Dogs in the workplace

[SilverGlitterBaubles]

We are due to return to the office on a more regular basis. This is causing an issue for some people who have got lockdown puppies who can't be left at home alone. Some have suggested that they might take their dogs to work with them. In an open plan busy office I am not quite sure this would work especially with more likely dogs, plus where do you draw the line if there a few dogs in and/ or other employees are not keen on the idea? Just wondered what the thoughts are and if anyone has experience of this. TIA

This is a ridiculous suggestion
People have allergies, they are scared etc
How disruptive to have dogs barking etc in the middle of a workplace
If people got lockdown pets then they need to find a daily dog walking service or doggy day care

I personally have no problem with dogs in the workplace as long as they are fully trained and quite calm.
The only issue I could see happening is if you have any colleagues that may be afraid of dogs or an overly excitable puppy, which would be a recipe for disaster

@rubyslippers

This is a ridiculous suggestion People have allergies, they are scared etc How disruptive to have dogs barking etc in the middle of a workplace If people got lockdown pets then they need to find a daily dog walking service or doggy day care

This. Are they wanting to turn your workplace into a dog daycare centre?

My work place started allowing employees to bring dogs in to work a few years ago. They must be well behaved and remain crated when in the office. Obviously able to take them out of the crate at lunch to be walked but not allowed to roam freely in the office. Only a couple of people have taken it up. Their dogs are well behaved and it's a welcome addition. I like taking a little break and wandering over to fuss them. So far no one has objected. I don't take my boy as he's never been crated so I'm not sure how he'd react to it, plus he's rarely at home on his own and if he is its a few hours max.

I do understand that there are people who don't like or are allergic to dogs. I think I'd carry out a poll in the office if I was the boss.

Depends on the workplace. Massive and open plan - no. Small with different rooms - yes, if everyone is ok with dogs. My office is the former and it’s a blanket no, as there are too many people to consider, and nowhere to keep dogs separated. My sister and stepdad are both allowed dogs at work, though - firms of about 20-30 people, with smallish rooms of 3/4 people so the dogs aren’t free to roam.

I'm a professional dog walker, and we have a client who books us for a group walk for all the dogs who come to work in her business, open plan office with about eight desks, four of which have dogs. HOWEVER she is the owner of the business and staff are made aware that dogs will be in the room during interview. What will happen if an existing staff member is allergic to dog dander, or phobic about dogs?

I'm a dog lover, but I'd foresee problems with this in an open-plan office. Allergies and phobias, dogs getting restless and wandering about, possibly even fighting. I believe as well that coming into close contact with dogs is problematic in some religions.

If the office is dog-friendly from the outset, then that's one thing - people can choose whether to work there - but imposing this on existing employees isn't really fair.

It’s a hard no
People who have done this with no foresight are in the wrong and it’s not up to their employer to change working practices

I have a dog and would love to work somewhere I could take him with me BUT I think that people should know an office is dog friendly before they choose to work there and if the policy is to be applied there should be a consultation. If even 1 person is phobic or allergic it should be a no

I personally do not think it would work in our workplace and I have met some of the darling pups concerned and although absolutely lovely they are clearly not the kind that are going to sit quietly in a corner all day. As PPs have said if you got a dog in lockdown you should have done so with your eyes open that the situation wasn't permanent and need to arrange alternative care for your working day.

I would want to resign if dogs were allowed in my workplace. I have been bitten by 2 and would be on edge.

We have well behaved dogs in the workplace. It's not your average workplace though. It's a converted barn next to the founders house and his dogs are in and out all the time. Staff are allowed to take a dog with them as long as they behave! It's also in miles of farmland so you can join in on a big dog walk on your lunch break! It's actually very stress relieving and enriching.

Just to add - this is a long-standing thing not a "new initiative" and anyone interviewed to work at that site are told in the interview so they can make a decision whether they are comfortable with that!

Oh, and allergies!

I’d have loved a dog in any workplace, but it only happened once, when I was working in the Middle East. (Brit) Bloke I shared an office with had a big Alsatian called Simba. He was extremely well behaved, but soon got to know which was the drawer I kept my biscuits in, and would very politely ask for one when I opened it. 😍🐶

Just to add, I absolutely do not think an employer should be pressured to do do because people without any foresight bought puppies in lockdown and gave no consideration to what would happen when wfh ceased. We've got one such guy at work, his dog is not well behaved enough for him to bring in, so the majority of the time is left for 8 hours a day shut in the house. That really makes me angry. It's cruel and selfish.

We have ways had a dog friendly landlord. Dogs must be kept on leash through corridors and noise is not permitted. I don't take my dogs in but my boss does. As long as they're well trained and quiet I don't see the issue unless anyone is allergic. Anyone scared from dogs should also be considered.

Lots of workplaces are already dog friendly and allow people to bring their dogs.

Where I live (rural Cumbria) most shops and cafes have a "shop dog" too - normally belonging to the owner or a staff member.

I currently bring my dog to walk but I'm a dog walker so I suspect it doesn't count

I think there is also an element of some not wanting to return to the workplace and using the 'but I can't leave the dog' as an excuse to continue to fully WFH. We are required to be in the workplace for 2/3 days plus any training, meetings and holiday cover so which I think is a pretty fair compromise by our employers. However if everyone does not comply to make it work, I suspect the bosses will just say ok everyone back in and no WFH.

I take mine to work sometimes but I have my own office. He's elderly so just snoozes, not sure he likes the noise though so leave him at home mostly, he's fine for 5-6 hours

dh had his beef sandwich stolen by the office labrador

my ds takes his pup to work currently

It sounds like you work with a lot of very stupid people

Obviously they didn't consider that at some point in the near future they'd have to return to work

I wouldn't want any dogs in my workplace. I think it's unprofessional. If you have a child, can you bring them in as well?

Yes, we have dogs in the office. I was the one that wasn't keen. Things I've learned:

They are all walked at lunch time and settle easier in the afternoon.

Need to be kept under control, especially when people come in, as they tend to all get excited together if not. The more dogs/visitors there are the bigger this is a problem.

Visitors mainly love seeing them

Having a separate "kennel" for them to live in doesn't work. They are just noisier.

Make sure they all have the appropriate vaccines.

Cross fingers people appreciate the allowance and are fair about how many they bring in!

It helps keep good staff as its not an option in most workplaces.

I've learnt they aren't as bad as expected and I've got more confidence with

Dogs now.

Are the 7000 other threads on this exact topic not enough that you needed to start ANOTHER one