The new *Pet-Friendly Advantage* (PFA) study, developed by Mars, Incorporated and reported by PiT (Pets in Town), reveals that 55% of European workers would consider changing jobs if a new employer allowed them to bring their pets to the office.

The survey, released to coincide with "Take Your Dog to Work Day," polled over 16,000 employees across 16 European countries and concluded that such corporate policies are increasingly valued, directly impacting well-being, organisational culture, and talent retention.

The data show that the benefits associated with pets are beginning to compete directly with, and even surpass, some of the perks traditionally offered by companies.

According to the research, 35% of professionals prioritise pet-friendly policies over established benefits such as employee discount programs, incentives for cycling to work, free snacks, or after-work social events.

Personal benefits

The study goes further, noting that 37% of respondents value having their pet at the office more than enhanced personal benefits, such as private health insurance or extended parental leave.

Introducing animals into the workplace is widely seen as a way to improve the internal atmosphere; 81% of European employees believe that pets help create a more relaxed and less stressful environment in their daily professional lives.

Different generation, different opinion

This sentiment takes on a distinct generational character, driven primarily by early-career professionals. Among 18- to 24-year-olds, 41% actively seek out companies with pet-friendly policies when choosing a new job, nearly double the 24% recorded among workers over 55.

This same trend appears when comparing benefits: 42% of younger employees prefer pet-friendly offices over health insurance or enhanced leave packages, compared to just 25% of those over 55.

Humanising culture

"The data clearly shows that pet-friendly work environments not only contribute to well-being but also help create cultures that are more human, flexible, and attractive to talent." — Gerard Bagaria, Market Director at Mars Iberia.

Globally, half of European workers (50%) view a pet-friendly workplace as a key factor in achieving a better work-life balance, while 33% consider a formal policy in this area a clear sign that senior management genuinely values the well-being of its workforce.

Unaware of regulations

Despite this high level of interest, the study indicates that a significant number of employees remain unaware of whether their own company has regulations regarding this practice.

Benefits to the pets

The benefits extend to the health and behaviour of the animals themselves. María Angeles Tocano, Corporate Affairs Director at Royal Canin, explains that allowing a dog to accompany its owner to the office drastically reduces cortisol levels, the hormone associated with separation anxiety.

With this approach, animals no longer spend hours isolated in empty homes; instead, they are integrated into an ecosystem that fosters socialisation, provides continuous mental stimulation, and strengthens the human-animal bond, thereby enhancing their emotional balance.