Coventry has been revealed as the top place for most dog-friendly workplaces in the UK. A study from Rover.com showed more than a third of dog owners would refuse a job if they couldn’t bring their furry friend into the office.
The findings showed over a quarter of workplaces have become dog-friendly within the last one to two years, which has many positive benefits, such as reducing stress, boosting team morale, and improving the workplace atmosphere.
A third of workplaces currently have dog-friendly policies, with Coventry at 57%, followed by Newcastle at 49%, Brighton at 47%, Oxford at 44% and Leicester at 40%, all within the top five. London came last within the top 10 at 37%.
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The study highlighted a wider cultural shift, with 47% of owners now expecting dog-friendly policies as standard within a workplace. In addition, 29% of owners said they would be willing to take a pay cut to ensure their dog is welcomed at work, while 20% would turn down their ‘dream job’ if it didn’t accommodate their dogs.
Here is the full list of the UK cities with dog-friendly workplaces:
- Coventry (57%)
- Newcastle (49%)
- Brighton (47%)
- Oxford (44%)
- Leicester (40%)
- Cambridge (39%)
- Bristol (38%)
- Sheffield (38%)
- Belfast (36%)
- London (37%)
On the other hand, 1 in 4 workers has given their pups ‘honorary’ job titles for those who bring their dogs to work, with titles such as ‘Chief Fun Operator,’ ‘Pawsitivity Maker,’ and ‘CEO of Happiness and Cuddles’ among the examples. However, over 34% of respondents admit they wouldn’t feel comfortable bringing their dog to the office.
Among the reasons are 25% believe their dog would be too excitable, 16% say their dog requires better training, and 13% feel their dog would be too stressed in a busy office environment. For those unable to bring their furry friends to the workplace, some rely on friends and family, while others use pet care services, and some even confessed to leaving their dogs alone during working hours.
Rover’s VP of People and Culture, Jovana Teodorovic, said: “With a growing demand for flexible, dog-friendly policies, it is clear that pet-friendly workplaces are not just a passing trend—they are becoming an essential aspect of modern office culture and a key factor in attracting and retaining top talent. Companies that embrace this shift can give themselves a real edge by creating a welcoming, inclusive environment that appeals to employees and potential recruits alike.”
“For workplaces that may not yet accommodate pets, Rover offers flexible pet care options, allowing employees to arrange for a trusted sitter or dog walker to look after their furry friends during the working day. This ensures employees can focus on their tasks without worrying, knowing their pets are safe.”
Are you a dog friendly business? Or do you take your dog to your workplace? Email priyanka.patel@reachplc.com to tell your story
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