Dogs in the Office – the Dos and Don’ts of Taking Pets to Work
One minute it’s an office Zoom call, the next it’s office zoomies – life is never dull in a dog-friendly office! Having your four-legged friend by your side is a brilliant way to brighten the day, but it’s important to remember not everyone feels as comfortable around dogs as you do.
As fun as office dogs can be, it requires a lot of planning and good etiquette to create a workspace where people and pets get along. It’s essential to balance your dog’s needs with thoughtful consideration of colleagues – you need to get tails wagging instead of tongues.
Have you had a request from the team to make your office dog-friendly? Or maybe you want to take your own pet into work with you? Our guide weighs up the pros and cons of dogs in the workplace, and shares our top tips on office dog etiquette.
Discover the Benefits of an Office Dog
According to research by the University of Lincoln, employees who take their dog to work report 22% higher job satisfaction. Pet nutrition and care specialists Purina revealed similar statistics in its Europe-wide survey – 40% of people with pets at work said it enhances work-life balance, while 24% believe it improves relationships in the workplace.
Office pets can bring a surprising amount of positivity into a busy workday. Studies show that dogs in the workplace create a more relaxed atmosphere with reduced stress levels. It even has its own annual day in the calendar – the UK celebrates National Take Your Dog to Work Day each June, on the Friday after Father’s Day.
Wondering what the benefits are for your business? Here are five reasons why an office dog makes the workspace a better place to be.
- Reduced stress – studies suggest that spending just 10 minutes petting a dog causes your body to produce enough oxytocin to reduce stress levels. This helps employees feel happier and healthier.
- More movement and exercise – walking the dog encourages regular screen breaks, inserting gentle activity and fresh air into a busy workday. Perfect for reenergising or clearing the head.
- Increased social interaction – dogs are a great ice-breaker, sparking conversations with colleagues you might not otherwise talk to. It builds or strengthens relationships across your team.
- Better work-life balance – a dog-friendly office makes it easier for employees to manage pet care responsibilities. This removes the feeling of guilt or stress from leaving a pet home alone.
- Improved employee retention – a pet-friendly policy can make your company more attractive to new talent, and make it less likely that current staff will want to leave.
Dos and Don’ts of Dogs in the Workplace
Going into the office for the first time is as exciting for your dog as it is for you. It’s a whole new world of places to explore, smells to sniff and people to meet. This can be both wonderful and overwhelming for your pet.
To become top dog in the office, your furry friend needs to be a welcome addition and not an unexpected distraction. So before you clip on the lead and set off for work, it’s essential to plan ahead. A little preparation goes a long way when it comes to ensuring a positive experience for you, your dog and your colleagues. That’s why it’s important to understand what to do – and what not to do.
Dogs in the Office – What to Do
Do prepare your dog before bringing them in
Get your training in at home. It’s important for dogs to learn basic skills like sitting or lying down on command. They should be able to settle when not receiving attention, and understand instructions such as ‘stay’ or ‘leave it’.
Make sure your dog is comfortable meeting strangers without barking or jumping up in excitement. Practise calm greetings at home or on familiar walks to prepare for the excitement of work life. It’s also worth introducing them to the daily commute, so they are familiar and comfortable with the journey to the office.
Do create a safe and comfortable space
Make sure you’ve prepared a safe and quiet space for your dog to settle comfortably. Is it out the way of any busy walkways or areas with lots of foot traffic? If it’s beneath your office desk, have you cleared any hazards or cables that could be chewed? Set up bedding that your dog is familiar with, and make sure there is plenty of space for a water and food bowl.
Do communicate with colleagues
Before bringing your dog in, talk it over with your team. Not everyone is comfortable around dogs, and some colleagues may have allergies or phobias. Checking in ahead of time helps set expectations and avoids surprises on the day. It’s also worth letting people know what your dog is like. Are they excitable, shy or nervous? Sharing this information in advance prepares your team so they interact with your dog in a way that keeps everyone relaxed.
Do keep your dog’s routine in mind
Keep your dog’s routine as familiar as possible. Stick to regular toilet breaks and feeding times, and set time aside for a proper walk. With so many new sights and sounds, it’s easy for office dogs to become overstimulated – offering quiet breaks or a comfy spot to nap helps to encourage calmness.
Dogs in the Office – What Not to Do
Don’t assume everyone loves dogs
Even in a dog‑friendly office, not everyone will feel relaxed around your pet. Some colleagues may have allergies, fears or simply prefer to keep their distance. Don’t put colleagues in an uncomfortable position by pressuring them into meeting your dog. Respect personal boundaries and let them say hello if they want to.
Don’t bring a sick, anxious or overly excitable dog
If your dog is a whirlwind of relentless energy, the office probably isn’t the right place for them. Similarly, if your dog isn’t feeling well or is showing signs of stress, it’s better to let them stay home where they can recover. A calm, healthy dog is far more likely to enjoy the office experience – and be welcomed back.
Don’t let your dog roam freely
Make sure you set boundaries for dogs in the workplace. Allowing pets to wander unsupervised may distract colleagues or, even worse, pose a safety risk. Set up some comfortable bedding and bring a favourite toy. If necessary, use a lead to keep your dog close by and prevent any unwanted interruptions during meetings.
