It’s well known that pets can improve your quality of life at home but there are also many different ways a pet friendly environment can help your small business grow.  Pet-centric business models have popped up in every industry and many have become extremely successful.  Making an effort to cater to our furry friends can provide several residual effects.

Improve Employee Morale

Having pets in the office can provide several benefits to your business.  Studies have shown that pets can reduce stress levels and, in turn, make your employees more productive and even improve customer service.  Pets have been used in the medical industry for decades now as a means to relieve stress, anxiety and high blood pressure.  Employees who bring their pets to work will most likely need to walk them once or twice a day.  The added exercise will also aid in their morale and productivity.

Allowing devoted pet owners to take their pets to work will also help to ease the worries they may have about always leaving their animal at home.  A pet friendly environment can help to retain employees and even aid in the recruiting process.  Allowing dogs within the office can also provide a sense of security to your employees as the presence of a dog can also help to prevent crime.  Employees will also be able to work overtime more frequently and with less of a hassle if they do not need to leave to walk their dog or feed their animals.  Animals also help to bring employees together.  Companies spend countless hours and funds on team building exercises.  Allowing pets in your business will help to bring your team together without having to allocate additional resources.

Bringing in New Business

Being pet friendly not only benefits your employees, but it can also provide you with additional revenue depending on your type of business.  Allowing customers to bring their pets into your establishment can have a profound impact on your bottom line.  Some people are inseparable with their animals.  Catering to the pet owner population will give you a significant edge over the competition as loyal pet owners will certainly choose a pet friendly environment over one that does not allow them.  Providing specific services that are pet centric can bring in a whole new revenue stream.  Small sales on dog treats, catnip and other pet accoutrements can add up.  You can also have a gift shop that offers company branded collars, pet clothing and other accessories.  Pet lovers tend to associate closely with other pet owners, so the word of mouth advertising alone will be worth the move to a pet friendly environment.  Hotels that allow pets can be hard to find.  Some owners will not travel without their pets, so this can be something that will set you apart from your competitors.

Pet Friendly Business Models

There are more and more businesses popping up these days whose business model is pet centric.  There are cafes that are taking in shelter animals as a way to bring in business and also increase adoption rates for strays.  These establishments tend to have very loyal customers as there are not many of them around at this time.  Also, if a customer happens to adopt a pet from your business, you can be sure they will always come back.  These people will also serve as evangelists for your company and draw in new business.  There are also restaurants that offer meals specifically for dogs.  These places tend to have a very fun and upbeat environment.  Where these types of businesses are rare at this point, the competition within your local area will more than likely be very little.  The success of these businesses show this is more than a trend and could become a more common business model.

Policies and Regulations

Depending on your line of business, there will certain limitations to having pets at your establishment. For example, in restaurants, non service animals have to remain in outdoor seating areas and patios, remain leashed and may not come in contact with the food or utensils. For bars, it is a little less stringent, but food must come in wrapped or sealed containers if allowing pets indoors. Retail shops and offices are the simplest places to implement a pet friendly environment but they still have their requirements. Having polices like having pet designated areas and behavioral requirements such as keeping noise levels down are a must. Regulations are also important. You will want to ensure that all pets have vaccinations, and having animals leashed at all times.

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