooted in a simple truth: “Over 60% of the workforce owns a pet,” she says. “And when companies recognize the role those pets play in their employees’ lives, everything changes.”
From the Backyard to the Bed: Pets Are Family
For many, pets aren’t just companions—they’re family. Michelle points out a humorous but spot-on evolution: “From the barn, to the backyard, to the bed.” Today’s employees aren’t just taking their dogs for walks—they’re planning their days around them. Their pets are their co-workers, especially in remote settings. Michelle jokes, “With 22 million U.S. workers working from home, who do you think their favorite coworker is now? The dog sitting next to them or the cat running across the keyboard.”
But the relationship goes far deeper than cute Zoom moments. Pets are tied to our emotional health and well-being. Studies backed by organizations like the Human Animal Bond Research Institute show that pet-friendly benefits are linked to increased employee engagement, stronger company culture, and even reduced absenteeism. “The list goes on and on,” Michelle adds.
Rethinking What “Pet-Friendly” Means
Say “pet-friendly workplace” and most HR pros will wince, imagining a chaotic scene straight out of Ace Ventura: Pet Detective—dogs, birds, and lizards running wild in cubicles. But Michelle quickly clears up the misconception: being pet-friendly doesn’t have to mean allowing animals in the office.
“There are so many ways to show employees you’re pet-friendly without actually having pets on site,” she says. And better yet, these options are scalable for all kinds of organizations, from call centers to virtual teams to traditional in-office environments.
Some creative, low-cost ideas Michelle recommends:
- Pet-working events: Employees bring their pets (virtually or in person) and join breakout conversations with questions like “What’s your pet’s office personality?”
- Access to pet resources: Linking to pet-focused content on sites like PetPlace.com shows you care—even if you don’t offer formal pet benefits yet.
- Recognition of life events: Consider formalizing pet bereavement time off or “pawternity” leave for new pets.
When Employers Listen, Loyalty Follows
Michelle shares one unforgettable story from a large healthcare organization preparing to launch their first-ever pet insurance program. They surveyed employees to understand hesitations around returning to the office post-pandemic. Surprisingly, the top concern wasn’t about commuting, wardrobe, or workflow—it was pets.
“They were worried about leaving their dogs alone,” Michelle says. In response, the company went all in: not only offering 100% employer-paid pet insurance, but also adding pet concierge services to provide daytime walks and care.
The results? Employees felt seen, supported, and motivated to return. “They addressed what really mattered to their people,” she says. “And it worked.”
Pet Benefits Are More Than Just Nice-to-Have
Some leaders worry that not all employees are pet owners. But Michelle shares compelling data: even those without pets still view companies offering pet perks more favorably. “They appreciate that their employer is progressive and thoughtful,” she explains. That halo effect boosts perception across the board.
Others push back on cost. But Michelle urges a reframe. “You can start small,” she advises. “Offer a pet resource link, then maybe pet time off, then insurance down the line. It’s about progression, not perfection.”
And the ROI? Connection. Culture. Employee retention. As Michelle puts it, “We’ve seen firsthand how pets break down social barriers. Someone might hesitate to talk to a coworker—but if they see a dog? Instant conversation.”
A Gateway to Meaningful Culture Change
Michelle’s team sees pet perks as a gateway—not just to fun, but to a more people-first workplace overall. “It’s such a simple, human way to build bonds,” she explains. And it doesn’t stop at Zoom call cameos.
Even simple gestures—like a company “barketing” team, or a “chief nap officer” dog bio on your website—signal a culture that cares. “Pets are like dad jokes,” she laughs. “Silly, but universal. They bring people together.”
Next Steps for Leaders
If you’re a leader planning your 2025 benefits or thinking about employee engagement, Michelle offers three clear steps:
- Start the conversation. Ask your people what pet-related perks they’d value most.
- Explore scalable options. Not ready for insurance? Start with pet working events, shared resources, or flexible time-off policies.
- Reach out for help. Michelle and her team provide consulting to help companies identify the right starting point for their unique culture.
She reminds us that meaningful culture change doesn’t require a massive overhaul. “You don’t have to build a dog park in your office,” she laughs. “Just show you care.”
Pets, People, and Performance: It All Connects
When leaders build pet perks into their benefit strategy, they’re doing far more than offering insurance—they’re showing employees that their lives, their loves, and their emotional bonds matter. That’s the foundation of a people-first workplace.
Michelle leaves us with a clear takeaway: “Honor people for their humanity,” she says. “And if their humanity includes a furry friend, why wouldn’t you lean into that?”
Because in the end, honoring our pets is just another way to honor each other.
Want help designing pet perks that fit your culture?
Connect with Michelle Yates on LinkedIn or explore the broader ecosystem of pet solutions offered through Independence Pet Group and PetPartners. Whether it’s paw-ternity leave or concierge care, there’s a place to start for every company.
Listen to the Episode: Gut + Science 291: Pet Perks in the Workplace with Michelle Yates
Key Takeaways:
- Pet-friendly doesn’t mean chaotic: Employers can support pets without allowing them in the office, through policies like pet insurance or “pawternity” leave.
- The power of pets: Pets build connection, increase engagement, and improve mental health, making them integral to people-first workplaces.
- Customizable programs: Every workplace can adopt pet perks tailored to its culture, from virtual events to subsidized pet insurance.
- Pets bridge gaps: Even non-pet owners appreciate workplaces that support furry family members, showing inclusivity and care.
Things to listen for:
[00:02:00] Why the Employer Channel Matters Most – the impact it has on workplace culture and employee engagement
[00:03:00] Pets Instantly Light Up a Room (or Zoom) – mentioning pets during sales calls immediately changes the energy
[00:04:00] Pet-Friendly ≠ Pets in the Office – a major misconception that “pet-friendly” means pets roaming freely in the office
[00:05:00] From the Barn to the Bed – how pets are viewed in our lives and workplaces
[00:07:00] Pet Bereavement Is Real – why acknowledging pet loss is an important part of inclusive workplace policies.
[00:09:00] Free & Low-Cost Ways to Be Pet-Friendly – easy, no-cost ideas to show pet empathy in your workplace
[00:12:00] Pet Insurance as a Culture Investment – pet insurance as an optional benefit—ranging from 100% employee-paid to fully employer-sponsored—and how it can serve as a recruitment and retention tool
[00:17:00] When Pets Distract (in the Best Way) – a pet photo contest during open enrollment backfiring—in a funny way—because employees were too engaged with the pet content and ignored their other benefits
[00:18:00] Solving the Return-to-Office Challenge with Pet Perks – one employer offered pet insurance and concierge dog walking to help ease the anxiety of employees returning to the office
[00:20:00] First Steps for Leaders Interested in Pet Perks – how leaders can get started—from sending surveys to partnering with PetPartners for scalable solutions that match their culture and budget