q: Who is encouraged to bring companions to work? a: Pet owners q: Why? a: its's  good for productivity , workplace morale , and the well-being of animals . q: How can it help the animals? a: they  won't feel lonely and unhappy q: Have any studies been done? a: yes q: Where? a: Australia q: Anywhere else? a: the US q: Any notable stats in that one? a: for companies 73% found office pets beneficial , while 27% experienced a drop in absenteeism . q: Any anecdotal evidence? a: yes q: WHat seeems to be a popular animal un businesses according to these stories? a: cats q: DO the patrons like them as much as the business owners? a: yes q: Why? c: Pet owners are being encouraged to take their animals to work , a move scientists say can be good for productivity , workplace morale , and the well-being of animals . 

A study found that 25% of Australian women would like to keep an office pet . Sue Chaseling of Petcare Information Service said the practice of keeping office pets was good both for the people and the pets . "On the pets' side , they are not left on their own and won't feel lonely and unhappy," she said . A study of major US companies showed that 73% found office pets beneficial , while 27% experienced a drop in absenteeism . 

Xarni Riggs has two cats walking around her Global Hair Salon in Paddington . "My customers love them. They are their favorites ," she said . "They are not troublesome . They know when to go and have a sleep in the sun ." 

Little black BJ has spent nearly all his two years "working" at Punch Gallery in Balmain . Owner Iain Powell said he had had cats at the gallery for 15 years . "BJ often lies in the shop window and people walking past tap on the glass ," he said . 

Ms Chaseling said cats were popular in service industries because they enabled a point of conversation . But she said owners had to make sure both their co-workers and the cats were comfortable .
because they enabled a point of conversation