Marc Prikazsky - Executive Chairman and Vidou

Ceva leads the way with its innovative Pets at Work initiative, proving that pets can play a surprising role in workplace wellbeing.

Recent statistics from the European Union reveal that up to 29% of employees experience work-related stress, depression, or anxiety.

By embracing a One Health approach, fostering the human-animal bond and welcoming dogs into the workplace, organisations can introduce a straightforward yet impactful way to cultivate a more positive, supportive, and rewarding environment for their staff.

Pets can have a positive impact at work, with 67% of employees reporting lower stress levels when pets are present and 63% acknowledging that pets help strengthen relationships between colleagues.*

Recognising these benefits, Ceva Animal Health (Ceva) the world’s fifth largest animal health company, has introduced its Pets at Work programme, allowing dogs in the workplace under carefully managed conditions. This initiative is demonstrating tangible benefits by reducing stress levels, fostering stronger collegial bonds, and creating a more enjoyable workplace atmosphere.

“For Ceva, allowing dogs into the office was a no-brainer. We have always cherished the unique bond between humans and animals, a bond that forms one of the cornerstones of our mission: OneHealth. This programme is a tangible, day-to-day expression of that!” – Marc Prikazsky, Executive Chairman of Ceva.

Ceva encourages other businesses to consider welcoming pets into their offices, similar to their own “Pets at work” initiative launched to great success at the companies headquarters on March 25th 2026, and expanding to more regions. Dr. Sarah Endersby BVetMed (Hons) MRCVS, offers vet-approved guidance to help workplaces and pet owners prepare for this change:

Tips for Pet-Friendly Workplaces:

Companies who wish to implement these policies or initiatives should create clear guidelines, including charters, Q&A’s, codes of conduct, that can be shared and explained to their employees and participants.
Ensure all visiting pets are fully vaccinated to meet health and safety standards.
Begin with a trial period, such as a “Bring Your Pet to Work Day” or allowing a limited number of pets to assess suitability.
Implement a rota or booking system to manage the number of dogs in the office and maintain a comfortable environment.
Adapt office spaces to be pet-friendly by creating designated areas for feeding, hydration, and rest, while pet-proofing key zones.
Encourage clear communication between pet owners and colleagues, including asking permission before pets interact or enter meeting rooms.
Establish procedures for handling incidents or accidents promptly, including access to cleaning supplies and clear reporting channels.
Guide responsible pet behaviour in the workplace, reminding owners to manage excitement and prevent excessive barking.

Advice for Dog Owners Bringing Pets to Work:

Start training at home, focusing on basic obedience and calm behaviour.
Introduce dogs gradually to new people and environments. If your dog tends to get over-excited when meeting others, teaching them to respond calmly will help prevent overwhelming behaviour in the workplace.
Familiarise pets with the commute to and from the office. Start by trialling the journey on weekends or off-peak times so they become settled on the journey.
Adapt the workspace to provide your dog with a quiet, safe area away from busy foot traffic, free from hazards like exposed wires, with non-slip flooring and a designated spot for their food, water, and enrichment.
Bring everything necessary for your pet’s wellbeing with you to work, such as water bowls, waste bags, and treats with prior consent.
Gradually increase the time and frequency your dog spends in the office, starting with half-days and monitoring their behaviour closely to ensure they stay comfortable and relaxed.

In response to growing challenges around stress and employee satisfaction, adopting pet-friendly policies represents a promising path toward healthier workplaces. Ceva’s Pets at Work initiative stands as a leading example of how integrating pets into the office can effectively boost wellbeing and help prevent burnout.

A long-term initiative that is being rolled out internationally

Pets at Work is not a first for Ceva on an international scale: the programme is already implemented in several sales offices in Italy, Germany and the United Kingdom. With PULSE, Ceva is taking a new step forward by rolling out the initiative at the very heart of the company. This is a long-term approach that illustrates the group’s commitment to sustainably evolving its practices in line with its values.

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*Source: Engage Research, Purina Pets at Work Benchmark Study and European Pet Lovers Survey