“Hi –ho, hi-ho it’s off to work we go…” Do you hum this little ditty as you ready yourself to do battle with traffic and work stress each and every work day? No? We didn’t think so! But if you would like the companionship of your pet at work to help you get through the day, well… you’re not alone.

Bringing your pet to work is a growing phenomenon across America as more and more employers recognize the benefits of pets in the workplace on worker productivity and morale.

Consider…a recent survey was conducted by the American Pet Products Manufacturers Association (APPMA) of a random sample of 1,000 working American adults 18 years of age or older. They were asked a number of questions about how they felt about pets at work. Some of the more interesting findings include the following:

• 41% of this sample believe having pets in the workplace leads to a more creative environment
• 39% believe having pets in the workplace decreases absenteeism
• 37% believe having pets in the workplace helps co-workers get along better
• And, 34% of those who bring their pets to the workplace work longer hours

According to this article in the Monitor published by the American Psychological Association (APA), employers are raising the ante to retain skilled workers by offering an array of perks, including pet health insurance… American Psychological Association

In fact, the APA recently gave its coveted "The Psychologically Healthy Workplace Award: Best Practices Honors” to 15 innovative companies. And one firm makes the list because the company lets employees bring pets to work – and offers pet insurance. That company is…Small Dog Electronics in Vermont.Small Dog Electronics

Caveat to our viewers: PETisphere has researched other websites (they shall remain unnamed) that claim to provide information about pet-friendly employers. What we’ve found out is that the information provided by some sites generally is of poor quality- out of date, incomplete, or downright inaccurate. For example, PETisphere contacted a number of “pet-friendly employers” listed on one site and was told by the companies that the information was not true (i.e., pets were not allowed at work, unfortunately). In other instances, the company representative contacted said that the information on the web site was provided by a single employee who “wished” to bring his pet to work. But that the information was never checked for accuracy or approved by someone in human resources. In still other cases, the company no longer existed or merged with another company with a different pet-to-work policy. PETisphere’s approach is simple: we will provide our viewers only with accurate, up to date information based on quality, professional sources.

So, where are the jobs? Who are the pet-friendly employers? Well, PETisphere continues to research this question and identify internet and other sources of pet-friendly employers. There are not a lot of quality sources as of yet, but PETisphere is hoping to establish a strategic alliance with an international human resources recruiting and search firm. This partnership is expected to generate a database of pet-friendly employers and the job positions they’re seeking to fill.

But here is one firm to consider: SimplyHired – a Silicon Valley search firm specializing in filling managerial, professional and high-tech jobs throughout the United States. Looking for a new job where you can take Fido or Fifi? Try the “only search dog-friendly companies” option here…SimplyHired