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Majority of workforce support dog-friendly policies - study
“Our research shows that welcoming our four-legged friends to the office can have an incredibly positive impact among staff" - Mark Beazley, The Kennel Club.
Kennel Club urges employers to consider the benefits of being 'open for dogs'.

The majority of the UK workforce supports having dogs in the workplace, new research has found, citing benefits such as boosting morale, alleviating stress and contributing to a friendly working environment.

The study by the Kennel Club, published to coincide with Bring Your Dog to Work Day (24 June), reveals that allowing dogs into the workplace can have a positive impact on employers and employees - particularly those in the Millennial and Generation Z age brackets. 

Based on surveys of some 2,000 general consumers and dog owner respondents, the research reveals that Millennials (ages 26-41) - who make up a considerable portion of the workforce - were the strongest supporters of dog-friendly policies. Of these, more than half (59 per cent) agreed that workplaces would benefit from being dog-friendly, followed by 57 per cent of those aged 16-26 (Generation Z).

As well as boosting morale and alleviating stress, the respondents also said that having dogs in the office would have a beneficial impact on health and wellbeing by encouraging people to take breaks from their computer screens. Interestingly, 45 per cent of those aged 16-24 said that having dog friendly policies makes a company more attractive for prospective dog-owning job seekers.

Kennel Club chief executive Mark Beazley said: “Our research shows that welcoming our four-legged friends to the office can have an incredibly positive impact among staff. Our canine colleagues help to boost morale, encourage socialisation between employees, and it has been scientifically proven that dogs can lower stress, heart rate and blood pressure. It can also provide a great opportunity for owners to socialise their dogs, and prevent any negative welfare impacts of being left at home. 

As part of Bring your Dog to Work Day, the Kennel Club is calling on businesses to consider the benefits of 'open for dogs'. As part of the camapign, it has published a bank of downloadable resources on its website for those who wish to become dog-friendly.

Mr Beazley added: “Of course, owners need to ensure that their dogs are ‘office-ready’, through making sure they are happy, confident and well-trained, as well as factoring in their needs with regular breaks and exercise throughout the day.”

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Webinar to explore history of KC breed registers

News Story 1
 A free webinar exploring the development of the Kennel Club's registration system and the evolution of closed breed registers has been announced.

Hosted by Dr Alison Skipper, veterinary and research advisor at the Kennel Club, the webinar will delve into the development of the registry and how the changing landscape of scientific knowledge has shaped breeding practices. It will also look at what this means for the future of pedigree dogs.

The session will culminate with a look at The Kennel Club's ongoing and future engagement in this area, with a chance for attendees to put forward their thoughts and questions for discussion.

This event takes place on Microsoft Teams on Tuesday, 10 June at 7pm. To learn more, visit events.teams.microsoft.com  

Click here for more...
News Shorts
UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.