Key facts
- Over half of 16,000 surveyed workers would consider switching jobs for a pet-friendly company.
- The UK leads with 64% of job vacancies allowing dogs.
- Germany follows with 45% of job listings welcoming pets.
- The US ranks third with 42% of job openings allowing pets.
- Romanians are most likely to switch jobs for pet-friendly workplaces (65%).
- Suggested pet-friendly policies include designated zones, pet insurance, and flexible schedules.
A new survey of 16,000 workers indicates a significant desire for pet-friendly workplaces, with over half considering a job switch for such policies. The United Kingdom leads in this regard, with 64% of analyzed job vacancies explicitly allowing dogs. Germany follows with 45% of listings being pet-friendly, and the United States ranks third at 42%. Other countries like Australia, France, the Netherlands, and Spain also show varying degrees of pet acceptance in job postings, while Ireland trails with only 17%.
The Mars 2026 Workplace Report further highlights employee preferences, revealing that Romanians are the most eager to change jobs for pet-friendly environments (65%), followed closely by Greeks, Swiss, and Hungarians. Conversely, French, Belgians, and Spaniards show less influence from pet policies on their job decisions.
For employers considering implementing pet-friendly policies, the study suggests practical measures such as creating designated pet-free and pet-friendly zones, providing essential amenities like outdoor relief areas and hydration stations, and conducting thorough safety walkthroughs. "Canine CVs," which introduce pets and their personalities, are also mentioned as a peculiar tip. Employee-favored policies include flexible work schedules (62%), pet insurance (59%), financial support for pet care during work travel (58%), on-site pet care (56%), and paid leave for new or sick animals (55%).