EVOLVE Magazine First Coast Region Winter 2023 Issue | Page 32

Is Business FURRY FRIE

The Beachcomber serves up menu items for dogs by Maria

Businesses across North America have signed a pledge to incorporate pets into the workplace as part of the National Pet Day Off movement spearheaded by Vetster . com , a veterinary telehealth platform that connects pets to licensed veterinarians and encourages companies to include pet guardians in their culture , benefits packages and flexible work solutions .

According to Vetster ’ s OnePoll survey , more and more employees are wanting their pets to be part of the workplace . For example : 6 in 10 pet guardians have left a job to seek a pet-friendly workplace ( and 7 in 10 would take a pay cut to have a pet-friendly office ) 48 % of pet guardians say they are more productive at work when their pet is on site 39 % believe their pets help them avoid professional burnout
Luckily , it ’ s a pet-friendly ( business ) world on the First Coast , as there ’ s a lot of support for working pet people . With more people wanting to work alongside their pets – especially post-pandemic during this period dubbed ‘ The Great Resignation ’ -- more businesses are enabling employees to bring pets to the office .
Bringing Pets to Work
As the research mentioned revealed , when employees bring their dogs to work , it improves productivity and positivity . It also makes financial sense for the employee because they don ’ t need to hire a dog walker . According to wereallaboutpets . com , a pet-friendly workplace improves workflow 75-95 % of the time . But are there really businesses that allow this ? Yes !
Dr . Britany Timberlake and Dr . Chad Timberlake run Southeast Veterinary Hospital in St . Augustine . Dr . Britany Timberlake talked about the importance of dogs in the workplace . “ Dogs make us happy . They provide unconditional love and comfort and help reduce stress , loneliness and depression . They give us a sense of purpose .” She also said her employees are more productive having their pets by their side .
Cat Evans , broker / owner of Palm Coast and the Beaches Real Estate , also allows pets at work . For Cat , this was a natural transition when she opened her doors almost ten years ago . “ Before I opened my business , I worked in the corporate world . It was important for me to travel for business with my dog . I realized the value it provided me and made it my goal to offer a pet-friendly environment for my staff , agents , and clients .” She went on to say , “ No matter what
Dr . Britany Timberlake
Cat Evans
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