Amazon Australia will now permit employees to bring their pooches to work at its Sydney, Melbourne, Perth and Canberra offices. Dogs at the workplace have been shown to reduce stress levels, increase interaction between employees, and boost morale. The global Dogs at Work (DAW) program currently has 8000 registered pooches.  

Findings by Amazon Australia have also reported that one in two owners feel anxious to leave their pets at home while more than 57% think their dogs will struggle when they return back to the office. This program is expected to ease this anxiety felt by employees about their pets and their transition into new working conditions.

Media reports have cited Senior Human Resources Business Partner Laura Nemaz calling the  DAW program a ‘massive hit’ with the employees. “Dogs add to our dynamic and collaborative workplace, and we’ve found they are an unexpected mechanism for connection,” she added.

To participate in this workplace benefit, dogs must be registered. Employees need to provide the dog’s name and breed, registration form, microchip, and vaccination certificates. Once registered, DAW pooches will each receive a ‘Woof Pack’ that includes a branded bag, a doggy mat for them to lie down, a water bowl, a key chain, and treats at each reception. Dogs will also have their own designated lift from the loading dock of the facility not to impact the other residents/tenants of the building.