Tina Sharifi

The shift to remote work in response to the COVID-19 pandemic has presented a welcome opportunity for people to spend more time with pets or acquire the pets that pre-pandemic workplace settings made difficult. The adoption of these “Covid Puppies” or “Pandemic Pets” has helped reduce the stress and isolation of lockdowns. However, with restrictions easing, more people have been called back to the office, leading pet owners to make new arrangements for their pets or relinquish their pets altogether. Many are reluctant to return to the office, which has contributed to the “Great Resignation”. This has led employers to create new ways to encourage workers to return, including promoting their pet-friendly stance. As a result, the question of pet-friendliness, what it means and what it includes, has resurfaced. In this presentation, we explore different ways that organizations can respond to pet ownership and offer recommendations for pet-friendly organizations in the wake of the pandemic.