• by Tanya Gazdik , March 24, 2022

Mars Pet Nutrition’s Cesar Canine Cuisine is launching a national program aimed at making the world a more dog-friendly place, starting with the workplace.  

The dog food brand is launching “Cesar Hire My Dog” to help pet parents advocate for getting their four-legged friend “hired” as part of their mission to create more pet-friendly workplaces. 

The program includes such resources as an interactive dog resume builder. Consumers can also enter to win a pet-friendly “Pup-Up” Workspace in their hometown, a custom spot sporting the amenities needed for a pet-friendly workspace. 

Through April 13, pet parents can enter the contest by building a resume for their pooch, sharing it on Instagram or Twitter with the hashtags #HireMyDog and #Contest, and following the brand. Fifteen eligible finalists will be chosen and awarded $25 worth of Cesar product, and one winner will be selected to experience the “Pup-Up Workspace” in their hometown or office, as well as a year's supply of Cesar Canine Cuisine for their dog.

The brand believes in the power of shared moments between dogs and their pet parents, says Jean-Paul Jansen, vice president of marketing for Mars Pet Nutrition North America. 

“Dogs deserve to be welcomed everywhere, and we know that pet-friendly workplaces can help boost employee morale, increase productivity and improve culture,” Jansen says in a release. 

With workplaces continuing to adapt and evolve, many companies are revisiting what it will mean to be “in the office” post-pandemic, looking at new models to address workers’ new expectations.

In a survey of pet parents commissioned by Cesar, 89% said it’s important for them to continue spending time with pets during the workday.

Dog owners recognized the many benefits of being able to bring their pet to work. The majority (58%) say that“dogs make the best coworkers,” and the most common benefits that pet parents believe that dogs at work can offer include boosting happiness (58%) and relieving anxiety or stress (57%). 

Additionally, more than half of dog owners feel bringing their dog to work would encourage them to take breaks (55%) and would foster more social interaction in the workplace (52%).