But taking their dogs and other pets to work is not one of them. Bringing pets to work could provide a social environment for the pets and entertain customers, business owners said.
“”It is like spending every day with our best friends,”” said Bea Stansky, co-owner with partner Linda Raney of Awards Etc. in Prescott Valley.
According to a nationwide survey, pets at work also can reduce blood pressure, lower stress, and improve people’s emotional and physical health.
The survey, conducted by the American Pet Products Manufacturers Association, indicated that 73 percent of the participating companies reported a more productive work environment, with 27 percent noting a lower absenteeism rate.
Stansky takes Dallas, a Yorkshire terrier, and Raney brings her poodle, Zak, and poodle mix, Moki, to their Highway 69 frontage road business. Awards Etc. supplies trophies and other awards, and provides a locksmith service.
Raney and Stansky keep their dogs behind a small gate in back of the counter, but other business owners let their dogs and other pets have free rein of their establishments.
For instance, Coco, a 5-year-old cocker spaniel, roams around Fancy That! a store in downtown Prescott that sells home accessories, furniture, gifts and jewelry. Coco hangs out with a 14-month-old silk terrier named Leah next door at Whatever Was, a resale women’s clothing store.
Customers pet and talk to the dogs, bring them biscuits and other treats, and take the canines for walks when the owners are busy.
Most shop owners said they trained their dogs to behave around customers and employees by seeking to be petted while not jumping up on people or barking.
Nichols and others bring their pets to work in part because as owners they can set the rules.
However, some owners believe that pets may not be suited for certain workplaces or be around employees or customers who have allergies.