How Creating Dog-Friendly Coworking Spaces Boosts Revenue

Forty-four percent of US households own a dog. And nearly all who do view their pet as a family member.

Current remote and hybrid work opportunities mean many dog owners are now able to spend more of their working hours with their beloved pets.

For people who like the benefits of a coworking space, a no-dog policy can mean choosing between being a part of a community and cuddling with their pets.

Owners of dog-friendly coworking spaces have a real chance to differentiate themselves from competitors and attract pet-loving members.

But being dog-friendly isn’t as simple as marketing your business as pet-friendly and putting out a couple of dog beds. You have to think about the impact on other members and what having dogs around will mean for your investment.

So what do you need to know about welcoming dogs? Let’s find out.

Quick Summary

• Dog-friendly coworking spaces allow owners to differentiate themselves from the competition.
• Some of the benefits include increased member retention, higher productivity, and greater well-being.
• While the pros outweigh the cons, setting clear expectations for all pet owners is key to success.
• Smart space management can support a dog-friendly approach, as can additional amenities such as designated outdoor space, trash cans, and water stations.

What Are the Benefits of Dog-Friendly Coworking Spaces?

The main benefit of providing a dog-friendly coworking space is differentiation from competitors. And you need that in an industry with an increasing competition. Other benefits may include a wider potential audience and greater well-being for members.

USP Against Competitors

As a coworking space owner or manager, letting members bring their dogs is a unique selling point (USP) that competitors may not be exploiting.

Implementing a dog-friendly policy and providing appropriate amenities keeps businesses one step ahead of the competition. This is an important consideration for owners and managers looking to grow their coworking space membership.

Increased Membership and Member Retention

Until recently, working dog owners had to leave their pets at home alone all day or pay for dog walking services during office hours.

Now, with nearly 80% of US workers working remotely at least part of the week, they don’t have to choose between their pet and their career.

By creating a dog-friendly coworking space, owners can tap into this market to help boost their membership numbers.

You can target both remote and hybrid-working individuals and also remote teams who might need conference space for ad-hoc in-person meetings, events, or team development sessions.

Members working from a dog-friendly coworking space are also likely to be more relaxed as they’re not worrying about their beloved pet being home alone and trying to cram in as much work as possible before rushing back to them.

And if they’re successful in a coworking environment, they’re less likely to end their membership.

Greater Levels of Well-Being

It’s well-reported that spending time with a pet can decrease stress. Allowing members to work alongside their dogs supports their well-being.

And it’s not just pet owners that can benefit. Other members who love animals but don’t own a pet may enjoy being around them, too.

Even better, having dogs at work can increase a sense of community within a coworking environment as people bond over their pets.

It can also encourage healthy breaks. Bringing a pet means members default to having adequate breaks in their day as they walk and play with their dogs. Taking time in the day to stretch and spend some time outside can significantly improve well-being.

What Are the Challenges of Dog-Friendly Coworking Spaces?

The main challenges of dog-friendly coworking spaces include noise disruption, allergies, and safety concerns.

Owners of coworking spaces will need to mitigate these concerns to maximize the potential benefits of allowing members to bring their pets.

Noise Disruption

Most well-trained dogs don’t spend all day barking. But, even intermittent barking can be a disruption to those trying to focus.

Plus, delightful though they are, dogs generally can be a distraction.

Whether it’s their owners talking to them or other pet lovers stopping for a chat or a tummy tickle, over time it might prove too challenging for those with deadlines to meet.

Allergies

Worldwide, the percentage of pet allergy sufferers is between 10 to 20%. Allergic reactions can vary in their severity and can be debilitating for those most significantly affected. Sneezing, itching, and rashes are the most common symptoms.

Coworking space owners considering a move to a dog-friendly environment may choose to segment the workspace into areas that are pet-friendly and those that aren’t. Ensuring the workspace has a good air purification system may also help alleviate concerns.

All this would make your space good in the eyes of both visitors and members.

Safety Concerns

Some people just aren’t dog lovers and may have had an experience that makes them fearful or anxious around dogs.

It’s crucial that behavioral expectations are clearly stated and that any dogs showing unhelpful or aggressive traits are removed from the space. Owners need to be responsible for their dog’s actions at all times. Leashes may be requested for shared areas.

How to Make Your Space Dog-Friendly

With careful planning, the benefits of introducing dog-friendly coworking spaces outweigh the challenges. So, if you want to take the step, what should you consider?

Optimize Space Layout and Design

To minimize concerns about safety and allergies, consider segmenting coworking spaces into dog-friendly and human-only zones.

You can designate some meeting rooms and shared spaces specifically for members with pets. While bathrooms and kitchen areas should probably be a no-go, adding a small, fenced play area near these amenities means owners don’t have to leave their pets alone while grabbing a coffee.

Make sure the comfort of all users, human and canine, is taken care of by having easily accessible waste stations, pet hydration stations, safe outdoor spaces, and dog-friendly furniture.

Set Clear Expectations for All Users

To ensure everyone feels comfortable in a dog-friendly coworking space, it’s important to set clear expectations for all members and communicate them widely. This could include policies around pet behavior, vaccinations, cleanliness, and personal liability coverage.

