The Rise of the Canine Co-Worker

The

Rise Canine

of the

co-worker

National Bring Your Dog to Work Day has soared in popularity over recent years, but what about the companies that boast a full-time dog in residence? As a pet food business, we operate an open door policy for dogs and wanted to find out whether other industries follow suit. So, we did our research and found a goldmine of dog-friendly businesses ranging from jewellers to horticulturists.

In fact, according to new research by recruitment company

Reed.co.uk, 8% of UK employees are permitted to take their dog to work. Find out what the businesses we interviewed had to say about sharing an office with their best friend…

Barking Mad UK

The UK’s leading dog sitting company www.barkingmad.uk.com

How does having Lotti around improve your working day?

It’s much better talking to a dog! We love the atmosphere in the office with dogs making it relaxed and it’s great to know we can always have a quick chat with a best friend!

Does your dog have any funny habits or mannerisms?

9 year old Lotti the Dalmatian is very gentle and loving, although she hates the postman!

She smiles and wags her tail on the floor to create a drum beat and generally makes it known that she’s in the office (without distracting us too much.)

Lotti the Dalmatian pictured with Barking Mad employee, Isla

10 • burnspet.co.uk

Johnson’s of Wixley

One of the longest established and largest commercial nursery businesses in Europe

www.nurserymen.co.uk

How does having Isla around improve your working day?

Isla is only one year old and is both family pet and office dog. She has been a familiar face in the office and wider nursery since she was 12 weeks old.

Isla’s presence raises a smile and de-formalises an otherwise commercial environment.

Isla is an obvious favourite with family members, staff, customers and general visitors to the business, and she receives as much attention as she gives!

Does Isla have any funny habits or mannerisms?

Isla can be vocal and often portrays a submissive grin. She is intent on retrieving and is happiest carrying anything to hand.

She has developed an annoying habit of insisting on getting a lift in the front seat, instead of jumping in the back, when hitching a ride in company vehicles. She is already very loyal and, a typical lab, a connoisseur of the occasional treat.

Isla receives VIP transport as part of her employee bark perks. Oh, to be a dog!

Glimmer Candles

An online candle boutique offering over 150 varieties of natural fragrances

www.glimmercandles.co.uk

“Isla’s presence raises a smile and de-formalises an otherwise commercial environment.”

- Johnson’s of Wixley

“Robbie (named after Robbie Williams) is my constant companion. Running an online business from home can be lonely - you don’t get the same interaction as a physical shop. With Robbie, it’s like having a friend by your side. Robbie sneezes to remind me it’s time for a walk and fresh air, which is great as otherwise I might sit there all day long without a break.

Robbie became part of our family as a rescue dog whilst we were living in New Zealand. When we returned home we couldn’t leave him behind and he made the long journey to the UK with us. As a ‘kiwi’ dog he loves the outdoors and can’t resist a muddy swim, digging holes in the garden and rolling in Fox poo - he should be a different colour as he regularly ends up in the bath!

Whether he is sleeping in his bed, in the office or under my office desk, he is never far from my side. He can sense when the courier is due to arrive and barks like crazy as if to intimidate him. The courier finds it hilarious. Robbie is such a character!” - Sandra Varley

Sandra and Robbie

burnspet.co.uk • 11

The Nimble Thimble

Specialists in cross-stitched artwork and kits for craft enthusiasts

www.thenimblethimblecrossstitch.co.uk

“We have two working Cocker Spaniels, Harvey, aged 2 and Benson the puppy.

We are surrounded by woods and trees at work and the sheer pleasure in having my dogs with me all day enables me to walk them at lunchtime, which also keeps me fit.

My customers love to see them and are forever plying them with toys and treats. This has made them so friendly towards everyone they meet as they are so used to socialising. They are just the most loving and loyal companions anyone could ask for.

They know that as soon as I lift up my handbag that we are off to the car to go to work. Benson is in the process of digging holes everywhere (to Australia we think) and hiding his favourite toys in the holes. Meanwhile, Harvey’s most endearing habit is that when the clock strikes 10pm he looks for his teddy and goes off to his bed on his own volition.”

Benson and Harvey

“We are surrounded by woods and trees at work and having my dogs with me all day enables me to walk them at lunchtime, which also keeps me fit.”

Peekaboo!

Cross Keys Jewellers

Independent antique jewellers located in the heart of Wiltshire

1 The Ginnel, Devizes SN10 1HN • Tel: 01380 726293

“Our family jewellery business has been running since the 1970s. We took over from my parents in the year 1990 and specialise in antique and preowned jewellery. We are based in Devizes, Wiltshire.

Denzil and his Mum, Wraggs (aged 7 and 12) always come to work with us and Denzil has done since he was a pup. Our regulars often call in just to see the dogs and they are given treats by customers both young and old- the postman even brings special biscuits! Wraggs is laid back, and Denzil likes to chase everything. He loves it when apples fall from the garden tree as he thinks they’re balls.”

- Dominic Pullen

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Pet Pyjamas

One of Europe’s leading suppliersof pet lifestyle products

www.petspyjamas.com

How does having dogs in the office improve a working day?

In today’s high pressured environment it can be really therapeutic to engage with a dog because a quick cuddle clears the mind and resets your mood.

Tell us about your canine co-workers…

As advocates of dogs in the workplace, we have a number of four-legged employees fulfilling a variety of roles including:

“In today’s high pressured environment it can be really therapeutic to engage with a dog.”

Piper Canine Executive Officer As well as helping her owner Gracia lead the PetsPyjamas team – with lots of licks and tail-wags – rescue dog Piper is also at the helm of pet fashion department, as one of PetsPyjamas’ top doggie models thanks to her long legs and lean frame.

Heidi

Monty

Piper

Heidi One half of The Pet Inspectors The Alex Polizzi of the pet world, Heidi and owner, Denise vet the holiday properties that make it onto our website. Heidi is an integral part of the team.

Monty Head of Dog-friendly Travel Heading up the travel department is a big deal and despite being slight of stature, Monty is the dog for the job. He can often be found sprinting around the office, spreading the dog-friendly word to others – or with his nose in the office bins.

Has all this talk of office dogs convinced you to bring your prized pet to work?

Follow our tried and tested tips to ensure that your best friend sails through the probation period...

• Check if your employer has a dog-friendly policy - and comply with rules as necessary

• Invest in a dog bed with a removeable cover- a must-have for cleaning

• Ensure your dog is toilet trainedyour co-workers are unlikely to appreciate little accidents

• Avoid parking your pet next to the employee with a phobia / allergy / aversion to dogs

• Assess whether your dog is friendly and well-behaved enough to bring to work. Chew-happy pups need not apply

• Keep your dog well-groomed and as odour-free as possible

• Come supplied with food and any essentials

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