Don’t ignore disruptive behaviour
Address unwanted behaviour as soon as it starts. Barking, jumping up, begging for food or chewing office equipment can all disrupt the working day. Step in quickly with a calm command or take your dog for a short break outside to reset. This shows you’re proactive and responsible, helping to reassure colleagues.
How to Create a Dog-Friendly Office
If you’re an office manager who’s ready to welcome dogs in the office, you’ll need to introduce a few small changes to ensure a positive experience for people and pets. With a little planning, your workspace will be calm, safe and enjoyable for everyone. Consider these top tips for a smooth transition into becoming a pet-friendly office.
- Establish a clear policy so everyone knows the rules
- Set boundaries with dog‑friendly zones and no‑go areas
- Provide essentials like water bowls, waste bins and cleaning supplies
- Encourage regular breaks so dogs can stretch and exercise
- Create quiet spaces where dogs can rest away from noise
- Advise colleagues on how to interact with office dogs respectfully
Problems with Dogs in the Office – and How to Solve Them
Even the most well-behaved of pets can cause issues in a busy workplace. Not everyone feels comfortable when a dog appears in the office for the day, with common worries including anything from allergies and noise concerns to cleanliness and safety. Here are some of the key problems you may encounter — and how to tackle them effectively.
The Downside of Office Dogs
Cleanliness and hygiene
Whether it’s shedding fur, muddy paw prints or the occasional toilet mishap, office dogs can sometimes cause a bit of a mess. Being strict on cleanliness is essential for maintaining a fresh and hygienic office. Encourage owners to tidy up after their pets by providing a variety of cleaning products such as mops, wipes, surface cleaners, odour removers and a vacuum cleaner.
Allergies and Sensitivities
Pet dander can trigger allergies or asthma for some colleagues, so you should always be mindful of how dogs might affect others. Creating dog‑free zones, improving ventilation and having open conversations about individual needs can help minimise discomfort. A little awareness goes a long way in making sure everyone can work happily alongside office pets.
Noise and Disruptions
You can forgive the occasional bark of excitement, but too much noise can disrupt meetings or break concentration. Encourage owners to prepare their dogs in advance with proper training. Provide quiet spaces for them to settle, and make use of regular breaks to help them let off steam outside.
Safety and Behaviour Concerns
Setting clear behaviour expectations and insisting on close supervision help prevent issues before they arise. Ensuring dogs are well‑trained, comfortable around people and kept within sight means everyone can enjoy a safe and relaxed working environment.
Put it Right with a Pets at Work Policy
Lay down the law with a simple Pets at Work policy so everybody knows exactly where they stand. By setting clear rules and expectations, you’ll avoid misunderstandings and support colleagues who may feel unsure about dogs in the workplace.
Why not start with a trial visit, to see how things go? If it’s popular, you could introduce a designated day when employees are able to bring their dogs with them. If you’re worried about your office starting to look like doggy day care, set a limit of one employee at a time – organise dog visits on a turn-by-turn basis, or with a random draw.
Key policy inclusions for dogs at work
- Clear rules on behaviour, supervision and training requirements
- Guidance on cleanliness, waste disposal and accident management
- Steps to support colleagues with allergies or sensitivities
- Limits on where dogs can and can’t go within the office
- Expectations around noise, disruptions and settling behaviour
Proactive ideas to welcome office dogs
- Introduce a designated ‘dog day’ once a week or month
- Limit the number of dogs allowed in the office at any one time
- Use a simple booking or approval system so visits stay organised
- Encourage trial visits for new office dogs to ease them in gently
Office Dog FAQs
Make sure your dog is calm, sociable and comfortable around new people. Give them a good walk beforehand, and introduce them to the office gradually so they can settle in without feeling overwhelmed.
Bring the basics – water, a bowl, treats, poo bags, a lead, a comfy bed or blanket and a favourite toy. It’s also helpful to pack cleaning wipes or spray, just in case.
Breeds known for being calm, friendly and low‑shedding tend to adapt best to office life. Popular choices include Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Labradors, Pugs, French Bulldogs and mixed‑breed dogs with relaxed temperaments.
A good office dog is calm, sociable and able to settle for long periods. If your dog handles new environments well, enjoys meeting people and doesn’t bark excessively, they’re likely to cope well in a workplace setting.
In the UK, National Take Your Dog to Work Day is usually on the Friday after Father’s Day each June. Dates vary slightly each year, so it’s worth checking online if you’re unsure.
The best office pets are quiet, calming and easy to look after. Freshwater fish are a popular choice because they’re so relaxing to watch, while guinea pigs or hamsters offer a far smaller alternative to dogs.
In Summary
Welcoming dogs in the office can bring a lot of joy, but it works best when everyone knows what to expect. With a little planning, clear communication and a simple pets at work policy, your staff will be able to enjoy the full benefits of having an office dog to make a fuss of.
It’s equally important to stay mindful of colleagues who have allergies or who simply don’t feel at ease around dogs, and to make sure their needs are considered too. By thinking ahead and tackling common concerns early, your team can enjoy all the benefits of a pet‑friendly office without the stress.
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