More companies around the country and in the Philadelphia area are allowing dog owners to bring Rover to work with them. A 2008 survey conducted by the American Pet Products Manufacturers Association found that about one in five companies in the United States allows pets at work. According to a study published in the March issue of the International Journal of Workplace Health Management, permitting dog owners to bring their pooches to work results in reduced stress. The study also found that 70 percent of all people looking for jobs would consider a dog-friendly work environment as a positive employee benefit, and 50 percent of employees said they would consider switching to dog-friendly employers. If you’re one of the many, take a look at Philly’s most dog-friendly companies.

Petplan

1 International Plaza

Philadelphia, PA 19113

(866) 467-3875

www.gopetplan.com 1 International PlazaPhiladelphia, PA 19113(866) 467-3875 Petplan has been rated as America’s No. 1 pet insurance company and was founded by Chris and Natasha Ashton after they experienced how much veterinary care could cost to save the life of their own beloved pet. Unsurprisingly, among the benefits of working for Petplan is that pets are welcome in the office. Employees also enjoy competitive salaries, health insurance, paid vacation and retirement plans. Petplan is licensed in all U.S. states, the District of Columbia and in some provinces of Canada. Petplan is currently accepting applications, so turn yours in ASAP. Related: Top Pet-Friendly Restaurants In Philadelphia

Arden Theatre Company

40 N. Second St.

Philadelphia, PA 19106

(215) 922-8900

www.ardentheatre.org 40 N. Second St.Philadelphia, PA 19106(215) 922-8900 Founded in 1988, the Arden Theatre Company welcomes pets in all of its departments. From its start in the 70-seat Walnut Street Theatre Studio, the company quickly grew and needed to move by its second season. For the next five seasons, it worked out of the 150-seat St. Stephen’s Performing Arts Center. In 1995, it purchased a 50,000-square-foot facility in Old City. The renovated building now houses a 360-seat F. Otto Haas Stage main theater, a 175-seat Arcadia Stage studio theater and the Independence Foundation Studio, as well as offices, a lobby, administrative space, production facilities and classroom space. The company currently has several openings.

Global Sports Interactive

935 First Ave.

King of Prussia, PA 19406

(610) 491-3199

www.gsicommerce.com 935 First Ave.King of Prussia, PA 19406(610) 491-3199 Global Sports Interactive allows dogs in various areas of the company headquarters. In 1999, the company launched an ecommerce platform of managed services for five sporting goods retail companies. In 2001, it expanded its services to non-sporting goods companies, and in 2002, it began providing services in the areas of entertainment, consumer electronics and beauty. Since then, it’s added home and apparel services. Global Sports’ services include interactive marketing and email marketing solutions. As an international company, it employs more than 5,000 employees. GSI Commerce is always on the lookout for skilled employees.

Neff Associates

The Novelty Building

15 S. Third St.

Philadelphia, PA 19106

(215) 987-5600

www.neffassociates.com The Novelty Building15 S. Third St.Philadelphia, PA 19106(215) 987-5600 One of the most dog-friendly businesses in the United States, Neff Associates is a marketing service company. It specializes in services to the retail, hospitality, tourism and real estate. Creative services include website design, broadcast, print, outdoor and interactive media, media buying and planning strategies, and public relations for special events. President David Neff founded the company in 1987. Since that time, it has gained a national reputation as an advertising and public relations firm. “We have a dog-friendly work policy and schedule a ‘bring your dog to work day’ once a month,” a company spokesman said. Check the company website for career opportunities. Related: Top Places To Take A Doggy Day Trip Near Philadelphia

Hyperion Bank

199 W. Girard Ave.

Philadelphia, PA 19123

(215) 789-4200

www.hyperionbank.com 199 W. Girard Ave.Philadelphia, PA 19123(215) 789-4200 Since 2006, Hyperion Bank has joined with Pet Sitters International and the Philadelphia Animal Welfare Society in observing National Take Your Dog to Work Day. In addition to allowing its employees to bring their canine companions to work, the bank has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars to help PAWS, the largest rescue operation and only no-kill shelter in the city. Located in the building that served as the home for Philadelphia’s Eighth National Bank more than 100 years ago, the bank chose the location as a way to become part of the urban neighborhood. Currently, the bank has no positions available, but you can check the website frequently for future openings.

Jeffrey B. Roth, has won numerous state and national news and feature-writing awards during his career. A well-known crime writer, investigative reporter and a feature writer, Roth writes for a number of magazines and newspapers. Listed in the Locus Index of SciFi and Fantasy authors, Roth is the author of a number of published short stories and poetry. His work can be found on Examiner.com.