In March 2020, things suddenly became very different for people all over the world. As the coronavirus spread, people were advised to stock their kitchens and stay home. The World Health Organization officially declared the coronavirus a pandemic, with cases seen in most countries around the globe.
In the United States, a national emergency was declared. Schools closed, bars and restaurants locked their doors, and gatherings of more than 10 people were prohibited. Meanwhile, companies made provisions wherever possible for their employees to work from home.
Social distancing, a modern term for “isolation,” takes some getting used to. For most people, it’s strange. Even when it goes well, there’s still an adjustment to make after being accustomed to going out every day. And in a time of crisis, people are learning how to appreciate the little things.
One bright spot about working from home is you get to spend all day with your pets. They’re used to seeing you leave in the morning. But now, they get to work alongside. In an effort to cheer each other up, people are taking to social media to share photos of their new “coworkers.”
Here are 75 of the best furry coworkers we’ve seen shared lately.
You thought it was hard to work with your annoying cubicle mate playing music? Try working with an entire dog on top of you. At least it’s sweet.
2. “We need to talk about your work ethic”
Meetings with the manager look a little different in this day and age. At least this one can be swayed with treats.
3. Good luck with that work
It’s nice to spend all day with your furry friends but they don’t quite seem to grasp we have to WORK. Just because we’re home doesn’t mean we have infinite free time.
Mr. Belarus is a cat that’s happy to share his services. He just can’t type and he has a hard time seeing the screen.
5. “A meeting that could’ve been an email? That gets my goat”
Sure, you’ll see hundreds of pictures of people working from home alongside their dogs and cats. But what about being around a goat wearing a diaper?
6. “You’re home, so it’s time to play, right?”
We used to have to convince our pets we’d be home at the end of the day. Now, we have to convince them we can’t play all day.
7. “I don’t understand why we can’t just snuggle all day”
To be fair, you can snuggle with your pets all day while working from home. But it might be hard to reach the keyboard.
And then there’s this dog…she makes it even harder. She insists her human hold her paw the entire time she works.
9. She has her own drawer
In this time of uncertainty and fear, there’s one thing we all need without even knowing it. That thing is a hedgehog in a tiny drawer.
10. “Is it break time yet?”
Isn’t it nerve-wracking when your coworker won’t stop watching you? You know they’re going to tell the boss you were on Facebook.
Someone hasn’t heard about the need for social distancing. That means 6 feet away and minimize contact, okay?
12. “Would you rather work or pet me?”
Working from home offers some unique opportunities for exercise. For example, you can do wrist strengthening exercises by balancing a cat on your arm.
13. He just wants to pitch in
Who wouldn’t be motivated with a helpful coworker like this one? He’s just here to cheer you on. Don’t be distracted.
14. “It’s time for a walk”
It doesn’t matter if you have a pressing deadline or an important conference call. When Pup says it’s time to walk, you need to be ready to walk.
15. Sharing coffee is discouraged
Don’t you hate it when your coworkers steal your food? But even the most brazen probably wouldn’t sip coffee from your mug, as a cat would.
16. “I bookmarked a few pages for you”
Working with a cat on your lap can be challenging. Too often, they try to help by walking on the keyboard and opening new tabs.
17. “This is a bed, right?”
Then there’s the other matter of laptops providing warmth for kitty butts. It’s bound to happen at one point or another.
18. “Forget work. Let’s cuddle”
Try convincing a pet you can’t cuddle because you have to work. They can be pretty persistent.
19. You’re blocking the screen
Cats are drawn to computers but they don’t seem to realize they get in the way. Have you ever tried to move a cat that doesn’t want to be moved?
20. “What do you mean, ‘file paperwork’?”
Maybe we should try delegating tasks to our new furry coworkers. Fluffy can file paperwork while Rover makes some calls.
21. Your legs might go numb
Sitting all day for your job can lead to health problems like heart disease and blood clots. But having a dog on your lap while you work could cause your legs to go numb.
22. Don’t you hate being watched while you work?
Nothing is more nerve-wracking than a superior watching you while performing tasks. Your dog might not think he’s superior to you, but you know the truth.
