EP#50 - Cat University - The Do's & Don'ts of Pets & Work

There’s information floating around about taking pets to our offices or to work once 'things' start opening back up. *Statistics on Petco's website from a 2021 Petco Consumer Survey of 2,001 US pet parents indicates the following: *44% of Pet Parents want their employers to adopt a pet friendly workplace *69% of pet parents are stressed about how going back to work will impact their pet. * 83% of pet parents had minimized stress levels due to working from home in close contact with their pets . I have to comments about that 83% reduction in stress levels due to working from home …shouldn’t we factor in the reduced stress from not having to commute, being able to wake up later than normal, or the fact that we can roll out of bed get our coffee and start work in our underwear! *This survey, this information about how we benefit is laid out on Petco's website. Will taking our pets to work benefit them? I did a not so technical survey of 12 trainers and 3 vets & 100% of them agreed that we may be doing more harm than good by not providing space, rest and alone time for our pets – Anxiety & further emotional agitation can ensue which may even lead to physical health problems, said 1 vet. So HOW is this take your pet to work trend that Petco is leading healthy for the pets? Perhaps it’s another crutch or the humans’ toxic way of using our pets for the wrong reasons. Is it entitlement for the pet owner or are they misinformed by these very campaign claims which are at best set forth based on the trivial self-interest of this company pushing this as the comeback solution post pandemic? ...I’m curious about this survey of 2001 participants in the midst of a pandemic where many, if not most people, are working from home offices & business travel has been exorbitantly reduced – I am curious what part of this survey takes into consideration the emotional and physical health of our dogs and cats? am I missing the point am I the only one that finds it appalling that companies like Petco want us to juxtapose our pets into a human stress relief mental health tool box as if they have no emotional needs ? we have so many available resources to help us handle stresses and anxieties but to add our pets to the mix along with the hammer and nail...(read more).

*The views, information, or opinions expressed during The Petropolist podcast or you tube video series are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily represent those of the host or the employees of The Petropolist. The primary purpose of this show is to educate and inform. This show does not constitute medical or other professional advice or services. Please contact a medical professional/veterinarian for all questions regarding the health of your pet. The Petropolist show and podcast are available for private non-commercial use only. You may not edit, modify or re-distribute this show.*