Mars Petcare recently unveiled its “Pet-Friendly Workplace of the Future” — including dog parks outfitted with Wi-Fi access.
The new facility, located in Franklin, Tennessee, boasts a wide assortment of amenities intended to benefits both people and their pets. The Wi-Fi enabled dog parks feature ample play space as well as seating so that both dogs and humans can stretch their legs while remaining in the loop. The dog parks are part of over 60 acres of green space featured at the new headquarters.
Along with high tech dog parks, the new complex also boasts coffee bars on every floor, each with automated “slurp stations” to ensure that both humans and animals are well-supplied with refreshments. Plenty of pet bed and toy storage is placed throughout the facility as well. Even the upholstery of the furniture featured throughout the space was selected to be pet-friendly.
The pet-friendliness of the new complex is intended to bring greater satisfaction to employees as well as to serve as an example for other companies who want to explore pet-friendlier amenities and policies.
“When you welcome pets to the workplace, everyone wins – they make going to work more enjoyable, and it means our pets spend less time alone at home. Since pets naturally help us socialize, there is no better way to meet new colleagues, which in turn leads to improved communication. It’s no wonder pet-friendly workplaces are an important perk for job seekers”
— Dave Bradey, Vice President, People & Organization, Mars Petcare
The city of Plano, Texas, recently upped its pet-friendliness with the introduction of new and updated park facilities.
Plano’s new — and appropriately named — facility at Bob Woodruff Park boasts five separate enclosures spread over six acres devoted to small, large, and senior dogs. The new dog park components will benefit from a central shade structure and rinse stations for pups to clean up and cool off.
A second facility tailored specifically for dogs is is scheduled to be constructed at the new Windhaven Meadows Park on the city’s west side. This five acre facility will be integrated with the surrounding landscape, offering dogs a space with natural granite pathways and shade structures. The new facility will feature hydration stations as well as pet waste receptacles.
Both of the new facilities will join the existing Jack Carter Park as local favorites for pups and their owners.
The latest entry in The Pet Effect campaign, The Woofice, emphasizes the research supporting the benefits of pet-friendly workplaces through a send-up of hit television program The Office. Along with the video, The Woofice also features guides and other resources, like The Woofice starter kit, for those seeking to make their workplaces more welcoming to pets.
“The Woofice video is a fun way to educate employees and HR professionals on the importance of pet-inclusive workplaces for greater productivity, enhanced employee engagement and improved relationships in the office.”
— Steven Feldman, Executive Director, HABRI
For more information on The Woofice, including ways you can make your workplace pet-friendlier, head to HABRI.org.
An Albuquerque resort recently announced that it would begin offering its employees bereavement leave for the death of pets.
The Hyatt Regency Tamaya’s new pet bereavement leave for employees is the latest pet-friendly offering from the resort. Previously, it introduced a “Pawternity” leave option for employees who recently adopted a new pet.
The resort says both benefits are extensions of its overall pet-friendly philosophy.
The President and CEO of the Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council (PIJAC) recently called the Trump administration’s recent tariff actions “not pet-friendly.”
The statement came during Bober’s testimony on June 17 at a United States Trade Representativehearing on the Trump administration’s proposed 25% tariff increase on products imported from China. According to Bober, the proposed tariff actions would result in higher costs for most textile and plastic-based pet supplies, such as toys and bowls.
“Many of the toys and products included in the newest list of proposed tariffs are very important to the health and well-being of pets. They provide enrichment and activity, training and comfort.”
— Mike Bober, President & CEO, PIJAC
For more information about the hearing and about the potential effects of tariff increases on the pet industry, check out the full article.
RMK Management, one of the Midwest’s largest apartment management companies, recently announced that three of its recently acquired apartment communities would be receiving pet-friendly upgrades as part of a series of major improvements.
The improvements, funded by the properties’ new owners and totaling $3.5 million, will include new pet park facilities and pet-friendly outdoor areas as well as new grilling stations, play areas, tennis courts, and social clubhouses featuring cyber cafés and other amenities. The upgrades are intended to benefit the residents of the 407 units the three communities comprise.
