Pet-friendly workplaces – Replacements Ltd

I’ve written for some time now about hotels that offer pet-friendly accommodation for dog owners.  I am now extending my research into firms that have pet-friendly workplaces.

First up:  Replacements Ltd. This firm was founded in 1981 and is the classic case of a person who turned their hobby into a business (no need to guess why that appeals to me).    During the 1970s, founder Bob Page spent his weekends collecting china and crystal.  Friends would ask him to keep an eye out for certain patterns (as replacements for pieces they had  lost or broken.  He began buying more and more pieces, storing them where he could in his house.

By 1981, he had left his job as an auditor to found Replacements, Ltd.  The company’s facilities now are the size of seven football fields, housing 13.8 million pieces.  Some of these pieces are more than 100 years old.

Bob also brings his two dachshunds to work with him and, out of his love for his dogs, he encouraged his staff to bring their dogs to work as well.  The company now promotes the pets of its staff through its  newsletter in a column on Featured Pet (and Pet Owner!).  The company even encourages customers to visit them with their well-behaved pet.  Partially in recognition of the take your dog to work policy, the company was awarded the 2009 Psychologically Healthy Workplace Award by the American Psychological Association.

Replacements, Ltd – I salute you!

Kathleen Crisley, specialist in dog massage, rehabilitation and nutrition/food therapy, The Balanced Dog, Christchurch, New Zealand

Golden retriever Dios comes to work with Brad Newton, who works in the online marketing team

Judy Sizemore delivers mail with her dog Alex

Senior dog Darby has worked at Replacements for 8 years with owners Jenn Barton (continuous improvement analyst) and John Harris (internet services supervisor)