Now that we’re back in the office, I still miss the office therapy dog, Rosie. It was fun to to visit our rescue dog, Rosie, a four-year-old Golden Retriever. Petting time with Rosie was the highlight of my day. We have virtual visits these days…it’s just not the same. But one company believes in the well being of its employees and offers an employee benefit for pet adoption!
“A Chance to Adopt a Cat or Dog”
The Zebra is an insurance comparison website for home or auto insurance. The source explained that The Zebra’s CEO and dog lover, Keith Melnick, created the $300 benefit “to give everyone in the company a chance to adopt a cat or dog.”
Melnick used to bring his Labrador, Zuma, to work each day. He knows the value of pets in the workplace. The annual $300 employee benefit can cover the adoption fee for a cat or dog, and basic pet supplies.
The pet adoption benefit also encourages adoptions of homeless rescue and shelter animals.
Happy Pet Parents
The Zebra employees are adopting wonderful pets like Niko, a Dachshund adopted by her dog mom, Maribeliz Ortiz, a Quality Assurance Coordinator. She called Niko the “dream dog” she wanted as a child.
Senior Manager of Performance Marketing, Dan Kujanek wanted a second dog for his family. The employee benefit was the push he needed to adopt Romy, a Shepherd mix from a local rescue, AjK Family Rescue in Austin, Texas. The family’s fenced yard is perfect for Romy.
Other companies also know the benefits of dogs in the work place. For example, Achieva Credit Union in Dunedin, Florida offers the benefit of dogs in the workplace. The company’s dog park is a playground for both dogs and people.
Dog-Friendly Companies
A short list of companies that invite dogs to work include:
- Kurgo, in Salisbury, MA, produces high-quality dog toys and outdoor gear.
- Bissell Homecare, Inc., in Grand Rapids, MI, a vacuum cleaner company
- Build-A-Bear Workshops in St. Louis, MO, sells stuffed toys and teddy bears for every occasion.
The biggest benefit of doggies in the workplace: To reduce stress. Dogs make us smile, keep us active, help us exercise and relax in the workplace.
Don’t you wish your job had this one-of-a-kind benefit? I sure do!
Thanks for stopping by!
Dr. Pet Mom
“Sometimes losing a pet is more painful than losing a human because in the case of the pet, you were not pretending to love it.”
–Amy Sedaris