“The extensive improvements to the property’s apartments and grounds will make these rental communities even more desirable to individuals and families looking for maintenance-free living and a comfortable place to call home.”
— Anthony Rossi, Sr., CEO, RMK Management Corporation
A new Texas state law will grant pet owners with wider access to pet-friendly dining options throughout the state.
Texas Senate Bill 476, which grants restaurant owners the choice to allow dogs in their outdoor dining areas, was recently signed into law by Governor Greg Abbott. Under the new law, which takes effect September 1, 2019, restaurant owners can opt into allowing pets so long as the following criteria are met:
The establishment posts a sign clearly stating that dogs are permitted
No food is prepared in the patio area
The only open food in the patio area is being served to a customer
The pets access the patio directly from the exterior of the establishment and don’t come inside
The dog is kept controlled on a leash
The dog is not allowed on a seat, table, countertop or similar surface
Prior to the passage of SB 476, local governments could enact their own laws prohibiting pets in restaurants, even if they were restricted to outdoor dining areas. With the passage of this bill, any existing local laws that prohibit dogs on patios will be overturned.
“I think it’s a slam dunk for the state. We should have done this a long time ago. I think it’ll also help small businesses to have customers who can stay at the business. If they don’t have to just drive through and can stay, they may spend more money with the local businesses.”
While it’s great to know the best places for you and your pet to live, it’s also worth knowing which states most need to step their pet-friendly games up.
Bottom Ten
41. North Dakota
42. New Mexico
43. Kentucky
44. Hawaii
45. Utah
46. Mississippi
47. New York
48. Wyoming
49. Missouri
50. Iowa
To see the details of the top pet-friendliest states — including how they earned their rankings — hit the full article.
“Sometimes well-intentioned pet owners who can no longer care for their companions think the best thing to do is to release them ‘back to nature.’ With the renewed focus of Habitattitude, PIJAC, USFWS and NOAA are targeting and educating animal lovers earlier in their search for their perfect pets so they make wise choices before they bring them home, increasing the likelihood of a life-long relationship.”
— Mike Bober, President & CEO, PIJAC
The campaign’s centerpiece is the Habitattitude website, which has been renewed with an emphasis on current environmental concerns and modern audiences from its original focus primarily on aquatic invasive species. Sponsors PIJAC, USFWS, and NOAA updated the site to appeal to younger generations with their appetite for visually engaging media platforms, and also to address the growing popularity of reptiles including Burmese pythons, iguanas and Argentine tegus as pets.
Habitattitude’s website provides guidance for proper pet selection and care, along with sections on aquarium fish and water gardening. The new section on reptiles and amphibians addresses the variety of species and basic considerations and requirements for habitat, diet and health concerns. Another new component focuses on animals and plants in classroom education, and caring for them outside the home environment, in response to concerns about the potential for classroom pets to be released at the end of a school year.
Organizations and individuals including government agencies, academic institutions and classroom teachers who are involved in pet care, invasive species or environmental preservation concerns are invited to sign up on Habitattitude’s website to become partners and download graphics, posters and other artwork to demonstrate their commitment to promoting responsible pet care and a healthy environment. Contact Josh Jones at josh@pijac.org with any questions about becoming a Habitattitude partner.
The list, compiled by Wellness Natural Pet Food as part of a larger study about attitudes toward pets in the workplace, ranks U.S.-based employers on the pet-friendliness of their policies and facilities.
Of this year’s top-ranked companies, only Harpoon Brewery returns from the previous year.
If your company didn’t make the list, you still have time to prepare for next year’s ranking. Take Your Dog to Work Day is on June 21; there’s no better time to start exploring ways to make your workplace pet-friendlier.
Wi-Fi-enabled Dog Parks Among Perks of Mars Petcare’s New HQ
Mars Petcare recently unveiled its “Pet-Friendly Workplace of the Future” — including dog parks outfitted with Wi-Fi access.
The new facility, located in Franklin, Tennessee, boasts a wide assortment of amenities intended to benefits both people and their pets. The Wi-Fi enabled dog parks feature ample play space as well as seating so that both dogs and humans can stretch their legs while remaining in the loop. The dog parks are part of over 60 acres of green space featured at the new headquarters.
