Why Many Remote Workers are Happy Dog or Cat Owners

No matter if the remote job or the pet was first, there are lots of remote workers who are happy dog or cat owners. Some are owning both, but you know that the majority of  people are dedicated to dogs OR cats…

I am enjoying my home office together with our dog Cooper. He is a 7-year-old Labrabor-Flat-Coated-Retriever-Mix and loves not being alone complete work days. He likes to be next to me on the floor or anywhere in line-of-sight, including the sunny balcony. His jackpot is getting a massage by my feet.

His presence helps me a lot to calm down if I am bugged by customers, suppliers or even collegues. I am recognizing often at his behaviour my own mood! If it is really bad, he tries to climb on my lap and be as close to me as possible.

You have a remote job? You need a pet!

• it forms a regular, structured routine because of defined times for food and walks every day
• a dog walk gives you the needed wake up in the morning and exercise, fresh air, sunlight and recreation at work breaks
• socializing with meeting neighbors and other dog owners
• Kristi DePaul is highlighting in her article ‘Flexible Work and Furry Friends: A Match Made in Heaven?‘ that even love relationships are starting on dog walks (fully remote workers have no office as partner pool…)
• it helps against loniness and bad mood: your animal recognizes your mood very sensitive and will come over to you if you are feeling bad
• you can raise a puppy; but please only if you know what it is about in terms of time (including sleepless nights) and training (to not provoke bad behaviour)
• if it is your first dog or cat, please collect proper advise before getting the pet
• have a look at the local shelters as alternative to a baby dog or cat, even if they are cutest

You have a pet? You need a remote job!

• it might be more ok for a cat, but a dog doesn’t like it to be alone long working days
• with a remote job you don’t have to hurry home at noon or after work to take the dog for its walk
• you can stay with your pet if it is ill without taking a leave
• you can bring your dog to most coffee shops and many co-working places (i.e. A co-working space in LA and many WeWork locations)
• WeWork has even a Pinterest channel: ‘Dogs of WeWork’
• you can handle puppies or breeding without taking a leave
• you are flexible for visiting the vetenarian, which is good for all animal owners
• you are also flexible to take care of other animals, i.e. mucking out your horse stable or go riding at noon if you want
• ask your boss to start with some home office days per month soon!
• see all other benefits at my blog post ‘The Ultimate List of Remote Work Pros and Cons‘ and if you think your job can’t be done remotely, read ‘Is remote work just possible for software and marketing companies?‘

Conclusion

Pet owners will be very happy to work from home, so let them doing it. You won’t be disappointed. And already remote working people need a pet. So get informed and have a look at your local shelter to see what dog or pet will adopt you!

What benefit is missing? What is your favorite remote work story with your pet? Please let us know at the comment section!