Are you looking for a way to boost employee morale? Consider an office mascot.Companies from Build-A-Bear Workshop to Google are opening their doors to welcome in furry co-workers. Here are some reasons why:1. They Force Us To Take A BreakPets need to be walked, fed and given attention. While this can be seen as a downside to welcoming your four-legged friend into your work environment, it also forces you to take a quick break from the daily grind, a few times a day. Taking daily breaks can not only help reduce burnout, but also improve circulation, lower hear risks and eye strain.2. They Are Fun, And Can Be Great Ice BreakersIs your office so quiet you can hear crickets chirping? Are you looking for a way to bring your employees together? Pets can help generate conversations just by being themselves. Even though your employees may have different interests, most will agree that a quick visit from your office mascot will put a smile on everyone's face.3. Pets Show Off Your Company's CultureIt's harder now, more than ever, to stand out from the crowd for employees and employers alike. If you find an amazing candidate that you would love to hire, chances are you are not the only business that is looking at them. Having an office pet is a great way to show potential employees that your office is not only progressive, but is more like a family than just a job.4. They Are Good For Your HealthHealth Care costs are going up. Promoting a healthier workplace is a great benefit to everyone. Not only does having a pet help elevate your employees moods, but it can also help benefit them physically. Some known benefits to having a pet include: lowered blood pressure, reduced stress and increased cardiovascular health.It is important to take in to consideration your animals temperament and needs before welcoming them as the newest member of your team. You will want a pet who is sociable, potty trained and well-behaved or they may end up having an opposite effect on decreasing stress in the office.