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Dog-Friendliest Workplaces In South Florida

Many of us in South Florida have pets, and the hardest part of the day is saying goodbye to them when we leave to go to work in the morning. Wouldn't it be divine to be able to take our pets to work? This is a reality for some lucky pet owners.
bluemartini
(Source: Blue Martini)

Neff Kitchens

International Creative Designs Inc.
1211 E. Las Olas Blvd.
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
(954) 524-8500
www.neffkitchens.com

Well known for amazing detail and design, Neff has a reputation for top-quality kitchens. Located on beautiful Las Olas Boulevard, Benamin Liss and Brett Cohen have a warm and inviting showroom. Their love of ornamental decorative pigs, tropical plants and dogs creates a homey atmosphere. Several display kitchen models give you an idea of what your fantasy kitchen can aspire to be. At your privately owned business, if you are the boss, who is going to tell you what to do? Many private business owners keep pets at work. An office or a small store are nice for smaller quiet breeds. Benjamin Liss, co-owner of Neff Kitchens of Fort Lauderdale, explains, "aside from avoiding the guilt of leaving the dog home, sometimes a cute dog in the window can help bring in business! A lot of times someone would come in to see the dog and then realize we sell kitchens."

Related: Best Gifts For Pets And Pet Owners In South Florida

playwright
(Source: Playwright Irish Pub)

Abbey Delray South

1717 Homewood Blvd.
Delray Beach, FL 33445
(561) 272-9600
www.abbeydelraysouth.com

Abbey Delray South offers the comfort of knowing you can move into a private villa or apartment and then if you need it, a nursing health and rehabilitation center is on site. Residents are permitted to have pets in their apartments. If you work at a nursing home, assisted living facility or independent senior living facility, chances are they will encourage staff to bring in a dog, cat, rabbit or another pet. The dogs need to go through an obedience training course CGC (canine good citizen) in order to be placed there. The administrator's dog, Abner, is a joy to the residents of Abbey Delray South Health Center of Delray Beach. Activity director Dosha Peter feels "it adds to the quality of life to residents of the facility. We can't even put a price on it. It is like an instant pill for people with behavior disorders without the side effects of a pill." A pet instantly soothes and calms patients and also puts a smile on every face.

Forest Trace At Inverarry

5500 N.W. 69th Ave.
Lauderhill, FL 33319
(954) 572-1800
www.foresttrace.com
Forest Trace is a unique senior rental community offering independent and assisted living apartments. With the famous Grossingers resort as its model, quality entertainment and the Jennie Grossinger large theater create a standard that is unmatched in the industry. Small pets are welcome so long as they are controlled at all times. Sandy Warren, professional entertainer and activities director at Forest Trace at Inverarry, has a different take on bringing her own pets to work. "I love my dogs with all my heart but bringing them to work would definitely hinder my job. I am also very aware of some people who really don't like dogs and are scared of them, plus of course the people with allergies," she says.

Petco
Petco (Source: petco.com)

Petco

Various locations throughout South Florida
www.petco.com

Certain companies, like Petco, encourage employees to bring their pets to work. With over 1,000 locations, Petco dominates the pet store business. It has created a foundation for animal welfare. The stores sell all supplies needed for pets, as well as a wide variety of animals. There are many locations in South Florida. Working at any animal-related company is wonderful for pet owners. Working at a pet store, veterinary office, dog groomer or pet spa provides wonderful opportunities to surround yourself with animals while getting paid.

Some pet owners are uncomfortable with bringing their pets to work due to the distraction. When they are at work, they want to focus on their job. Others feel their animals are safer at home than at their workplace. This is a deeply personal choice and there are many factors involved in each owner's decision. If you can bring your pooch with you every day, just make sure they never become a nuisance for any of those non four-legged-loving folks.

Related: Best Places To Dine With Your Dog

A media professional with television, journalism, blogging and marketing expertise. A Registered Horticultural Therapist. Looking to improve the mind body and spirit of the world by the use of horticulture in television, books, networking and blogging in Fort Lauderdale at Examiner.com.

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