Barcelona's pioneering pet-friendly offices: 'Having dogs creates an almost magical atmosphere' 

To mark this year's Take Your Dog To Work Day, pet-care giants Mars Petcare and Royal Canin have unveiled a new report highlighting the growing popularity of pet-friendly workplaces in Spain, and the emotional and practical benefits that come with them. But while wagging tails might be good for morale, researchers also urge caution, pointing out that not every office is ready for four-legged coworkers.  

According to the study 'A Better World for Pets: A Snapshot of Pets in Spain,' over half (61%) of Spanish dog owners say they would bring their pet to work if allowed. The top reasons? According to those surveyed, lower stress levels (48%), avoiding leaving pets home alone (40%), and fostering a more relaxed work environment (33%). 

These findings build on over a decade of pet-friendly experience at Mars Petcare and Royal Canin, where dogs are a common sight in hallways and meeting rooms.  

"Pets are always welcome in our offices. The study shows that integrating pets into the workplace isn't a passing trend, but a growing demand with real positive impacts on emotional well-being, employee engagement, and organizational culture," said Gerard Bagaria, Iberia Country Director of Mars Iberia. 

Both companies believe "in the power of the human-animal bond, even in a professional setting," Bagaria added. 

More than cuddles 

In addition to reducing separation anxiety for pet owners (with 40% saying they feel guilty leaving their pets at home), the study found that pets can help build social bonds in the office. About 21% of respondents believe dogs promote teamwork and stronger personal relationships among coworkers. 

"We've seen how pets help reduce stress and create a healthier, more pleasant environment," Ángeles Toscano, corporate affairs director, said before highlighting that pets "require commitment." She said that "caregivers need to meet their dogs' needs while respecting the workplace environment." 

Also Estefi Kopsar, one of the employees in the pet-friendly office Ogilvy Barcelona shared her experience of what it's like being able to bring her dog Nara to work. 

"Bringing her gives me peace of mind, knowing that on the days I must come in, I can bring her and she’s not alone. That’s super important for me," she told Catalan News. 

For her, not leaving the dog alone for eight hours is "the best part," as she does not have to worry about Nara during the workday.  

"When she’s alone, she doesn’t eat or drink. So I worry even more. But on the days she comes, everyone gives her attention. There are other dogs too, and she loves it," Kopsar added. 

Bringing Nara to work also changed the work floor dynamics: "The first day I brought her I talked to people I’d never spoken to before. I met people who work on the same floor but not in the same team, so we'd never talked. And just because she came, I got to meet new people." 

Pet-friendly policies cite the several requirements pet owners need to take into account when bringing their dogs to the office. Most of them are "based on common sense," Mariela Kratochvil, head of operations and people at Ogilvy Barcelona, said. 

"Each owner is responsible for their pet, for things like food, water, and whatever else the animal may need. And naturally, the dog has to be well-behaved, both with people and with other dogs," she explained before adding that there has never been any kind of problem in the office. 

"Having dogs in the office also creates a special atmosphere, almost kind of magical. It lightens the mood and builds connections among colleagues. Almost everyone loves dogs, and their presence generates joy and a relaxed vibe. As for criticism or opposition, we’ve honestly never had any issues since I’ve been here," she continued.  

Kratochvil added that letting employees bring their dogs to work contributes to flexibility. Also stating that after the pandemic, being able to bring dogs to the office became even more important. 

"We spent so much time at home with our pets, and then suddenly we had to return to the office all day. That transition was made easier because we could bring them with us," she said. 

Not every office is a dog park 

While dogs in the office may offer emotional benefits, academic research reveals several important downsides that employers have to consider. Pet dander, for instance, can cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals, even in well-ventilated offices, raising health and liability concerns. 

Disruptions are another issue. Although, pets can boost job satisfaction, they can also interrupt work, barking during calls, having accidents indoors, or demanding attention at inconvenient times.  

"It also depends on lots of factors. It really depends on the type of dog, the temperament of the dog, the genetics of the dog, the social ability of the dog," told Soraya Beuk, a veterinarian and expert on animal behavior at Barcelona's Autonomous University and University of Barcelona, to Catalan News. 

"There are lots of factors that can make the experience at the office a good experience, or a stressful experience for a dog," said Beuk.  

She explained that it is important to look at each dog individually and based on that decide if taking your dog to work is beneficial for its wellbeing.  

Another factor that comes into play is the office itself. "I imagine that every workplace has different structures and not all of them are made in a pet-friendly or dog-friendly way and therefore are okay for dog welfare," Beuk explained.  

"It's important that there's enough space. They need to move, they need to rest. The noise is really important. Dogs are really sensitive to noise, there are dogs much more sensitive than others," she added. 

Beuk also mentioned that "it's important for dogs to have a zone where they can go to if they are overwhelmed. I think this would be one of the characteristics of the workplace that would be really important to take into account." 

She also stressed the importance of dogs being vaccinated before taking them to the office, as they are less likely to spread diseases.  

Beyond these logistical issues, social and cultural factors also come into play. Some employees may have a fear of dogs (cynophobia), while others may come from religious or cultural backgrounds where dogs are not seen as companion animals, which can also lead to feelings of discomfort. 

According to policies, employers are ultimately in charge of ensuring a safe workplace. Even a single accident involving an unpredictable dog can lead to complaints or even legal action.