I originally wrote this blog in 2020 during the lock down. Now that we’re back in the office, my fave office therapy dog, Rosie, retired. Petting time with Rosie was the highlight of my day.
Here’s a 2026 update on employee benefits for your pet family members. More and more companies believe in employee well being, and offer a variety of pet benefits to attract and keep quality workers.
Trends in Pet Benefits for Employees
Employers are always looking for ways to attract good workers. One way is through expanding benefits beyond health and pension options. Pet benefits are a popular choice for the changes needs of today’s workforce.
Pet ownership is common amount millennials and Gen Z workers (36% and 18%, respectively, based on 2024 data) from the U.S Department of Labor.
Companies are now interested in their workers’ personal well being that includes care for family pets and pet insurance.
For example, companies like Boeing, State Farm, and The Hartford provide benefits to cover pet insurance and pet wellness. Companies like Carfax and Kimpton Hotels offer a pet-friendly workplace.
“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.
Do you wish your job had this one-of-a-kind benefit? I sure do!
Thanks for stopping by!
Dr. Pet Mom
“Be kind to all pets and animals because they will be kind back to you.”
~~ J. Wesley Porter