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Pets Are Joining the Workday Like Never Before đŸ˜½
In 2025, more Canadian companies are redefining the workplace to support not just employees, but their pets too. From dogs snoozing under desks to cats perched near laptops, pet-friendly offices have become more common than ever.
While this shift brings emotional benefits for both pets and people, it also adds responsibility. Offices are dynamic places with unfamiliar sounds, people, and routines. One unexpected moment is all it takes for a door to open, and a pet to vanish.
Microchipping and registering your pet with BC Pet Registry is one of the simplest and most powerful tools available to ensure their safety in these new work environments.
Pet-Friendly Workplaces Are on the Rise Across Canada
Since the pandemic, the way Canadians work has changed dramatically. Many people spent months, and in some cases years, working from home with their pets at their side each day. During that time, pets grew accustomed to constant attention and company. As more employees returned to offices, pets began struggling with separation anxiety.
This shift led to a growing number of requests for pets to accompany their guardians to work. In response, businesses across the country have embraced pet-friendly policies. These policies help reduce anxiety and improve employee well-being while allowing pets to ease into the changing routine.
Workplaces in cities like Vancouver, Calgary, and Toronto are adapting. Pet-friendly co-working spaces, tech companies, and even some retail offices now welcome animals. But with these changes come new challenges. Busy lobbies, shared workspaces, and unpredictable surroundings make it easier for pets to get lost.
If your pet is joining you at work, it is important to ensure all of their protective measures are in place. That means up-to-date vaccinations, visible ID tags, and most importantly, a registered microchip that links directly to your current contact details.
The New Risks for Pets in Office Environments
Offices were not originally designed with pets in mind. While many workplaces are adapting, there are still numerous risks. Pets might become startled by strangers, curious about new smells, or disoriented by unfamiliar floor plans.
Here are just a few of the hazards pets can face in offices:
- Open stairwells and elevators
- Side doors and exits left ajar
- Windows that lack screens
- Busy foot traffic
- Other animals that may not get along well
All it takes is a moment for a pet to wander off. In urban settings, this can quickly become a crisis. A registered microchip ensures that even if a pet loses its collar or slips out unnoticed, there is still a reliable way to bring them home.
3. Real-Life Consequences: When Pets Get Lost from the Office
Imagine being in a team meeting or stepping away from your desk. A courier arrives, someone props the door open, and in those few seconds, your dog slips out. In a busy downtown office or large multi-unit building, locating a missing pet is not easy.
Without a microchip that is registered with your contact information, shelters and animal control officers may not be able to trace your pet back to you. That could lead to a long, stressful search or, in the worst cases, your pet being rehomed if they are not claimed in time.
With BC Pet Registry, any shelter or vet clinic can scan your pet and immediately access your details. This level of security can mean the difference between a same-day reunion and weeks of uncertainty.
How to Keep Pets Safe in Pet-Friendly Workspaces
Bringing your pet to work can be a wonderful experience, but it also requires thoughtful preparation. Below are simple ways to create a safe routine for your pet companion:
- Confirm your pet’s microchip is registered and linked to current information
- Register additional ID like tattoos and city licenses if applicable
- Keep a collar with a visible ID tag on your pet at all times
- Provide a secure space, such as a quiet room, for breaks
- Use a leash or pet gate when stepping away from your workstation
- Bring familiar items like a blanket or toy to help your pet feel at ease
By planning ahead, you can reduce anxiety for your pet and make sure everyone around them is comfortable too.
BC Pet Registry in the Community: Supporting Safe Pet Spaces
BC Pet Registry supports not just individual pet owners, but the broader community. At events like the National Pet Day Sunday Market, the Registry team partnered with the Friendly Paws Society to offer free microchip checks, help people update their contact details, and provide educational materials.
These outreach efforts help ensure that both new and experienced pet guardians understand the importance of registration and microchip accuracy. Whether at work, at home, or out in the community, BC Pet Registry continues to make pet safety a priority.
The Limitations of Tech and Why Microchips Still Matter
Pet technology has advanced rapidly, with GPS collars, Bluetooth trackers, and devices like Apple AirTags becoming popular tools for keeping tabs on pets. While these gadgets offer real-time tracking, they are not foolproof.
Tags and collars can fall off or be removed. Batteries can die. Some devices only work when paired with specific apps or networks. That’s why no digital device should replace a registered microchip.
A microchip is small, permanent, and does not rely on Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or a mobile signal. Once your pet’s microchip is registered with BC Pet Registry, their information can be accessed by veterinarians and shelters anywhere in Canada and beyond.
If you’re considering using an AirTag or other tracker, make sure it complements, not replaces, your pet’s microchip. For a deeper comparison, visit our full guide: đŸ‘‰ Apple AirTags vs. Microchips: What You Need to Know
Be a Part of the 80% Responsible Owners
During our recent events, we scanned hundreds of pets, all with microchips implanted. Only to discover that approximately 20% of the pets’ microchips are not linked to any registries in North America. We recommend all pet owners to double check their pet’s registration and directly registering with us. All you need is the microchip number and/or tattoo code to start the online registration process. For a small, one-time fee of $45, your pet will be protected for a lifetime and you will also have contributed to the life-saving work of the BC SPCA.
Peace of Mind Starts with One Simple Step
Bringing your pet to work can improve your day and strengthen your bond. But just like any responsibility, it requires preparation. A registered microchip ensures that your pet stays protected, no matter how busy or unfamiliar the environment might be.
Don’t wait until it’s too late. Take a few minutes now to confirm your pet’s microchip is registered and accurate.
Register or update your pet today and give yourself peace of mind—at home, at work, and wherever life takes you both.
FAQ
Q: Do all pet-friendly offices require microchipping?
Some do, especially those in large or shared buildings. Even if not required, microchipping is strongly recommended for safety.
Q: Can I manage more than one pet through BC Pet Registry?
Yes, you can register and manage multiple pets under one user profile.
Q: Is a microchip the same as a GPS tracker?
No. A microchip stores your contact information and is used for identification when scanned. It does not provide location tracking.
Q: What should I do before bringing my pet to work?
Make sure their vaccinations are current, their microchip is registered, and their collar tag is easy to read.
Q: Does BC Pet Registry support tattoos?
Yes. BC Pet Registry allows you to register microchips, tattoos, and city licenses all in one place.
Q: Does it cost extra to update information on the registry?Â
Unlike other registries, there is no extra cost to make updates to your contact information or your pet’s details, including medical records as well as transfer of ownership.Â