23. “I know you’re on Facebook”
Thor, the rat, is in containment while his cage is being cleaned. But even he’s happy to have his owner home. He’ll be watching carefully to make sure you get your work done.
Some pets decided to adapt when they heard the news about social distancing. This pup thought it was a good idea to throw on a tie in preparation for work.
25. Amelia is doing catnip in the office
Drug use is strongly discouraged in office settings, but things are different during the pandemic. Amelia has been doing ‘nip all morning.
26. Some coworkers are so rude
Can you imagine living with the people you work with? Some social boundaries are going to break down.
27. Remember to take breaks every 15 minutes to play fetch
When sitting at a desk job, remember to get up and walk around every 15 minutes or so. If working from home, throw a ball with your dog.
Daisy is a bunny that’s not handling the new arrangement so well. To protest social distancing, she decided to pee on the office carpet.
29. “This is going to take me a while, Dave”
Some animals are being put to work around the country. During a pandemic, it’s all hands — and paws — on deck.
Cats think they’re being helpful when they fiddle with your computer. Don’t anyone tell them they’re messing everything up.
31. Armed with a kid and a lab
Parents who work from home not only have to contend with pets but also kids. Each of them has a different way of coping — this dad uses tiaras and cuddles.
32. “Just keeping it warm for you”
For the most part, pets want to be wherever you are. When you’re working from home, you can bet they’ll be right beside you.
33. “What do you mean I’m being distracting?”
Unfortunately, pets don’t always get the urgency of getting things done. After all, they live in a world with no responsibilities.
This cat is ready for his new job as an office assistant. He’s even dressed up for the day. Just ignore that he doesn’t have a resume.
35. I’m just here for emotional support
Some animals don’t have any skills to offer. The best thing they can do is sit and look cute for your benefit.
36. That computer is now legally hers
When cats rub their faces on objects, they’re scent-marking to claim them. Sorry, everybody. That’s her computer now.
37. “Is this what you wanted me to do?”
This chunky cat is just a bit too big for the computer keyboard, but she’s going to try her hardest to fit. Hopefully, she’ll let her owner use it soon.
It’s hard for pets to wait for their owners to finish working. Get all this “work” done and get to the important stuff, like cuddling and playing.
39. “This spreadsheet is riddled with errors”
You might find your pets take their new roles as office workers seriously. Prepare to be scrutinized. They can be hard on you.
40. “This is called a ‘mouse’, you say?”
No wonder cats love computers so much. They’re full of buttons to step on, they’re warm, and they involve something called a mouse.
41. “You’ve been working a while. Is it time to eat yet?”
Animals try to help but they just don’t have their priorities straight. Or maybe they have them straighter than we do.
This cat is thrilled to be the new favorite of her owner’s coworkers. She frequently appears on Zoom feeds to everyone’s delight.
43. Three days in and he’s already killing it
It’s impressive that during this first week of quarantine he’s already employee of the month. That must be a record.
44. “You need to stop reading the news”
Our pets can sense when we’re stressed — and we’re very stressed these days. He just wants to make sure you’re practicing self-care.
45. Complaining to the manager
There’s always that one coworker who complains to the manager every chance they get. That doesn’t change at home.
46. “How about I just hold it like this?”
Some pets just want to help out in whatever way they can. Sometimes, those ways are less than helpful but at least they’re trying.
47. Providing moral support through naps
It’s a new schedule for everyone. Sometimes, all your pet can do is lay down beside you to provide some unconscious company while you work.
48. “This computer isn’t working”
Pets aren’t used to being in the workforce, so you might have to teach them how to use your technology. Now, show the cat where the power button is.
49. Now reporting as radio producer
Pets have suddenly been thrust into all kinds of careers. In only a matter of weeks, they’ve become accountants, marketers, teachers, writers, and even radio hosts.
50. “Feed me, then you may work”
Working from home can be distracting for many reasons. For example, your cat might have some demands before they let you concentrate.
51. “You know, that’s ACTUALLY my seat…”
Not only do pets have to get used to their owners being home, but also having their schedule disrupted. Doesn’t the owner know that’s where the dog sits every afternoon?
52. “You work and I’ll just sit and stare at you”
Working can be a little distracting when your pet stares at you. Just try to concentrate and hope they get bored.
