Vetster Launches The Pet Friendly Workplace Certification

Certification program recognizes pet-inclusive employers building safe and healthy work environments for pet owners and their animals

TORONTO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Vetster, the leading pet health platform and global veterinary marketplace, today announced the launch of the Pet Friendly Workplace™ Certification, a new initiative aimed at recognizing pet-inclusive employers. Amazon, TribalScale, Spot Pet Insurance, and DECIEM are among the first certification recipients, recognized for their pet-inclusive approaches to physical and virtual workplaces.

“With nearly 1 in 10 pet owners leaving their job to find pet-accommodating employment* and another 60% saying they’d leave their employer if work conflicted with their ability to care for their pet, leaders are wise to recognize the tidal shift that is happening with their team,” said Cerys Goodall, COO, Vetster. “The Pet Friendly Workplace™ Certification aims to recognize those companies already building programs to incorporate pets in the physical and virtual workplace, and help companies design programs that meet the needs of the modern employee.”

Approximately 70% of households in North America have at least one pet and the demographic of those owners have changed significantly. Millennials are three times more likely to have a pet than a child, which has HR leaders looking at ways to build an inclusive workplace geared to the needs of animal care. Four companies leading in this effort include retail giant Amazon, Spot Pet Insurance, a top provider of pet insurance services, DECIEM, a global leader in science-backed skincare, and TribalScale, a global leader in digital innovation.

“At TribalScale, our culture embraces diversity, fosters inclusivity, and champions flexibility in all aspects of our remote-first environment,” said Nicola Watson, HR Manager, TribalScale. “Recognizing that our employees’ pets are integral parts of their lives, we proudly extend our cultural ethos to include them. Pets aren’t just companions; they’re valued members of our extended TribalScale family. By nurturing a pet-inclusive culture, we not only enhance the well-being of our employees but also strengthen the fabric of our global community, because when every member feels seen, heard, and supported, we all thrive together.”

“Creating a pet-friendly office can be very rewarding, benefiting the mental health and morale of both employees and their furry friends. Spot’s office culture revolves around many puppy playdates,” said Scott Taylor, President, Spot Pet Insurance. “By establishing clear policies and guidelines, I encourage other businesses to create a happy and productive work environment that embraces the presence of pets.”

The Pet Friendly Workplace Certification is open to companies of all sizes who demonstrate a commitment to pet-inclusivity and are evaluated across four key areas:

1. Pet Friendly Workplace Policies - Companies develop and incorporate pet policies throughout their people operations, including flex work strategies to accommodate pet care and exercise.
2. Pet Friendly Culture - Pet-inclusive cultures recognize the importance of pets to their employees and the benefits of stress release and community development, these companies create events, volunteer in their community, and actively engage pet owners in their needs.
3. Dog Friendly Offices - For those with physical office spaces, companies are committed to a healthy and safe office environment for animals and people including defined onboarding processes, pet-free zones, and employee training.
4. Pet Friendly Benefits - Supporting pets as part of the family, companies provide rewards, perks, health spending accounts, and pet health solutions as part of their total compensation strategy.

For more information about the Pet Friendly Workplace™ Certification and how to apply, visit petfriendly-workplace.com

*According to a survey conducted by OnePoll on behalf of Vetster, 1800 employed pet owners. For more survey insights, please visit our report on New Data on Pets in the Workplace.

About Vetster

Vetster is the world’s leading veterinary telehealth and pet care marketplace connecting pet owners with top-rated veterinary professionals. Pet owners use Vetster to speak to veterinary professionals online through video, text or audio chat. Vetster’s award-winning marketplace and mobile app empower pet owners to speak with a veterinarian from the comfort of home or while traveling, scheduling appointments any time - 24/7. Create a free account today at vetster.com.