Raleigh NC | Puppy Faces: Increasing Number of Local Organizations Using ‘Pet-Friendly’ Images

The “Bark Blog?”  That is exactly what we said when we visited WRAL.com recently, expecting only a few headlines and the weather.  But the “Bark Blog,” a detailed account of the events in the days of newsroom dog “Tracker,” is just one example of how more and more organizations are appealing to stakeholders on a more personal level by using their shared love of pets.

According to an article in the June 2009 issue of Carolina Woman, 85 percent of dog owners say they consider their pet to be a part of their family.  In an attempt to boost company image and employee morale, a growing number of firms are  also allowing pets in the workplace, which through studies has been shown to to pay off in the form of lower turnover and higher worker productivity.

101 Lounge + Cafe, located in downtown Raleigh, is known for drawing in business by holding a variety of on-location charity events in conjunction with the SPCA and local animal rescue shelters. The positive feedback from online customer reviews along with several third-party endorsements from local blogs are just a couple of factors that show this tactic’s rewards.

Still not convinced that the cute-and-cuddly angle is the right way for an organization to go? Well, consider this: Americans are expected to spend $45 billion on their pets this year alone, up from $17 billion in 1994.   As a  result, an increasing number of business owners are making a plethora of “pet-friendly” changes.   Take your dog on your next coffee run, if you use the drive-thru he or she will receive a complementary dog treat with your $5 latte.  Many restaurants with outdoor seating in the Triangle allow you to dine with a leashed pet, and hotel chains have even started to offer oversized pillows, plush robes and special check-in gift packages of toys and treats.

Photo via WRAL.com