A "Tail" of Two Companies: How Zoomies and People Partners Are Developing Pet Friendly Work Solutions

As someone with the mission to “make Dubai the greatest place to work” I've always believed that happy employees are an absolute must to any successful business.

So when I sat down with Chris Lynch founder of Zoomies, Dubai's top rated doggy daycare, I knew we were onto something special.

Our chat quickly turned to the challenges faced by working pet owners in Dubai and we realised there was a huge opportunity to create innovative solutions that could transform the workplace for the better and reduce that stress that can often come with owning a pet and working full time.

Drawing inspiration from global best practices and our own experiences, we've come up with some ideas tailored to Dubai's unique work culture….

Flexible Benefits for Furry Friends: We know one size doesn't fit all when it comes to company budgets. That's why Chris and I have developed different budget options so that every company can offer some animal friendly perks:

The Works: Monthly daycare allowances, pet insurance contributions, and flexible spending accounts for pet care.

Middle Ground: Negotiated corporate rates with Zoomies, partnerships with pet insurance providers, and occasional 'bring your pet to work' days.

Budget-Friendly: Exclusive employee discounts with Zoomies and insurance providers (at no cost to the company), plus implementation of low-cost, pet friendly policies. We have found even just having written poloicies and clarity can improve employe happiness knowing what they can and cant do when it comes to their pet .

But it's not just about the big-ticket items. We've also brainstormed some creative, low-cost ideas:

"Pawternity" Leave: Time off for new pet parents to bond with their furry family members.

"Yappy Hour" Networking: After-work socials where pets are welcome, fostering a more relaxed company culture.

Canine Career Development: Dog training classes that double as leadership skills workshops.

Wellness Walks: Our favourite at Wayfinders ! Pre-work dog walks to promote employee health and social interaction.

Lunch & Learn: Pet Edition: Informative sessions with local vets and pet experts.

In my years of HR, business ownership and People experience, I've seen firsthand how even small gestures can significantly boost employee satisfaction and productivity. Supporting your team's pet care needs isn't just about being nice - it's smart business.

We're excited about these ideas, but we want to hear from you too. What challenges do you face as a pet owner in Dubai's fast-paced work environment? What solutions would make a real difference in your daily life? Let's start a conversation about creating a more pet-friendly work culture in Dubai. Your insights could help shape the future of workplace policies in our vibrant city and beyond. Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below. Together, we can make Dubai a shining example of how to successfully balance pet ownership with a thriving career. After all, in the world of HR, it's not just about human resources anymore - it's about furry resources too!