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Dog-Friendliest Workplaces In Minnesota

For many pet owners, preparing to gather your things and head off to work can be a guilty moment. Those sad puppy dog eyes or whimpers from your beloved friend as you leave are hard to swallow. Trying to arrange for potty breaks, dog sitting or shorter workdays can be a logistical nightmare. Luckily, some Minnesota employers are making it easier for their staff to alleviate some of these problems by allowing dogs in the workplace. Not only has this been shown to boost staff morale and productivity, but trust and communication between co-workers is also enhanced, which makes for happier employees and pets all around. Read on for some of the best pet-friendly companies who are also hiring at the start of the new year.

On-Demand Group
2604 Lyndale Ave. S.
Minneapolis, MN 55408
(612) 367-8101
www.ondemandgroup.com

On-Demand Group (ODG), an IT consulting firm located in Uptown, has an open-door policy towards pets. As ODG president and CEO Heather Manley says, "If you've got 'em, you can bring 'em." The company is also conveniently surrounded by many pet-friendly businesses such as French Meadow and Tiger Sushi, which makes break time a breeze for pets and their owners. Plus, ODG has a patio for grilling outdoors, lounge areas and has encouraged an environment that truly balances work and play. ODG is currently looking for account executives and recruiters for the start of 2013.

Related:
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(credit: Jupiter Images)

The Nerdery
9555 James Ave. S., Suite 245
Bloomington, MN 55431
(877) 664-6373
www.nerdery.com

Those who begin a job at The Nerdery should know that dogs have been an important part of this work culture since day one and there are no plans to change that anytime soon. Mark Malmberg, the communications manager and a co-president of The Nerdery, says "Job candidates who visit or do any due diligence will come to know we have dogs in the office. It's kind of like people who move to homes near the airport – the airport was there first." If you are cool with dogs at work, you're in luck. The Nerdery, a fun team of technical developers, programmers and experts, is hiring 100 nerds in 100 days. In addition to being a lively and encouraging place to work, there are benefits to being a dog owner at the company. Not only is the office stocked with dog treats, but the company arranges visits from mobile dog groomers for puppy primping while you work and allows for time each for week for the dogs to frolic unleashed together.

DataPlow, Inc.
682 Panorama Circle N.W.
Rochester, MN 55901
(507) 289-9160
www.dataplow.com

DataPlow, a software developer and distributor, is a pet-friendly employer that allows its staff to bring pets to work. While the company does not arrange organized activities for animals and their owners, the benefit of having a beloved pet nearby is great for stress management and building camaraderie between employees. DataPlow can be contacted directly during 2013 for future employment opportunities.

Related
: The Perfect Day For Your Dog in Minnesota

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(credit: CBS)

KTI, Inc.
10301 Wayzata Blvd.
Minnetonka, MN 55305
(612) 378-9731
www.ktitrans.com

Alan Weiner, the CEO of KTI, a transportation company, says that allowing dogs in the workplace has been a benefit. "Dogs have a unique way of helping people deal with stress. When someone is having a tough day, the dogs just seem to sense it. It really makes a difference." There are some guidelines for the pet-owning staff to follow at KTI. The dogs must be trained, socialized, stay out of the kitchen during lunch time and get the go-ahead from leadership to frequent the office. The company makes sure all potential employees are aware that there are plenty of dog lovers on staff. KTI is currently hiring for various sales positions.
 

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Risdall Marketing Group
550 Main St.
New Brighton, MN 55112
(651) 286-6700
www.risdall.com

For 40 years, the folks at local advertising agency Risdall have allowed staff to bring not just dogs, but cats, rabbits and gerbils to join them during the workday. With walking paths and trails nearby for break time, the staff at Risdall find that having pets nearby is a "healthy distraction" and that the animals tend to be well behaved and well liked by co-workers. President Tom Wilson brings in his Springer Spaniels, Sophie and Bernie, just about every day. And just like Stella (see photo), these Risdall pups catch some much-needed shut-eye during the busy workday. Risdall is currently adding to its staff of pet lovers in senior- and junior-level positions in the following departments: interactive, creative, strategy, crisis public relations, account service and website development.

Cortney Mohnk is a freelance writer covering all things Minnesota. Her work can be found on Examiner.com.

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