The American Pet Products Manufacturers Association (APPMA) conducted a nationwide survey to find out if having a pet in the office helped to ease corporate nerves and enhance office efficiency.39 It turned out that placing a pet in the work environment – dogs, cats, fish, small animals, reptiles or birds – created more productivity in 73% of the participating companies, and 27% of the companies had a decrease in absenteeism. Offices are known to have high activity and stress levels – the ideal environment to study the health benefits of pets.

• 100% of the companies said they would continue to have pets in the workplace.
• 73% indicated that pets led to a more creative environment.
• 73% said pets created a more productive work environment.
• Interpersonal skills improved 73% with pets around, compared to 42% from classes in management training.
• With pets around, nearly 58% of employees stayed late at the office.
• 92% of companies with pets have 25% or fewer employees who smoke.

Ninety-seven percent of pet owners in a survey reported that their pet makes them smile at least once a day. Seventy-six percent of owners believe their pet eases their stress level.40

American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) 1999-2000 survey of 1,019 pet owners revealed how people are humanizing their relationships with their pets:41

• 57% of pet owners surveyed said they would prefer the company of their pet to a human companion if stranded on a desert island.
• 80% selected companionship as the major reason for having a pet.
• 72% said affection is their pet’s most endearing trait.
• 79% give their pets holiday or birthday presents.
• 33% talk to their pets on the phone or through the answering machine.
• 21% sometimes dress their pets.
• 62% often sign letters or cards from them and their pets.
• 55% consider themselves as mom or dad to their pets.

More from the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) Survey:42

• 65% of pet owners have sung and/or danced for their pets. Some have created little jingles they sing to their pets at suppertime.
• 87% include cats and dogs in the holiday celebrations.
• Pet birthdays are major events in 67% of households with pets, including 11% who throw a birthday pet bash, 43% wrap a gift, 41% play their pets’ favorite game, and 45% sing “Happy Birthday.”
• 78% greet their pet at the door before their spouse or significant other.
• 43% display a photo of a smiling pet at the office.
• At the office water cooler, 34% talk about their kids with four legs, followed by 23% who talk about the kids with two legs or significant other (20%).
• Just over half the respondents have taken off work at least once to tend to a sick pet.
• 52% have cooked something special for their pets.
• 44% have used the Internet to learn more about their pet.
• And 83% admit to talking to their pet in a special voice.

37  To read highlights of the survey, click here

39  Cats & Kittens magazine

  David Niven, Ph.D., The 100 Simple Secrets of Healthy People: What Scientists Have Learned and How You Can Use It. (San Francisco, CA: HarperSanFrancisco), 2003, p.

40  “National Pet owner Survey Finds people Prefer Pet Companionship Over Human,” American Animal Hospital Association Survey (AAHAPR@aol.com)

41  Steve Dale, “Pet Owner Survey Reveals Strong Bond Between people and their Pets,”