Can Your Company Benefit From an Exotic Office Pet? : Lifestyle ...

If you?ve ever walked into a business only to be greeted by the resident critter, you?re probably not alone. In fact, the trend is increasing, as nearly 17 percent of businesses are now pet-friendly, encouraging, or at least allowing, their employees to bring their pets to work. And, although man?s best friend seems to be the most acceptable animal to join in on the business fun, some companies are turning to exotic and atypical pets to become part of their day-to-day team.

Inspiring Feathered Friends

What started off as a housewarming gag gift has now become not only a business mascot but an inspiration for Andie Cohen-Healy, owner of The Feathered Head, a boutique making feathered hair accessories.? When she made the move from New York City to Los Angeles, much to her surprise she was gifted two baby chicks.

Cohen-Healy quickly fell in love with the chicks and found a way to include them into her wedding, creating a beautiful headpiece that showcased their feathers. It was then that the Feathered Head was born.

Today, Cohen-Healy has five hens that join her daily at work. Not only are they her inspiration, but they provide her with the feathers that she uses in some of her work. ?Not only do I allow my chickens into my office, I insist on their presence! After all, they are the reason my small business exists! They are constant source of inspiration to me ... and a joy for my customers to experience,? she explained.

Growing Customer Bonds

Glen has become a feline fixture at Maine Wood Heat Company (MWH), located in Skowhegan, Maine. Adopted into the Maine Wood Heat family several years ago, Glen has been working hard at keeping the employees and the office dogs in line, according to Dana Wentworth, marketing researcher at Maine Wood. Glen often receives special attention from customers who stop in the office just to see him or bring him treats.

Having an office cat has been a very positive experience for MWH. ?We think he?s a great part of the company; giving people a laugh and an animal to love while they?re visiting. Overall, he gives great sense of comfort and company to everyone working or stopping in,? said Wentworth.

Cuddly or Calming

Animals of all sorts have been proven to reduce anxiety and stress, and Kimpton?s Palomar Hotel in San Diego has been working to help bring that sense of well-being to its traveling customers. Upon request, guests can have a goldfish stay overnight in their guest room providing travelers enjoy ?stress free bonding throughout their stay? says Palomar representative Aimee Cebulski.

?Research has proven that watching colorful fish swim gracefully to and fro actually calms nerves, reduces anxiety and lowers blood pressure,? Cebulski explained. ?There is perhaps no more elegant, low-maintenance or interactive fish than a Beta fish, which Kimpton has selected to share.? Not only does the Palomar San Diego offer its guests the opportunity to enjoy finned-friends, the office staff also enjoy the elegance of Kona, their in-house guppy.

Expert Advice

But, bringing pets to works brings with it a host of responsibilities that otherwise would be left at home. According to Dr. Eva Evans, a veterinarian at Centennial Hills Animal Hospital in Las Vegas, it?s important that you speak with your veterinarian prior to bringing your pet to work to ensure that it has a clean bill of health and documentation that it is up to date on any necessary vaccinations.

Although she does agree there are several benefits from bringing pets to work, there are some concerns that must be addressed to ensure the safety of the animal as well as your customers and employees.

Developing a working relationship with your animal's veterinarian will help ensure the safety and well-being your pet. Evans is quick to point out that not all animals may be suited for an office environment unless particular attention is paid to their precise environmental needs. ?Exotic pets often need different husbandry practices. For instance, iguanas need special lighting and temperatures in their terrariums. Chinchillas need a dust bath in their environment. These requirements may be difficult to fulfill in the workplace,? she says.

Evans also says that some animals, especially exotic animals, may have more stress being in a busy environment and may be more fearful of perceived threats such as loud noises.

The health of anyone coming in contact with animals should also be taken into consideration. For example, snakes and turtles are known carriers of salmonella and anyone coming in contact with these reptiles should have access to a hand washing station or hand sanitizer.

Employers who allow pets in the workplace should also check with their insurance carrier. Additionally, employees who bring their pets to work should be reminded that they are ultimately responsible if their animal scratches or bites a customer or co-worker.

There are some instances and some businesses where pets are simply not appropriate. It?s important to keep the comfort of your customers in mind. After all, no one wants to see a pet cockroach roaming freely in the kitchen of a restaurant.

?I'd encourage other small business owners to allow their pets in their offices, provided their customers are not afraid or turn-off by them. In my case, long after my customers have bought my headpieces they sometimes want to come back just to see the chickens,? said Cohen-Healey.

Remember, life with animals can be unpredictable so expect your office days to be a little less routine, but a little more fun.

?Angela Stringfellow is a PR and MarComm Consultant and Social Media Strategist offering full-circle marketing solutions to businesses. Angela blogs via?Contently.com.

Source: http://www.openforum.com/articles/can-your-company-benefit-from-an-exotic-office-pet

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