With so many people working from home these days, it’s common to have our coworkers’ pets pop up in our conversations, our social media updates, and our video calls. Though it may seem like a strange situation to some, the fact is, pets in the workplace can provide some benefits—though if companies are going to invite pets in, they’ll need to set up smart policies to manage them.
I don’t just mean service dogs or therapy animals, although of course they have important roles to play for the people they help, and companies should plan for how they will make accommodations for these special categories. However, I’m talking here specifically about creating a pet-friendly workplace. There are several advantages employers can gain by welcoming pet dogs to the company office—as long as the environment remains safe and welcoming for all employees, pets or not.
Remember, all the information in this blog post is published in good faith and for general information purpose only. I am not an attorney, nor do I provide legal advice. The information provided is my personal opinion and not that of any organization, business, company, agency or other individuals. The author is not liable for any losses or damages related to actions or failure to act related to the content of this article. If you need specific legal advice, consult with an attorney who specializes in your subject matter. Any action you take upon the information you find on this website (www.hrraw.com), is strictly at your own risk.
Penny Horton | October 3, 2020
First, the benefits…
Dogs in the Workplace Promote Work-Life Balance
There’s nothing like a dog to remind you to take refreshing breaks away from the computer or phone to relax for a few moments. Whether it’s to give the dogs a short walk, a bowl of water or a few minutes of playful attention, when employees take regular breaks, they are happier and more effective at their jobs. Dogs can be a reason to do so.
Dogs at Work Lessen Employee Stress
Companies that invite dogs into the workplace are offering a natural stress-reliever for their staff—or at least the members of the staff who enjoy animals. As pets, dogs in particular are usually active, entertaining and friendly, and they tend to appeal even to employees who are shy around other humans. Dogs can lift people’s moods and provide great comic relief on days when the staff needs it.
Pets in the Workplace Encourage Productivity
Studies show that pets help people relax, which promotes creativity and flexible thinking. When employees are feeling happy, refreshed and creative, they’re better at their job responsibilities. Pets can also provide a reason for employers to connect, which enhances communication, cooperation and teamwork.
Pet-Friendly Workplaces Create Healthy Workers
When employees get up from their chairs often to walk their dogs, the exercise involved promotes wellness for humans as well as pets. People who walk their dogs at least 5 days a week exhibit lower rates of obesity and save money in healthcare, which saves employers in health costs that could otherwise drive up health insurance premiums.
Inviting Pets into the Office Can Be a Great Perk
As any HR pro (including Who’s Your HR?) will tell you, a key way to attract and retain great employees is to offer creative perks. Many employees love the flexibility of bringing dogs to work. It’s convenient, lessening the need to run home at lunch to check on the pets. And employees find it easier to stay late when needed because they can care for the dog at the same time they’re finishing up a project. If you have a lot of pet owners and pet lovers, considering this perk may be a good idea.
Now, the HR perspective…
Establish Clear Policies Around Pets in the Office
It is possible for employees to enjoy having pets around, while still keeping the workplace in proper compliance with safety, health and other corporate concerns. The key to making that happen are the right rules and guidelines and making sure they work for pet owners and non-pet staff members alike. As with everything else you’ll hear Who’s Your HR? say, employers need clear policies so employees can know what’s expected and be successful on the job.
Here are a few questions to consider as you set dog-related company policies:
What types of pets are allowed?
If you don’t specify “dogs only,” you may see workers bringing in birds, ferrets, snakes… You get the idea. Tell them what’s allowed, and what isn’t.
What conditions do dogs (or any pets you allow) need to meet to be permitted?
Anticipate what’s going to work for your company and make the details clear to everyone. Some ideas include dogs that are:
- At least 3 months old (past the early puppy stage)
- Proof of up-to-date vaccinations, including rabies shots
- Free of fleas and other contagious conditions
- Clean and well groomed
- House-trained and kept on a leash
- Obedient and good with people
- No history of barking, chasing, or biting
- Microchipped in case they get lost during work hours
- Offering training classes for dogs as a perk to pet owners
What limits do you want to set in advance to ensure compliance with policies?
Consider carefully how you will limit this perk so that it doesn’t interfere with everyone’s ability to get their work done. This can include:
- Designating specific pet days, such as once a week on Fridays, or once a month. That way, pet times are predictable—and can be planned for by everyone.
- Stating how discipline will be handled if employees violate the company’s pet policies
- Setting up specific dog-friendly areas where pets will be allowed, such as a doggy daycare or an outdoor dog run—rather than the entire office
- Making it clear that pet owners don’t get extra privileges—everyone on staff should still take the same number of breaks, etc.
- Requiring pet owners to attend a pet-friendly office training class so they will know exactly what is expected, and what is prohibited.
Do you have a safe set-up for dogs in the office?
Dogs tend to be curious and enthusiastic, which means the workplace needs to be safe for them. They shouldn’t be allowed in areas where toxic substances could affect them. They shouldn’t be allowed to run free. Employees will need easy access to places to walk their dog. Be sure to designate specific areas where dogs can (and cannot) go to the bathroom. And it’s wise to have an insurance policy that covers dog bites on the premises and understand how incidents can impact your worker’s compensation insurance as well.
(If you’re wondering how a dog and bathroom situation can go wrong for employees, check out my post on the time the CEO’s dog pooped in my cubicle! And don’t let this happen at your workplace!)
How will you balance the needs of the dogs with the needs of your staff?
Not everyone will be bringing in a dog. Some people may be allergic to pet dander or even have a fear of dogs. Others may want to be assured of quiet places to concentrate. Employers should think through solutions that ensure everyone is treated fairly (the same number of breaks, pet or not) and has what they need to succeed (such as quiet rooms for concentration or important Zoom calls without any pets present).
Who is responsible when issues arise?
Pet policies should clearly state who takes responsibility for the pet’s behavior and needs. Don’t leave anything to chance. Explain in writing that it is the employee (the pet owner) who will provide leashes, bowls, food, crates, and so on.
Craft a Pet-Friendly Office Policy that Really Works
Dogs in the workplace are such a benefit that it’s well worth finding a way to invite employees to bring them to the office—as long as the policies are clear and documented. Who’s Your HR? knows the ins and outs of writing straightforward, thorough employee policies, including dog-friendly workplace guidelines that keep employees happy and productive. Contact us anytime to discuss how to make dogs a safe, positive part of your company, or to get a pet policy written for your busy
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