Along with high tech dog parks, the new complex also boasts coffee bars on every floor, each with automated “slurp stations” to ensure that both humans and animals are well-supplied with refreshments. Plenty of pet bed and toy storage is placed throughout the facility as well. Even the upholstery of the furniture featured throughout the space was selected to be pet-friendly.
The pet-friendliness of the new complex is intended to bring greater satisfaction to employees as well as to serve as an example for other companies who want to explore pet-friendlier amenities and policies.
Source: One pet company installed a Wi-Fi-enabled dog park at its new office
Plano Boosts Pet-Friendliness with New Dog Parks
The city of Plano, Texas, recently upped its pet-friendliness with the introduction of new and updated park facilities.
Plano’s new — and appropriately named — facility at Bob Woodruff Park boasts five separate enclosures spread over six acres devoted to small, large, and senior dogs. The new dog park components will benefit from a central shade structure and rinse stations for pups to clean up and cool off.
A second facility tailored specifically for dogs is is scheduled to be constructed at the new Windhaven Meadows Park on the city’s west side. This five acre facility will be integrated with the surrounding landscape, offering dogs a space with natural granite pathways and shade structures. The new facility will feature hydration stations as well as pet waste receptacles.
Both of the new facilities will join the existing Jack Carter Park as local favorites for pups and their owners.
Source: Plano is Getting A Little More Pup-Friendly
HABRI Encourages Pet-Friendly Workplaces with The Woofice
The Human Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI) has announced a new entry in its campaign, The Pet Effect, intended to highlight the perks of pets in the workplace.
The latest entry in The Pet Effect campaign, The Woofice, emphasizes the research supporting the benefits of pet-friendly workplaces through a send-up of hit television program The Office. Along with the video, The Woofice also features guides and other resources, like The Woofice starter kit, for those seeking to make their workplaces more welcoming to pets.
For more information on The Woofice, including ways you can make your workplace pet-friendlier, head to HABRI.org.
Source: HABRI Releases Video for Pet Effect Campaign
Albuquerque Resort Offering Pet Bereavement Leave for Employees
An Albuquerque resort recently announced that it would begin offering its employees bereavement leave for the death of pets.
The Hyatt Regency Tamaya’s new pet bereavement leave for employees is the latest pet-friendly offering from the resort. Previously, it introduced a “Pawternity” leave option for employees who recently adopted a new pet.
The resort says both benefits are extensions of its overall pet-friendly philosophy.
Source: Local resort offers employees bereavement leave for pets
PIJAC: Recent and Proposed Trade Tariffs not Pet-Friendly
The President and CEO of the Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council (PIJAC) recently called the Trump administration’s recent tariff actions “not pet-friendly.”
The statement came during Bober’s testimony on June 17 at a United States Trade Representative hearing on the Trump administration’s proposed 25% tariff increase on products imported from China. According to Bober, the proposed tariff actions would result in higher costs for most textile and plastic-based pet supplies, such as toys and bowls.
For more information about the hearing and about the potential effects of tariff increases on the pet industry, check out the full article.
Source: US administration’s tariff actions not “pet-friendly”: industry association
Midwest Property Management Company to Improve the Pet-Friendliness of Three Apartment Communities
RMK Management, one of the Midwest’s largest apartment management companies, recently announced that three of its recently acquired apartment communities would be receiving pet-friendly upgrades as part of a series of major improvements.
The improvements, funded by the properties’ new owners and totaling $3.5 million, will include new pet park facilities and pet-friendly outdoor areas as well as new grilling stations, play areas, tennis courts, and social clubhouses featuring cyber cafés and other amenities. The upgrades are intended to benefit the residents of the 407 units the three communities comprise.
Source: RMK Management Adds Three New Midwest Apartment Communities to Its Management Portfolio
Texas Dog-Friendly Patio Bill Signed Into Law
A new Texas state law will grant pet owners with wider access to pet-friendly dining options throughout the state.
