Today (February 20) is “Love Your Pet Day”. What better day than today to talk about why having our pets in the office is a great idea!
There are plenty of articles and posts featuring the pros and cons of having pets around while working. Instead of focusing on any of the negative, let’s talk about the benefits of working from home with our pets around.
Attention.
As a solopreneur, freelancer or small-business owner, we often spend hours alone in our office. One advantage of having our pet with us during the day is we can always get a quick kiss or hug!
Let’s say you just signed a contract with an exciting new client, you are on cloud nine! If you are like me, you want to tell someone. Your little nugget sitting next to you is always there to listen and give you a big “high-five” (lick on the face) for a job well done.
Give it a try, tell your pet all about your day and I promise, he/she will always listen!
Conversation Opener.
I am one to start a conversation with a potential/new client with a bit of small-talk just to break the ice and get a feel of how to move the conversation forward. I’ve started many times with “I have my puppy in the office, you may hear him in the background. He loves to sit next to me while I work.”
More times than not, I get a response like “I know the feeling, my dog ‘Benny’ is right here too.” It’s a quick bonding moment, usually following up with “What kind of dog do you have?”
I find this a great conversation opener, it’s better than “How’s the weather where you are?” Have you ever started a conversation with a new client talking about your pet?
Exercise.
Taking breaks and exercise are so important as a freelancer. Preventing burnout, backache and even hunger is important. I could sit and work 6 hours straight (or more) building a new website without moving from one spot, and in the past, I have done just that more times than I can count. We all know that’s not a good idea.
Having a pet with you while you work is a great way to keep us moving. Pets need potty breaks, they love to go on walks and are always ready for a quick trip to the kitchen for a treat. Taking care of your pet during the day is a great way to remind us to get up away from the computer and move around, and it’s fun!
Reduce Stress.
We all have those days at the computer or phone when our stress level is through the roof. Studies show having a pet around helps reduce stress levels. It makes sense for the reasons above. Go for a quick walk with your dog, ask for a hug and kiss…they will never refuse, or just talk to them and tell them how your day is going! Studies show pets also keep us more motivated at work.
Pets are great listeners, wonderful for reducing stress and are make awesome friends!
Want to learn more?
- Guy with Home Office Gives His Dog Best Employee of the Quarter Every Time
- Tips for Working at Home With Your Dog
- 6 Benefits of Working from Home as a Pet Owner
- 4 Tips To Make Working From Home With Dogs Easier
- The Benefits of Working Remotely as a Pet Owner
- Home Office Ideas: 5 Perks for Your Pets
- Working From Home With Your Dog
My pets.
And of course, I wouldn’t post this blog without a picture of our precious puppies, Piper and Sebastian. My dog is Sebastian (right), he happily sits on his stool right next to my desk all day while I work. If I get up, he follows. And if I’m out of town, I hear he’s always waiting on the stool for me to come home.
Let’s hear about your pets, please share your stories and pictures below. We would love to find out your at-home office pets!
CHEERS,
Robin
ROBIN KELLY 