For Sharon Abramczyk, a Hartford, Conn.-based executive assistant at health insurance company Aetna AET, -0.70%[1] the work day can be anxiety-inducing. But last Tuesday, four special guests changed that with their monthly visit to her offices.
Their names were Ruby, Chase, Bo and Jackson.
“I feel less stressed as soon as I am in the presence of an animal,” she said.
Therapy dogs are known for visits with vulnerable populations like people in hospice care or hospitals or students cramming for finals[2], but corporations are beginning to see value in this tradition.
Pet Partners, a Washington state-based non-profit with chapters across the U.S., began bringing pets to office settings two years ago and says it has hosted therapy animal events at 20 companies across the country, including Google GOOG, -2.65%[3] Aetna AET, -0.70%[4] Intel INTC, -3.41%[5] and Farmers Insurance SWX, -1.48%[6]
During these events, volunteer handlers bring two or three pets that have been certified through the Pet Partners program, which means they go through training that ensures they can behave on a leash and follow commands. Employees can visit with the pets for up to two hours.
“Many employees claim this is their favorite benefit offered by employers [and] that they go back to their desks feeling more relaxed, less stressed and more productive,” said Annie Peters, president and chief executive officer of Pet Partners.
A spokesman for Farmers Insurance said, “We understand that beyond the physical devastation of an event like a hurricane, the emotional toll can often leave a lasting mark on those affected, which is why we work with Pet Partners to provide therapy dogs to our customers and employees on the ground after a disaster.” (Intel and Aetna also said they’ve hosted these therapy dogs. Google did not respond to request for comment.)
Alexandra Gunnoe
Pets are increasingly welcome in the workplace
The program comes as pet-friendly offices have been on the rise. Some 7% of employers permitted pets in the workplace, according to a 2016 Society...