Texas Senate Bill 476, which grants restaurant owners the choice to allow dogs in their outdoor dining areas, was recently signed into law by Governor Greg Abbott. Under the new law, which takes effect September 1, 2019, restaurant owners can opt into allowing pets so long as the following criteria are met:
The bill closely follows similar legislation passed in Austin, Texas — a city known for its pet-friendliness — in 2006.
Prior to the passage of SB 476, local governments could enact their own laws prohibiting pets in restaurants, even if they were restricted to outdoor dining areas. With the passage of this bill, any existing local laws that prohibit dogs on patios will be overturned.
Source: Gov. Abbott signs bill allowing dogs in outdoor dining areas
Oregon Claims Top Spot in Ranking of Pet-Friendliest States
A new ranking of the pet-friendliest states in the United States sees Oregon claim the top position.
The ranking, prepared by independent security review site SafeWise using data from BringFido, Animal Legal Defense Fund, the Bureau of Labor Statistics, and nOkill Network, assessed states by their pet-friendly legislation, shelters, veterinary services and the number of pet-friendly businesses and activities.
Top Ten
10. New Hampshire
9. Texas
8. Rhode Island
7. Virginia
6. Louisiana
5. Washington
4. California
3. Maine
2. Colorado
1. Oregon
While it’s great to know the best places for you and your pet to live, it’s also worth knowing which states most need to step their pet-friendly games up.
Bottom Ten
41. North Dakota
42. New Mexico
43. Kentucky
44. Hawaii
45. Utah
46. Mississippi
47. New York
48. Wyoming
49. Missouri
50. Iowa
To see the details of the top pet-friendliest states — including how they earned their rankings — hit the full article.
story body ends
Source: The Most (and Least) Pet-Friendly States in America
Habitattitude Relaunched, Aims to Curb Wild Release of Pets
The Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council (PIJAC) along with co-sponsors the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), today announced the re-launch of the Habitattitude educational campaign during the Reduce Risks from Invasive Species Coalition’s (RRISC) agency fair on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. Habitattitude is a non-regulatory collaboration between industry groups and government agencies that is designed to increase awareness of the risks posed by non-native species in the environment and to positively impact consumer attitudes and practices.
The campaign’s centerpiece is the Habitattitude website, which has been renewed with an emphasis on current environmental concerns and modern audiences from its original focus primarily on aquatic invasive species. Sponsors PIJAC, USFWS, and NOAA updated the site to appeal to younger generations with their appetite for visually engaging media platforms, and also to address the growing popularity of reptiles including Burmese pythons, iguanas and Argentine tegus as pets.
Habitattitude’s website provides guidance for proper pet selection and care, along with sections on aquarium fish and water gardening. The new section on reptiles and amphibians addresses the variety of species and basic considerations and requirements for habitat, diet and health concerns. Another new component focuses on animals and plants in classroom education, and caring for them outside the home environment, in response to concerns about the potential for classroom pets to be released at the end of a school year.
Organizations and individuals including government agencies, academic institutions and classroom teachers who are involved in pet care, invasive species or environmental preservation concerns are invited to sign up on Habitattitude’s website to become partners and download graphics, posters and other artwork to demonstrate their commitment to promoting responsible pet care and a healthy environment. Contact Josh Jones at josh@pijac.org with any questions about becoming a Habitattitude partner.
Source: Habitattitude Aims to Prevent Release of Pets into Wild
Pet-Friendliest Employers of 2019 Announced
Wellness Natural Pet Food has updated its annual list of the Pet-Friendliest employers for 2019.
The list, compiled by Wellness Natural Pet Food as part of a larger study about attitudes toward pets in the workplace, ranks U.S.-based employers on the pet-friendliness of their policies and facilities.
10. Purely Elizabeth
9. TripAdvisor
8. PetSafe
7. Ticketmaster
6. Procore
5. Contently
4. Ben & Jerry’s
3. Trupanion
2. Harpoon Brewery
1. Amazon
Of this year’s top-ranked companies, only Harpoon Brewery returns from the previous year.
If your company didn’t make the list, you still have time to prepare for next year’s ranking. Take Your Dog to Work Day is on June 21; there’s no better time to start exploring ways to make your workplace pet-friendlier.
Source: These Are the Pet-Friendliest Employers of 2019