GREENWICH, CONN., June 13, 2006– Are the dog days of summer going corporate? With Pet Sitters International’s annual Take Your Dog to Work Day approaching June 23^rd,many people might be wondering just how many pets are actually in American workplaces. Well, according to an all-new survey conducted by The American Pet Products Association (APPA), there are more than you might think.

According to this national poll of working Americans 18 years of age and over, nearly one in five U.S. companies allows pets at work. And, a majority of those polled believe there are benefits to having pets at work such as relieving stress, improving relationships with coworkers, making for a happier workforce and creating a happier work environment.

According to the survey:

• 55 million Americans believe having pets in the workplace leads to a more creative environment
• 53 million believe having pets in the workplace decreases absenteeism
• 50 million believe having pets in the workplace helps co-workers get along better
• 38 million believe having pets in the workplace creates a more productive work environment
• 32 million believe having pets in the workplace decreases smoking in the workplace
• 37 million believe having pets in the workplace helps improve the relationship between managers and their employees
• And, 46 million people who bring their pets to the workplace work longer hours!

“More and more we are starting to see the benefits of pets as they transcend the role they play at home into other non-traditional areas such as places of work,” said APPA President, Bob Vetere. “This survey solidifies what most of us already know, Americans can’t seem to get enough of their pets.”

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