From office cats to courthouse companions, local workplaces are discovering the unexpected benefits of welcoming pets on the job.
Retail and office spaces are changing in interesting ways. More businesses are welcoming pets at work. Some animals come in with their owners each day, while others have become permanent members of the workplace.
Studies show that having pets at work can be beneficial in many ways. According to the job site Indeed, pets can lower stress, boost morale, and encourage interaction among employees. They may also help people collaborate more easily and improve productivity.
At Advertising Dynamics, a small ginger cat named Bruno joined the office at the end of 2023. He first appeared as a kitten at the owner’s home. After several weeks of trying to find him a new place to live, it became clear he belonged at the office. Watching him grow from a playful kitten has been a joy. Bruno enjoys chasing patches of sunlight for naps and closely supervising the printer’s activities.
Georgia’s Rome Office of Tourism and the Welcome Center and Gift Shop on Jackson Hill also welcome pets, both as residents and daily visitors. Executive Director Lisa Smith and her team care for three rescue cats — Johnny Cat, Millie, and Cheddar. Millie stays indoors, Johnny Cat lives primarily inside but occasionally ventures outdoors to enjoy the sun, and Cheddar, the only male, lives outside. All three are friendly with staff and are often found napping on office equipment. Across the parking lot at the Caboose Welcome Center and Gift Shop, manager Charlene Mathis brings her five-year-old blue heeler, Izzy, to work every day.
In the Between the Rivers district, you might spot Rev. John Herring of St. Peter’s Episcopal walking a striking Harlequin Great Dane. Bartimaeus, who is blind and deaf, was adopted in 2019 from a Great Dane rescue in South Carolina by one of Herring’s colleagues. After her passing, Herring and his family welcomed Bartimaeus into their home. A gentle giant, he has adapted well to his routine, splitting time between home and the office. Despite his challenges, Bartimaeus moves confidently through the space and brings joy to everyone he meets.
Rucca, a five-year-old Australian Shepherd, comes to work each day at the McRae, Smith & Peek law offices with her owner, Jule Peek. Jule says Rucca’s name means “my favorite old lady” in Spanish. “I do a lot of divorce work, and there is a lot of angst and gnashing of teeth — sadness, anger, and contentiousness,” Peek said. “She’s a calming influence.” During one meeting, Rucca crawled under the table and rested her chin on a client’s knee, instantly changing the tone of the room.
And if you stop by Quick Tune on Riverbend Drive, you may meet Gata. This calico cat has lived at the shop for nearly six years and often appears in the company’s social media and marketing. She roams freely indoors and frequently greets both customers and employees at the counter.
