DON’T expect your coworkers to help you manage your pet. In this case, you are the boss! You are 100% responsible for feeding, walking, pottying, disciplining and rewarding your dog.
Dogs can be curious about new environments, smells and people. If your workplace is not already dog-friendly, you might want to do a walk-through to identify any hazards for your dog before you bring them in.
Bringing dogs to work is a growing trend and is often something job-hunters look for when it comes to workplace benefits. While bringing dogs to work is a wonderful thing in our eyes, not everyone is always so enthused.
Remember, bringing your dog to work should not make it harder for other people (or you) to do your job, so keep this in mind during your workday and be considerate.
DON’T bring your dog to work if they are not spayed or neutered and will be in contact with other intact office dogs. No one needs that stress! Also, keep yourself attuned to your dog and look out for any signs of stress, aggression or high-energy that could lead to an unsafe scenario.
7Ease Your Dog Into Your Routine
Set a schedule to help your dog adapt to their new office environment. Sickles recommends a few hours per day at first, and not taking your dog into the office multiple days in a row. Depending on your dog, it might take a few months for them to work up to being in the office full-time with you—and certain dogs might be happiest with just an occasional day in the office.
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Your employer may require you to carry liability insurance to cover damages in the event that your dog destroys property or causes harm to another employee or dog. You may already be covered by your homeowner’s or renter’s insurance for this type of liability, so check your current coverage.
How to Bring Your Dog to Work: A Step-by-Step Guide iStock.com/AnchiyReady to return to work with your pup by your side? Follow these steps to ensure a smooth transition for you, your colleagues and, of course, your dog.
Check with your boss regarding their policies on pets at work and make sure you understand all the rules. Not all dog-friendly workplaces will allow your dog in all locations in the office, and others may have other specific rules about how many pets can be at work on any given day. “[Employers] don’t want 100 dogs showing up if they only have space for 50,” Skalka says.
If your employer doesn’t currently have any pet-friendly policies in place, consider presenting the business benefits of having a dog-friendly workplace to your employer. You can approach your HR team, or an executive manager who’s also a dog-lover, who could help you advocate. Remember to consider your employer’s goals, and make your case based on how dogs at work can help you meet those goals.
Take Your Puppy to Work Tips – Puppy’s First Day at the Office
Unless you have a service animal, you do not have a legal right to bring your pet to work. Still, many companies are drafting pet policies, especially when employees are wondering what they will do with “pandemic puppies,” or animals adopted during stay-at-home orders related to COVID-19.
If you want to know whether you can bring your pet to work, talk to your boss and consult your employer’s human resources (HR) department.
Pets, specifically dogs, have been proven to reduce stress in the workplace. Having a workplace pet policy can help employees and clients alike feel more relaxed, comfortable, and sociable – and improve office morale. Employees who can bring their pets to work tend to work longer hours and have fewer absences, and employers who offer a pet perk are seen as more progressive and forward-thinking.
Additionally, a workplace pet policy is a huge financial perk because employees do not have to pay for doggie daycare or walking services.