<p>People are quitting their jobs to spend more time with their pets — over two-thirds of pet owners have searched for a more flexible job to devote more time to their fur pals.</p><p>A recent survey of 2,000 employed pet owners found that 71% have made a significant life change because of their pet. </p><p>And six in 10 have previously left a job because they were forced to return to an office that wasn’t pet-friendly.</p><p>Conducted by OnePoll on behalf of Vetster</a> ahead of National Pet Day, results also found that seven in 10 are willing to accept a pay cut if it meant they can bring their pet to work. </p><p>The past two years have been “ruff” for many, with 71% saying they’d benefit more from a pet-friendly office now than they would have before the pandemic.</p><p>Forty-eight percent said their pets have improved their productivity at work, including more than half of both cat and dog owners (56% and 53%). Rodents were found to break the ice in meetings more often than other pets (69%), while small mammals like rabbits and ferrets were more likely to inspire their pet parents and boost their productivity (65%). </p><p>Overall, more than two-thirds credited new friendships at work to their fur pals, with the average person gaining seven new work buddies.</p><p>People’s pets have also transformed their workdays, with cats (56%) and dogs (54%) both giving their humans a sense of comfort.</p><p>Many workplaces are responding to pet parents’ needs — 42% report that their offices stock pet supplies such as bowls and poop bags.</p><p>“Our data shows that many pet parents have had positive experiences when their pets have played a role in the workplace,” said Mark Bordo, CEO, Vetster. “Pets can help create and maintain a positive culture at work while improving people’s mental health and fostering friendships between colleagues.”</p><p>Eight in 10 said spending time with their pet boosts their mental health, and the same amount also noted they feel less workplace anxiety when their pet is present.</p><p>But while 87% view their pets as part of the family, 57% feel guilty taking care of their pet during working hours.</p><p> “We’ve normalized taking care of kids during working hours, so why not include all members of the household?” Bordo added. “Companies can do their part by giving employees a full- or half-day off to care for their fur friends, donating to a charity of their choice, or organize a pet-meet-up on National Pet Day.”<br /></p>
