Concerns are being raised over how pets bought over lockdown will cope at home alone when their owners return to work as charities urge bosses to become more dog-friendly.
During lockdown, 3.2 million households in the UK bought a pet, bringing the total of dogs up to 12 million according to the Pet Food Manufacturers Association.
The animals welcomed into homes during that time have grown up knowing only constant companionship and attention, and those around before have got used to having their owners around much more in recent times.
Experts are warning more offices places 7of the need to introduce dogs at work policies to reduce the mental impact on these animals as they are forced to spend more time on their own. The PFMA also found only 15% of pet owners have a pet-friendly office.
The RSPCA are calling for more offices to become dog-friendly work spaces and state there are benefits to employees as well as the dogs.
Stroking dogs reduces the stress hormone and leads to a happier and healthier environment.
RSPCA dog welfare expert Lisa Hens told The Sun: “Our dogs have got used to having us around all the time and can struggle with changes to their routine.
"We'd love to see more offices introducing dogs at work policies to allow owners to bring their dogs into the workplace and would encourage public transport providers to make it easier for passengers to travel with dogs.”
Dogs Trust found a 41% increase in dogs being clingy and following owners around the house, and an 82% increase in reports of dogs whining or barking when someone is busy. Taking a dog into work would hopefully limit the separation anxiety experts are warning about post lockdown.
Purina is one example running a dog-friendly workplace - or PAW as they call it - short for Pets At Work. Their UK office now welcomes 50 dogs every day. Information on how to set up a dog-friendly office can be found on Purina’s website.
If you are returning to work from July 19 and your office is not dog-friendly yet, the RSPCA suggest gradually getting your dog used to being alone again now in a controlled and positive way.
