Zagoriy Foundation, in collaboration with Zachyn — a center for animal adoption and socialization — has released a free guide titled “The Pet-Friendly Office: A Practical Guide for Companies.” It will help businesses and teams assess their office’s readiness for pets, implement clear coexistence rules, and create a comfortable environment for people and their pets. You can download the guide here.
Why Was This Guide Created?
At Zagoriy Foundation, we believe that a pet-friendly office is about more than just being able to bring your dog to work. Above all, it is about the culture of care, employee well-being, a responsible attitude toward animals, and clear rules for the entire team.
“The way we treat animals says a lot about what kind of society we are. Respect for the vulnerable starts right here. All of Zagoriy Foundation’s spaces are pet-friendly, because for us, empathy isn’t just a statement — it is a practice that must be visible in the environment we create,” explains Kateryna Zagoriy, Zagoriy Foundation co-founder.
International studies show that the presence of animals in the workplace can help reduce stress levels, improve employees’ emotional well-being, and foster a more friendly atmosphere within the team. At the same time, a successful pet-friendly office requires clear guidelines that take into account the interests of pet owners, their colleagues, and the animals themselves.
What’s in the Guide?
In this guide, you will find practical tools for companies looking to adopt a pet-friendly approach:
- a test to assess your office’s readiness for its first pet;
- a checklist for launching a pet-friendly office;
- recommendations for preparing the workspace;
- an explanation of legal aspects;
- a template for an internal policy on pets in the office;
- basic rules for interacting with animals in the workplace;
- an overview of international research on the impact of animals on the work environment.
A separate section is dedicated to animal welfare in the office. It explains how to properly interact with dogs, recognize signs of stress, and create a safe environment for them in the workplace.
The guide also features the stories of dogs from Zachyn who have already found homes among Zagoriy Foundation employees. These stories show how the culture of caring for animals can manifest not only at home but also in the team’s daily life.
Why Did Zachyn Develop This Guide?
Zachyn, the center for animal adoption and training for people, is a Zagoriy Foundation project where animals receive medical treatment, socialization, and training for life with people before finding a new family. The practical experience of the center’s team and Zagoriy Foundation, as well as advice from experts involved, formed the basis for the guide’s recommendations.
How Can I Download the Guide?
You can download the free guide “The Pet-Friendly Office: A Practical Guide for Companies” here.