In addition, make sure all legal and local regulatory requirements are met and any additional business insurance policies are in place, as required. These measures help create a safe, hygienic, and pleasant environment for all users.

Coworking management software such as OfficeRnD Flex can help keep this information visible.

For example, you can send periodic reminders to dog-owning members and share the coworking space floor plan via the Members Mobile App so it’s clear which spaces are designated as dog-friendly and which aren’t.

Visitor management and access control features can also help identify members or visitors who are pet owners and manage dog registrations of members and guests.

Consider Additional Amenities

To maximize the appeal of a coworking space to pet owners, consider additional facilities that show the comfort and safety of their pets are front and center.

Designated play areas, dog treats at reception, and partnering with local services, such as dog walking and grooming providers, offer added value to members.

OfficeRnD Flex can help streamline this process. For example, the software can automatically add fees for dog-related amenities or integrate with local service provider booking systems via the marketplace feature.

Build Community

Coworking spaces provide an opportunity to build community between dog owners and non-dog owners alike. Along with the benefits being around pets can bring, a sense of belonging boosts emotional well-being.

Shared events can be planned within the space and members can be encouraged to share their experiences and positive reviews on social media. Tagging in the coworking space provides social proof to potential members and can support member recruitment efforts.

Coworking space management software, like OfficeRnD Flex, can be used to gather feedback from members, and those testimonials can be used in marketing materials to attract new customers.

5 Examples of Successful Dog-Friendly Coworking Spaces

Worried about the hassle or cost of starting a coworking space that’s dog-friendly? Looking for additional proof of companies who’ve successfully implemented dog-friendly policies? Here are 5 of the best.

Second Home (Los Angeles)

Building a strong community has helped this coworking space succeed. Dogs and their parents fill the two-acre space, and members can attend events, including yoga and a weekly happy hour.

Second Home is a Certified B-Corp, and its friendly staff offers a warm welcome (and doggy treats!) for members and their furry friends.

Parents juggling both kids and pets can also take advantage of the childcare options provided.

Work & Woof (Austin)

Work & Woof has a fantastic range of coworking space amenities that support pet owners while they work.

They provide a 4,000-square-foot play area for pets, with both indoor and outdoor seating. This doggy daycare option supports Work & Woof’s motto, “You Work, They Play.”

Human members don’t miss out either. They can enjoy fast internet and free coffee while their pets burn off some energy on the doggie treadmill or get creative with an arts and crafts session.

Co+Hoots (Phoenix)

Co+ Hoots is a female-founded, minority-owned coworking space. It’s purpose-driven and offers the Rapid Launch business boot camp for entrepreneurs and aspiring business owners.

It also allows well-behaved pups. Policies that set expectations for dog-friendly coworking spaces ensure everyone is clear on what’s needed to make the space comfortable and accessible to all.

Industrious (Global)

Industrious is a global coworking behemoth, with over 160 locations in more than 65 cities. They provide shared spaces, private offices, and meeting rooms perfect for remote teams needing some in-person time.

Not all locations allow dogs to accompany their owners. For those that do, the segmentation of the workspace helps facilitate good relations between those who value a dog-friendly environment and those who might be less interested in the canine companionship.

Green Spaces (Denver)

Green Spaces is a coworking place, event space, and small business hub combined.

It’s famous for its biophilic design, with hundreds of plants on location helping to purify the air. This provides a salve for anyone with allergy concerns.

Green Spaces is proud of its dog-friendly ethos and dogs are welcome at no extra charge.

Create a Dog-Friendy Coworking Space with OfficeRnD Flex

The opportunity for remote and hybrid working means pet owners are enjoying more time with their beloved pooches than ever before.

For those who want the benefits of a coworking space, restrictions on pets can stop them from taking advantage.

Creating a pet-friendly coworking space can have its challenges, but a customizable and powerful coworking software like OfficeRnD Flex can help you coordinate a coworking space that’s great for both humans and their canine companions.

Book a live demo and see how OfficeRnD Flex can help you take your space to the next level.

FAQs

Is WeWork Dog Friendly?

The WeWork HelpCenter provides guidance to workers who want to bring their dogs with them.

In summary, dogs are only allowed in private offices and must be with their owners at all times. Owners must leash them in common areas. If a dog is disruptive, WeWork staff can ask for it to be removed.

Can I Take My Puppy to the Office?

Before taking your puppy to the office, check the dog policy for your workplace. Some offices may allow it and others may not. Some may not have a specific policy but may judge it inappropriate due to safety or hygiene. Or they may ask you to wait until the dog is older.

If you are allowed, be particularly careful with puppies. Introduce them gradually and make sure they get lots of breaks.

Why Can’t I Bring My Dog to Work?

There are several reasons that offices may not allow dogs at work. These include it being inappropriate due to safety or hygiene rules, for example, in a factory or restaurant.

Workplaces need to balance the needs of all staff, and they may have team members who are anxious around dogs or who have allergies. They may also lack the appropriate amenities to safely support dogs in the workplace.