'StartPup' contest for startups who bring their dogs to work

Do you have a start-up? Do you have an office dog? If, yes, then you can participate in the World’s First Office Dog Competition.

"StartPup: A Competition for Start-up with Dogs," has been launched in each international start-up center with hopes to highlight the positive effects of dogs in start-up office environments on employees’ well-being, stress busting and increasing motivation. The contest is encouraging start-up firms to submit a 1-2 minute video paying tribute to their office dog.

Wistia, a Boston-based video marketing, and analytics platform, came up with the idea for the competition and teamed up with animal protection charity Humane Society International to host the competition.

Entries will be judged by four panelists, including Matthew Gilbert, TV critic at The Boston Globe and author of Off the Leash: A Year at the Dog Park and Marta Sjögren of Northzone. Winning start-ups in each city will receive a number of goodies, including a free premium ‘500 Video Plan’ from Wistia, $500 donation to a local Humane Society branch and a GoPro camera.

“Having a dog in the office is a real boost, and more and more start-ups are starting to realize how positive the benefits can be,” said Chris Lavigne, head of the video production at Wistia, who is also one of the judges at the competition.

“As such, we thought it was the perfect time to let people showcase their office pooches, and celebrate what great members of a team they are. Lenny, our resident pup, puts a smile on the face of everyone in the office.”

Claire Bass, executive director at Humane Society International, says: “A dog at work policy is a really smart move for companies, because it can provide a tremendous boost to employee morale, improve staff recruitment and retention, contribute to a far more sociable and stress-free work environment, as well as encourage workers to get active by walking their dog during breaks. And, of course, being able to bring our canine companions to work also supports our human-animal bond, providing a stimulating and secure environment for the dogs too.”

The last date for entries is June 30.