Published on:

20 June 2025

Updated on:

28 July 2025

Read time:

Natalie Burdett-Wilson

Senior Designer

Annabel Baker

People Advisor

The growing trend of pet-friendly workplaces is transforming offices, offering benefits from improved employee wellbeing to enhanced team collaboration.

Research from the University of Lincoln has demonstrated that employees who bring their dogs to work experience enhanced dedication, enthusiasm, concentration, and overall workplace wellbeing.

Pet-friendly workplaces

The incorporation of pets into the workplace extends beyond simply allowing animals in the office. It represents a strategic approach to improving workplace culture and employee satisfaction.

Businesses that have embraced pet-friendly policies report numerous benefits, including improved office morale, enhanced talent attraction, retention, and strengthened community bonds.

The presence of pets has been shown to elevate happiness-boosting oxytocin levels, making them a natural contributor to workplace wellbeing initiatives.

Pet-friendly workplace design essentials to consider

Thoughtful space planning

The foundation of a successful pet-friendly workplace lies in its spatial organisation. When designing for both humans and animals, consider these key elements:

  • Height-appropriate amenities: Integrate features like water stations at 'dog-drinking' levels, particularly in kitchenette areas. This creates designated spaces for pets while maintaining workplace organisation. Consider installing built-in water bowls in specific areas to contain potential spills and create easy-access points for pets.
  • Flexible workstations: Implement desk systems that accommodate pet beds or crates underneath, allowing animals to remain close to their owners while maintaining a professional environment. This proximity helps reduce separation anxiety while enabling employees to focus on their work.

Strategic layout solutions

  • Distraction management: Incorporate frosted or opaque film at ground level on glass partitions to minimise visual distractions for pets. This simple solution helps maintain focus for both animals and employees while preserving the modern aesthetic of glass office divisions.
  • Dedicated pet zones: Create designated play areas equipped with platforms and integrated tunnels where pets can exercise and socialise. Position these zones near co-working spaces, allowing owners to maintain productivity while supervising their pets.

A pet-friendly workplace isn’t just about allowing animals in the office, it’s about creating an environment where employees and their furry companions feel comfortable, connected and valued. Thoughtful design choices and practical policies ensure that both humans and pets feel welcome, creating a space where productivity and wellbeing go hand in hand.

Natalie Burdett-Wilson, Senior Designer

Ready to transform your workplace

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Material selection and durability

Flooring solutions

The choice of flooring materials is crucial in a pet-friendly office. Luxury Vinyl Tiles (LVT) emerge as an optimal solution, offering superior durability against claw marks and scratches, easy maintenance and cleaning, and moisture resistance. Alternative flooring options include polished concrete with protective sealants, commercial-grade carpet tiles with replaceable sections, and porcelain tiles with proper grout sealing.

Furniture considerations

When selecting furniture for a pet-friendly workplace, both style and practicality must be considered.

Choose pieces with removable, washable upholstery and materials treated with Nanotex or Crypton technology for stain and bacteria resistance. Incorporating metal finishings rather than wooden elements prevents damage from chewing, while impervious, bleach-cleanable materials work well for high-traffic areas.

Creating comfortable spaces

Multi-purpose relaxation zones benefit both humans and pets in the workplace. Install comfortable seating with adjacent pet lounging areas and create quiet nooks where employees can work while their pets rest nearby. Incorporating sound-absorbing materials helps maintain a peaceful environment.

Read more about the value of a furniture audit

Pet-friendly policies represent a powerful talent strategy. In today's competitive job market, candidates are looking beyond salary to workplace culture and benefits that support their whole lives. When we accommodate pets, we're acknowledging that our employees are whole people with lives and relationships outside of work and that recognition translates to loyalty, engagement, and a more authentic workplace culture.

Annabel Baker, People Advisor

Managing pets in the office

Organisation and control

Implement practical solutions for managing pets in the workplace:

  • Install leash hooks near workstations for easy pet management
  • Create designated storage areas for pet supplies
  • Establish cleaning stations with appropriate supplies
  • Include signage for pet-specific areas and rules

Health and safety considerations

Maintaining a healthy and safe environment requires a multi-faceted approach. Installing air purification systems helps manage pet-related allergens, while creating pet-free zones accommodates employees with allergies or preferences. Establishing cleaning protocols for common areas and providing hand sanitising stations throughout the office ensures hygiene standards are maintained.

By implementing these comprehensive management strategies, businesses can create a safe, healthy, and well-organised environment. Regular review and updates of these procedures ensure the continued success of the pet-friendly workplace initiative.

Discover 5 ways office design improves health and safety

The future of pet-friendly workplaces

As we continue to evolve our understanding of workplace design, pet-friendly offices are becoming increasingly common.

This trend reflects a broader shift toward more inclusive, flexible, and employee-centric work environments. By thoughtfully integrating pet-friendly features into office interior design, companies can create spaces that support both human and animal wellbeing while maintaining professional standards.

Conclusion

Through thoughtful design choices, appropriate material selection, and practical management solutions, businesses can create environments that welcome pets while enhancing workplace productivity and satisfaction. As we continue to redefine the modern workplace, pet-friendly design elements will likely become standard features. The key to success lies in balanced design that maintains professionalism while accommodating employees’ pets.

Our experience in creating productive, employee-centric workspaces allows us to seamlessly integrate pet-friendly features while maintaining the professional atmosphere your business requires. Whether you're planning a complete office fit out or looking to refurbish your office, our team can guide you through the process of creating a workplace that welcomes both two-legged and four-legged team members.

Contact our design team today to explore how we can help transform your office into a pet-friendly environment that enhances productivity, wellbeing, and employee satisfaction.

Let's discuss your pet-friendly workplace today

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Meet the Authors

Natalie Burdett-Wilson Senior Designer
Natalie Burdett-Wilson Senior Designer

An accomplished designer, with great knowledge and creative expertise, Natalie has worked across a broad range of sectors and brings a high level of experience and a varied skill set to her work as a result.

Annabel Baker People Advisor
Annabel Baker People Advisor

Annabel brings a wealth of expertise in people and culture to our team, embodying our core values in everything she does. With her people and culture mindset and personable approach, she plays a vital role in supporting our company culture. Annabel's communication skills have made her a trusted resource for both employees and management. Her passion for enhancing workplace experiences and commitment to continuous improvement align perfectly with our laid-back yet highly accountable environment. Annabel is an invaluable addition to our People team as we continue to design and build innovative solutions for our clients.

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