Frontiers | A dogs-at-work program in a veterinary college: promoting workplace wellbeing and resilience

March 26, 2026 - 10:44

A pioneering dogs-at-work program within a veterinary college is demonstrating significant positive impacts on workplace resilience and employee wellbeing. The initiative allows staff to bring their well-behaved, certified dogs to the workplace, creating a unique environment that leverages the proven benefits of human-animal interaction.

Preliminary observations and feedback suggest the presence of dogs helps to alleviate workplace stress and foster a more supportive and collaborative atmosphere. Employees report that brief interactions with the canine colleagues provide a mental respite during demanding days, contributing to improved mood and reduced feelings of tension. This informal stress relief is seen as a key factor in building personal resilience among the staff.

Furthermore, the program has inadvertently enhanced social connections within the college. The dogs act as social catalysts, encouraging conversations and interactions between colleagues across different departments who might not otherwise connect. This strengthened sense of community and shared joy is considered invaluable for overall workplace morale.

While formal studies are ongoing, the anecdotal and observed outcomes strongly indicate that structured dogs-at-work policies can be a low-cost, high-impact strategy for promoting a healthier work environment. The program highlights the potential of companion animals to contribute meaningfully to professional settings beyond the traditional roles of service or therapy animals.