ARE YOU A DOG FRIENDLY COMPANY?
If not… why not start?

When presented with the phrase “dog friendly company,” a few initial things may come to mind–a company that allows dogs to accompany employees in the workplace, or a business that takes care of our animals’ veterinary needs. Indeed, those are valid and important examples of dog friendly companies.

Being a dog friendly company is a “badge of honor” – reaching this status means a business has evolved enough to understand that a vast number of people have companion animals, and they love them dearly. Pet parents not only make purchases for their furry children, but increasingly strive to involve them in everyday activities and events. This translates to various opportunities for businesses.

Here are some key ways to become worthy of the “dog friendly company” distinction. These steps help clarify how businesses have the potential to become dog friendly companies, even if they don’t think they fit the mold or criteria.

1: Allow dogs on your business premises. This can apply to virtually any type of business, dog-related or not. For example, let’s say you own a hardware store. If you choose to allow leashed dogs to accompany their owners within your store, you are sure to create good will and a sense of rapport. That kind of thing often leads to customer loyalty.

Most people like dogs. Once in a while, there’s a bad apple who doesn’t. But ‘most’ is greater than “once in a while,” and most people will appreciate and have fun with the fact that there are dogs around.

2: If #1 is absolutely not feasible, e.g. local laws prohibit you from allowing dogs, voice your opposition to this. Whether obvious or not, excluding dogs may be acting as a disadvantage to your business operations. Most dog parents view their dogs as family members. Thus, by excluding their dogs, you are excluding members of the family and potentially reducing profit. You have the right to voice your opposition to this.

3: If #1 is absolutely not feasible, e.g. local laws prohibit you from allowing dogs, offer consolation prizes. These may include offering dog treats to dog parents visiting your store, holding raffles with dog related prizes, or holding a dog friendly event outside your store in the milder seasons.

4: Donate to a local animal charity. Again, this can apply to any type of business. No matter what kind of business you have, you can donate to any number of worthy animal protection groups. This makes you a dog friendly company. Donate to your charity proudly and publicly, both by announcing it and by offering a donation can at your register. After you have begun this practice, contact us to we can start promoting your acts of kindness.

5: Offer services or goods that help dogs or their human companions. This could include any number of things, from selling healthy dog treats at your store counter, to including nontoxic alternatives to chemical household and garden products on your store shelves. Think creatively about how you might incorporate the dog friendly concept into your company profile.

Once you’ve decided to incorporate any of the above steps into your business model, contact us so we can start marketing you using this angle. You’ll become more visible, well liked and hopefully more profitable all at once. And you’ll feel good doing it.