Ray White Group Head of Research, Vanessa Rader, said that while pet ownership has surged to unprecedented levels, practical challenges make widespread pet-friendly workplaces difficult to implement.
“With almost 29 million pets calling Australia home, that’s more pets than people with a 101:100 ratio, and 48 per cent of pet owners having dogs, you’d think our furry friends might hold the key to solving our office occupancy challenges,” Ms Rader said.
“Sydney CBD offices sit at 13.7 per cent vacancy, Melbourne CBD at 17.9 per cent, and Perth CBD at 17.0 per cent, all crying out for creative solutions to entice workers back.”
Ms Rader said that Australian pet ownership has increased significantly in recent years, creating a potential opportunity for workplace innovation.
“Australian pet ownership has surged to 68.7 per cent of households, up from 61 per cent just three years ago,” she said.
“With lockdowns creating stronger bonds between owners and pets, plus increased pet anxiety becoming a stumbling block for full-time office returns, the concept of pet-friendly workplaces deserves consideration.”
Several major companies have already embraced the concept with positive outcomes, according to Ms Rader.
“Amazon Australia operates its ‘Dogs at Work’ program across Sydney, Melbourne, Canberra, and Perth offices, complete with outdoor dog play areas,” she said.
“Cotton On’s Geelong headquarters proudly showcases employee pets through their #DogsOfCottonOn Instagram, while tech giants Google and Canva have established pet-friendly policies at their Australian offices.”
However, Ms Rader highlighted significant practical challenges that make property managers and building owners hesitant.
“Staff allergies and phobias affect real people, around 5 per cent of Australians have animal phobias, and allergies can render entire floors unusable for affected employees,” she said.
“The logistics are equally complex. How do you commute with a German Shepherd on Sydney’s packed trains during peak hour? You can’t, as public transport policies across Australia do not allow dogs, leaving many pet owners without viable transport options.”
Workplace safety presents another layer of complexity that businesses must navigate.
“Exits must be secured, cables and hazardous materials kept out of reach, outdoor access provided, and appropriate spaces designated for pet comfort,” Ms Rader said.
“The ‘productivity paws’ factor cannot be ignored either. Bathroom breaks, feeding schedules, cleaning up accidents, and managing interactions between multiple office pets can transform productive workdays into pet management exercises.”
Ms Rader said building owners considering pet-friendly policies face additional hurdles around designated pet zones, maintaining cleanliness standards, and managing noise levels.
“The legal framework requires updating policies, establishing pet requirements like vaccinations and training, and creating complaint resolution processes,” she said.
While pets in offices remain contentious, Ms Rader suggested alternative approaches to creating attractive workplaces.
“Smart building owners are finding alternative ways to create magnetic workplaces. Sports facilities are emerging as the new drawcard – basketball courts, squash courts, even virtual golf,” she said.
“With over 13 million Australians actively playing sport and 90 per cent having sporting interests, this might be the real winner for bringing employees back consistently.”
Ms Rader said that the essence of what makes pets appealing might be the real lesson for workplace design.
“Australia’s pet obsession clearly reflects our fundamental need for connection, companionship, and comfort,” she said.
“The lesson isn’t necessarily about bringing pets to offices, but about bringing that same warmth and community spirit to our workplaces through creative amenities and spaces that make people genuinely want to return.”
