More than half of European workers would switch jobs for a pet-friendly workplace
- A new survey by Mars, Incorporated of 16,000 workers in Europe reveals that more than a third (36%) of workers prioritize pet-friendly policies over traditional workplace perks and other benefits
- 71% of workers who would be more likely to get a pet if their workplace offered more supportive pet-friendly policies, agree they would consider switching jobs if pets were allowed at work
- 81% of employees say pets create the benefit of a more relaxed workplace atmosphere
London, UK (June 25, 2026) – As companies across the globe celebrate Bring Your Dog to Work Day, Mars, Incorporated, global leader in pet care products and services and maker of beloved brands including PEDIGREE® and WHISKAS®, reveals that pet-friendly workplaces are no longer a “nice-to-have” for Europeans, but an expectation, with more than half (55%) considering switching jobs if it meant they could bring their pets to work.
The Pet-Friendly Advantage (PFA) 2026 Workplace Report(Opens a new window) surveyed more than 16,000 employees across 16 European countries, revealing pet-friendly policies as a powerful tool for boosting workplace well-being, culture and talent retention.
Move over table tennis and free snacks – employees want pet-friendly policies
Data from hiring platform Indeed shows that interest in dog friendly policies is rapidly gaining pace, with job postings in the U.K. that mention "dog friendly" increasing 14-fold since 2019. With 81% of employees surveyed saying pets create a more relaxed atmosphere at work, it is no surprise that the demand for pet-friendly workplaces competes with, and in some cases outweighs, traditional workplace perks.
More than a third (37%) of workers surveyed prioritize pet-friendly policies over personal benefits such as employee discount schemes, cycle-to-work schemes, free snacks, or after-work socials. A similar proportion (35%) even place pet policies above enhanced benefits like parental leave and private healthcare.
Gen Z and Millennials are driving this shift in “work perks”- 41% of 18–24-year-olds actively look for pet-friendly policies when job hunting, almost double the rate of workers over 55 (24%). And 42% prioritize these over enhanced personal benefits, compared to 25% of 55+. Pet-friendly policies are cementing themselves as a must-have benefit to secure the rising talent of today and tomorrow.
Pet policies signal a company cares – but employees struggle to find if they’re offered
For employers, the business case for investing in pet-friendly workplaces is strong, especially as more companies introduce return to office (RTO) mandates, making pet care a more challenging consideration for pet parents. Half (50%) of European workers feel that companies with pet friendly policies are more supportive of employees transitioning to office-based working, and a third (33%) say a formal well managed "pets in the office" policy signals the company cares about employee wellbeing.
“Bring Your Dog to Work Day is a fantastic celebration, and at Mars we’ve long understood the positive impact pets can have in the workplace,” said Paolo Rigamonti, Regional President, Mars Pet Nutrition Europe. “Now, new data from our Pet Friendly Advantage Report makes the case even clearer: pet-friendly workplaces support wellbeing, strengthen culture and are increasingly important for attracting and retaining talent. Every day should be Bring Your Dog to Work Day.”
Despite its tangible value, there is a clear information gap between the desire for pet-friendly policies, and employees knowing how to find them. Half of all workers (55%) do not know where to source information on pet-friendly policies when searching for a job. A further third (33%) say their company has pet-friendly policies but doesn’t advertise them in job ads. This presents a clear competitive advantage for companies that communicate their policies transparently to differentiate themselves in the hiring process.
Matt Burney, Senior Strategic Advisor at Indeed, comments: "Pet-friendly offices reflect growing expectations around flexibility and work-life balance. As employees juggle responsibilities at home and at work, organizations that create workplaces people want to be part of often see stronger retention and morale. Allowing pets in the workplace can be a simple but effective way to enhance the employee experience."
The full report includes a practical blueprint to help other businesses implement their own programs, guidance that is part of a long-standing BETTER CITIES FOR PETS™ program from Mars, which champions pet-friendly policies where people live, work and play.
Download the Pet-Friendly Advantage (PFA) 2026 Workplace Report(Opens a new window)
