Dogs in the office

I’d like to see what the risk assessment is for having a dog in the office. Being bitten by a dog, tripping over a dog or flea bites in addition to employees who might be phobic or allergic. I think there could be a claim there. I love dogs actually but some of the posters are so obnoxious.

Many insurance policies don't cover dogs at the workplace unless the underwriters have specifically endorsed the policy.

Our puppy is hopefully going to be an assistance dog for DD2. We are insured with PetPlan and I had to telephone them to inform them of our intentions. They went to their underwriter who endorsed her policy with the statement that she was covered for all clauses of the policy in connection with assistance dog duties, including at the workplace.

Wow nothings sacred is it? You can't even go to work now without having to deal with other people's dogs.
YANBU at all. I wouldn't like it and not because I have allergies, I just am not keen on dogs.
I'll never understand why this is treated like some kind of crime...why? We don't all have to like dogs.
People shouldn't bring them into the office. If you have a dog that can't be left, don't work full time, or pay for a kennels or dog walker. That's the price you pay.
All this bringing them to work stuff is nonsense, unless it's a one off event or something.
Unfortunately, I don't think you'll make yourself very popular with your colleague if you say something.
Try to move desks when the dog is in, not that you should have to. Would you consider searching for another job?

Haven't RTFT but I used to work in a very large office, and a senior manager occasionally brought their dog in. I asked if I could bring mine in, said he would stay under my desk on his bed. My manager said no, dogs weren't allowed in because of health and safety. I searched for the policy and couldn't find it, and in this office, if there wasn't a written policy then it wasn't a thing.
Told senior manager in passing and she over ruled it, making it known that everyone could bring dogs in. From then on we had about 3 dogs a week in.

To answer your question OP, the dog was there before you, so I would look for another job if it really bothers you, or you won't be very widely liked.

I have an allergy to pollen, I adjust by taking antihistamines. Most allergies are easily manageable in day to day life and many people easily go about their business without fuss.

There is a lot of whinging about it but whatever your views, the facts are that dogs are more frequently in office spaces, cafes, retail, everywhere so people will have to adjust to the new environment they find themselves in.

You can't actually be serious? The OP has an allergy to dogs and SHE is the one who has to somehow 'adjust'?!

They should have told you when you applied and shouldn’t have hired you if you can’t be around dogs. They’re totally in the wrong for not disclosing this info.

“thanks for your response. We had hoped that this might be an opportunity for X and my son to get to know each other a little better outside of school as they appear to enjoy the time together at school and extra curricular club. If X changes his mind, let me know”

Fully agree. No way I'd work anywhere that has dogs in the office. The only exception I'd make on that is a service dog.

Please can you explain the allergen controls?

What is the ' good behaviour passport'?
I do hope includes proof of good flea control, worming, etc

If the office is officially dog-friendly that should be explicit somewhere in the advert or made known to candidates before an offer is made.

I would hate having dogs wandering around an office. It’s not necessary. Lots of people don’t like dogs.
It would never have occurred to me to ask about it in an interview.

YANBU I would not want to deal with dogs at work (beyond assistance) like WTF! It should have been made clear before you took on the job at interview. All this highlights though is why WFH is better (where a job can be done) as I'm all for this as well and people saving money over child care/commutes/pets/less anxiety and so on.

I absolutely could NOT work in a room with a dog. Allergies and just general dislike. I would be mortified if I started and someone had their dog with them.

Since 2011 I have worked in three offices where dogs were allowed, but I definitely think it’s more prevalent now.

I don’t think I have worked anywhere since the early 1990s that didn’t require a pre employment health questionnaire where you would state any allergy. I suspect OP didn’t disclose her allergy otherwise they surely wouldn’t have offered her the job.

There is a lot of whinging about it but whatever your views, the facts are that dogs are more frequently in office spaces, cafes, retail, everywhere so people will have to adjust to the new environment they find themselves in.

Society changes over time and this is just another change.

I so want to take my cat to work with me tomorrow now. She can hiss at all the toxic people I work with.

I had not read the bit about a customer facing desk. Don't know the nature of the business but that seems to make it more unacceptable. If it is something such as a utility or government department it is not like a coffee shop where you can decide not to go in.

This sounds bonkers to me?! I like dogs but I wouldn't want one running around while I was working....... what if everyone started bringing theirs in? Or their cats? Or guinea pigs? Where would it end?!

I work for a major global company, and the UK offices have all been dog friendly since 2018.

Yes, this! I didn’t know it was a thing.

I like dogs very much but I do sympathise with the OP, who either puts up with the situation or says something to her boss (which she has every right to do) and risks becoming unpopular with the folk who enjoy the dog’s company. Rock, hard place.

Ours had had dogs for over 20 years when I left. They still have now.

It's a small office with about 6 staff.

Dogs are not like children!

All the hyperbole is too funny. The boss allows the woman to bring her dog. End of story. It's just more whining about dogs and it's so boring!

I'm so shocked by this. I love dogs. However I have never worked in an office that allows dogs.

Is this post-COVID? Or has this been going on a while in businesses?

Absolutely ridiculous and totally unacceptable.

Personally I feel like there is no place for dogs in the workplace.

There are a number of risks associated with having a dog in the office other than allergies.

What if there was a fire and getting your dog delayed you or someone else exiting the building?

What if there was a medical emergency and the dog got in the way?

Most offices do not allow you to let you children under your desk so why should they let your dog in?

It's a health and safety nightmare.

Frankly quite unprofessional and would put me off ever working for a company that allowed this.

This is from someone who works in a global organisation working with colleagues from all around the world.

Don't have a dog if you can't arrange somewhere for it to be during the day.

Our office is dog friendly but people tend to only bring their dog in occasionally. Having a dog allergy must be very tough given how popular they have become.