Why integrate a pet concierge service into your employee benefits?

Employee benefits are evolving. Meal vouchers, ticketing, gym memberships… these traditional perks are still appreciated, but they are no longer enough to stand out in a job market where talent retention has become a strategic priority. A new lever—still largely underexplored in France—deserves the attention of HR leaders and works councils: pet concierge services.

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A game-changing figure: 6 out of 10 French people own a pet

Before even assessing the HR value of such a solution, it is important to grasp the scale of the phenomenon. According to the 2024 FACCO-Odoxa barometer, more than 6 out of 10 French people own a pet, and 55% of the population has a dog and/or a cat (Source: La Société Centrale Canine). These pet owners are your employees. And their animals have a direct impact on their daily professional lives—whether acknowledged or not.

A study conducted by BARK in 2021 reveals that 71% of people report missing their dog during working hours… compared to 42% who miss their partner (Source :  Gymnasedumanagement). This initially surprising figure highlights something essential: the mental load associated with pet ownership is real, and it follows employees into the workplace every morning.

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Pet-related mental load: an invisible barrier to performance

An employee who leaves for work worrying about a dog left alone for nine hours, who hesitates to accept a business trip due to a lack of reliable care solutions, or who cuts holidays short because they cannot find someone trustworthy to look after their cat, is an employee who is less at ease, less available, and less productive.

This reality is rarely addressed in performance reviews, yet it is very much present. According to the 2024 annual barometer from the Workplace Quality of Life Observatory, 72% of employees experience stress at work, or even burnout (Source: Teale). Reducing sources of anxiety outside of work—including pet care—directly contributes to addressing this issue.

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A differentiating employee benefit, highly valued by younger generations

72% of employees consider benefits a key factor in retention (Deloitte, 2023). However, not all benefits are perceived equally—particularly by younger professionals.

70% of employees under 30, and nearly 50% of those under 45, expect a genuine policy regarding pet inclusion or care. Many would consider changing jobs if their company offers nothing in this regard. Even more telling: 72% of employees working in pet-friendly companies would decline a job offer from another company offering a similar salary (Source: Gymnasedumanagement).

In a context of recruitment pressure and talent competition, offering a pet concierge service positions your company as an employer that understands the real lives of its employees.

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What research says about pets and workplace well-being

The findings are consistent. According to an Ipsos study, 96% of pet owners believe their pet helps reduce stress (Source: Planipets). When that pet is professionally cared for during working hours, this source of stress can disappear entirely from the employee’s daily life.

A Wamiz study shows that 8 out of 10 employees say pets have a positive impact on their work: 60% feel less stressed, and 39% believe team communication improves (Source: Huje Avocats).

Moreover, 89% of employees satisfied with their quality of life at work are less likely to leave their company (Source: EmyeHR). Anything that contributes to this satisfaction—including tangible benefits related to personal life—plays a direct role in talent retention.

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In practical terms, what does a partnership with Pet Cheri offer your employees?

Integrating Pet Cheri into your employee benefits package or works council offering means giving every pet-owning employee privileged access to a trusted pet concierge service—without the need to search, compare, or validate options on their own.

In concrete terms, employees benefit from tailored support: a dedicated point of contact for their pet, a detailed questionnaire of over 35 questions to build a comprehensive profile (behavior, diet, medical needs, sociability), and assignment to the most suitable service provider. Home visits, care with a selected pet sitter, partner cat hotels, or support from veterinary care assistants for pets under treatment—each situation is handled individually.

The result for the company: employees who travel or take time off without residual anxiety, who return more focused, and who perceive this benefit as a strong signal of a company culture that genuinely cares about their overall well-being.

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How can this service be integrated into your employee benefits?

Pet Cheri offers packages tailored to companies and works councils: negotiated preferential rates for employees, ready-to-use internal communication materials, and a dedicated contact to manage the partnership. A simple solution to implement, with an immediate and tangible impact for your teams.

→ Interested in offering this service to your employees? Contact us to receive our corporate and works council offer.

📞 06 42 12 99 14  📩 anne@petcheri.com

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