53. 11:03 a.m.: scratch the dog’s ears
Working from home offers the unique challenge of combining work and home tasks. First, do some spreadsheets, then cuddle the dog.
54. Working AND snuggling at the same time
With all the stress animals can sense, they sometimes become a bit needy. So, during this crisis. give them plenty of snuggles.
55. He’s cute, but his work ethic is awful
You can’t expect your pets to have the same work ethic as you do. After all, they’re just now entering the workforce and aren’t familiar with the expectations.
56. “Just checking your work”
This cat thinks he’s qualified to check his owner’s work. Slow your roll, cat. You don’t even have a college degree.
57. Someone hasn’t heard about social distancing
Just try to explain social distancing to a cat. They’ll snuggle even harder. They might even cough in your face a couple of times.
58. “You should take a break and spend time with me”
You know how some coworkers chatter and waste your time while you’re trying to focus on work? It happens at home, too. At least this coworker is cute.
59. “You’re doing great, Mom”
Social distancing is intimidating and this pandemic is frightening. But at least we have our best furry friends to keep our spirits up.
60. “I’m not happy you’re here”
Cats love to pretend they don’t care about us but we know the truth. They’re thrilled we’re home with them all day.
61. “It’s after 5:00, Dave. Feed me.”
In the office, your boss probably wants you to stay late. But now there’s a new boss in town and he demands kibbles at exactly 5:00 p.m.
62. “This thing tastes funny”
I don’t know why a dog would lick a keyboard…or why they lick anything for that matter. My best guess is there’s snack residue on those keys.
Pearl the guinea pig might not know how to type but she’s here to offer her moral support. That’s pretty much the most a guinea pig can do.
64. “Just keeping your seat warm”
This dog was just trying to keep the seat warm while his owner ran to the bathroom. He wasn’t trying to keep him from sitting back down. No sir.
65. No one wants to see that
Cats are pretty shameless and they love attention. Now that video conferencing is in the house, this kitty enjoys showing off her tooshie to all the remote coworkers.
Working from home with pets will help us develop many new skills. This guy can put this on his resume: “Balancing a dog on the shoulder while staying productive.”
67. “I’ll get right on this”
Why do I get the feeling this dog took over human’s job? I guess everyone has to step up in a crisis.
You might say they’re under qualified but I think any company would be proud to have this crew onboard. They’d be the hardest workers you’ve ever seen.
Most of us are concerned about the coronavirus pandemic, but not this kitty. She just wants to know if it’ll interfere with napping 16 hours a day.
70. “This meeting could’ve been an email”
Teleworking is about to show us just how many meetings can be emails. This dog gets it.
71. “You can work on the couch and that’s it”
This little dog has some things to say about his owner working from home. For example, he dictates where she can work.
72. “You keep working — I’m going to nap”
I’m sure this dog is very supportive of her owner during this stressful time. But right now, she needs a nap.
73. What don’t you understand about social distancing?
How many times do we have to say this? Everyone should stay 6 feet apart at all times. Well, except for cuddles.
74. “I’ll have to edit this”
When cats become coworkers, they get promoted immediately. Just understand your cat is your superior, okay?
75. Well, whose fault is that?
This cat is upset he can’t sit on his owner’s keyboard. You can decide who’s really at fault here.
In March 2020, things suddenly became very different for people all over the world. As the coronavirus spread, people were advised to stock their kitchens and stay home. The World Health Organization officially declared the coronavirus a pandemic, with cases seen in most countries around the globe.
In the United States, a national emergency was declared. Schools closed, bars and restaurants locked their doors, and gatherings of more than 10 people were prohibited. Meanwhile, companies made provisions wherever possible for their employees to work from home.
Social distancing, a modern term for “isolation,” takes some getting used to. For most people, it’s strange. Even when it goes well, there’s still an adjustment to make after being accustomed to going out every day. And in a time of crisis, people are learning how to appreciate the little things.
One bright spot about working from home is you get to spend all day with your pets. They’re used to seeing you leave in the morning. But now, they get to work alongside. In an effort to cheer each other up, people are taking to social media to share photos of their new “coworkers.”
Here are 75 of the best furry coworkers we’ve seen shared lately.
