Employees appreciate any workplace that supports the human-animal bond… but Rescue Dogs 101 offers an idea to make pawternity leave an extra-special benefit.
By Pam Foster, PetFriendlyOffice.com
“This gives new adopters a really simple way to understand what their dog is going through those first few days and weeks.” At the beginning of 2026, Global Pets published an article, “Pawternity Leave Becomes Global Workplace Trend.” It cited these fascinating takeaways for employers:
- “In America, 1 in 4 pet owners (26%) say their dream job would offer “pawternity” leave, according to a survey conducted last year of 1,000 pet owners by financial services firm Empower Study.“
- Most British pet owners (70%) support workplace rights for employees… when it comes to taking time off to care for their pets.”
Employers can become pet-parent heroes by offering pawternity leave, especially if that leave supports a smooth transition for a new rescue pet. A smooth transition for shelter pets and their families is more important than you may think. An ASPCA Pet Health Insurance article I recently read, “Adopting a Rescue Dog: The Ins and Outs and What to Expect,” is packed with helpful information about bringing a rescue dog into a new home. But in particular, the following passage stood out to me because new pet parents (and their employers) may not be aware that it’s an adjustment for everyone.
“The first few months with a new dog are about establishing a relationship. From the dog’s perspective, they don’t realize that they’re adopted and loved. As far as they know, they’ve been taken away from a familiar environment. It’s important in the first weeks and months of adopting to take things slowly and form a bond with your new dog.”
That’s why pawternity leave is a very big deal to employees bringing a rescue dog into their lives.
I asked Debi McKee, founder of Rescue Dogs 101, to describe what often happens just after a rescue pet is adopted from a shelter. She understands the challenge from her own experiences. 
When did you launch Rescue Dogs 101… and why?
Debi: I started Rescue Dogs 101 in January 2017 as a blog to share what I’d learned from fostering and adopting dogs. Over time, it’s grown into a full resource hub with guides, videos, and digital products. All aimed at helping rescue dogs and their people build happy, healthy lives together.
How has it been going since then?
Debi: It’s been an incredible journey. There’ve been more than 6.3 million visitors since launching the website. But honestly if it has changed even one dog’s life it makes it worth all the time invested. A post that consistently draws the most readers is Bringing Home a New Dog: The 3-3-3 Rule. 
I think it’s so popular because it gives new adopters a really simple way to understand what their dog is going through those first few days and weeks. It’s easy to forget these dogs are going through a difficult transition as we get wrapped up in our own excitement. The 3-3-3 Rule sets realistic expectations for new adopters and helps them understand that every dog needs time to decompress and adjust. Adoption guidance definitely resonates in a big way.
What kinds of feedback do you get from followers and buyers?
Debi: I get so many kind notes from readers and customers, everything from “your 3-3-3 guidelines are posted at our local shelter” to “your advice helped us in our very first week with our new rescue.” I recently received this message: ‘Oh wow, thank you so much, Debi. I just got a rescue dog yesterday, and your YouTube videos have been super helpful.’ It’s messages like that that remind me why I do this. One thing that’s surprised me is how many adopters underestimate the adjustment period for rescue dogs. Love is important, but so are patience and understanding, which is why I focus so much on education and confidence-building for both the dog and the human.
Consider rescue dog guidance kits as an employee benefit. Debi told me, “Companies can offer a ‘New Dog Parent’s Welcome Kit’ or access to something like my New Dog Parent’s Toolbox — which includes guides, checklists, and printable resources. Or even gift employees my Dog Adoption Workbook to help them prepare before adopting. 
It supports employees emotionally and practically, helps more rescue dogs stay in forever homes, and builds a stronger sense of community in the workplace. Everyone wins… dogs, people, and employers.” Contact Debi at RescueDogs101.com to explore ideas and options.
About PetFriendlyOffice.com
About PetFriendlyOffice.comIf you’re an HR Manager or business owner, you’ll appreciate having “All the Things to Make Pet-Related Benefits Easy” in one place. With my Pet-Friendly Office DIY System (checklists, templates, policy guidance, and more), you can set up everything yourself. Or let me handle most of it for you through my Pet-Friendly Office CONCIERGE SYSTEM. Can’t allow pets in the office? I can help you choose other popular benefits for your company. Ultimately, you’ll be the hero who leads a pet-friendly culture, increasing employee retention and attracting top talent.
Let’s make quick work of your mission. Start with this FREE resource: HR SURVIVAL GUIDE to Pet-Related Benefits — Pam Foster, your Chief Pet-Friendly Officer
Want your company’s pet-friendly story to be featured in a PetFriendlyOffice.com article? Contact me.