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Original poster

Office dogs

119 replies

ExhaustedMama68 · 19/10/2022 07:10

Does anyone else work in an office where people are allowed to bring their dogs along with them?

I’ve been in the same office for over 6 years and In the early days, one person was allowed to bring their dog on the odd day.

Now, as the company is growing and more new people are starting, they all seem to be bringing their dogs for various reasons - no care for them, want to save money on dog walkers etc.

My issue is that I’m actually terrified of dogs (which everyone in the office is aware of) and it’s becoming quite uncomfortable going to work each day and not knowing if there will be a dog or not.

I never bring my DC to work because my childcare has fallen through - I just make alternative arrangements?

WFH is unfortunately not an option.

OP posts:
JustBkind · 19/10/2022 07:14

Well that’s a new one! I would be questioning what risk assessments are in place for having dogs on site and also if the insurance covers any incidents that involve animals? These should all take into account people’s fears/allergies etc too and how it affects the work environment. I personally love dogs but I’d never get any work done!

Spidey66 · 19/10/2022 07:15

Much as I love my dog, I wouldn't bring her into work with me.....she'd distract me too much! I'd spend my whole day playing with her!

I think the only places suitable are if you work in doggy day care, animal charities, pet shops, or if your dog is a working or therapy dog.

AnnapurnaSanctuary · 19/10/2022 07:16

I would really struggle with this OP (although I'm nervous rather than terrified).

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silverclock222 · 19/10/2022 07:17

We are all allowed to bring dogs to the office if we want to. We have noone afraid but if there was or any allergies then noone would be permitted. We like dogs in the workplace but like children if there was any reason they couldn't come in the owner would need to make alternative arrangements.

ColinRobinsonsfamiliar · 19/10/2022 07:22

Yes people are bringing their dogs to our office!

I too am very uncomfortable around dogs . Terrified with full on sweaty palms, heart beating out of my chest, breathing fast, can’t look away from them. I cross the road if there is one on the pavement coming towards me.

I wFH so avoid this but then they post pictures on the company communication page of their dogs in the office. This makes me dread the days where I have to go in.

The thing is, if i complain or say anything I will be seen as an absolute twat as I feel as I am the only person who is uncomfortable around dogs out of the whole workforce of dog lovers.

Idratherbepaddleboarding · 19/10/2022 07:22

I’d love to work on an office full of dogs, can we swap? 😂 I do work in people’s homes, most of whom have dogs. Our risk assessments say they should be kept out of the way but I always tell parents to let them in for a cuddle. My own dog thinks my job is to go out visiting other dogs as I always come back smelling of them.

Whinge · 19/10/2022 07:28

The thing is, if i complain or say anything I will be seen as an absolute twat as I feel as I am the only person who is uncomfortable around dogs out of the whole workforce of dog lovers.

I suspect you're not the only one, but the other people who are also worried or dislike the situation also feel like they can't speak up. Sad

I like dogs, but I would really dislike being made to work in an office surrounded by everyones pets.

AnApparitionQuipped · 19/10/2022 07:29

I don't think this is a good idea - and I say this as someone who had a dog for 14 years. Only assistance dogs should be allowed in the office. It isn't fair on people with allergies and phobias to have an office full of dogs, not to mention that sooner or later there will be incidents such as fouling, fighting, annoying barking and so on.

Unless you work in the offices of Dogs' Trust, or a kennels, or somewhere else where dogs come with the territory, this should be a no-go.

daisymade · 19/10/2022 07:30

I take my dogs into one client office I work in because it’s a farm/estate office and I’m the only one in there. I take them because the client suggested I do, I’m out and about on the estate most of the day so it’s a nice day for the dogs to be there.
when I’m in my firms office absolutely not. I’m a line manager and fairly risk focussed and I just can’t comprehend how your risk assessments and insurance make that stack up in a multi user office.

I feel your issue is broaching it without being perceived as the fun sponge who ruined the dogs in the office vibe. (You’re absolutely not, no one should be subjected to face their fears like that, especially when everyone knows you don’t like dogs)

Ekátn · 19/10/2022 07:33

I would live an office with dogs in. However I would be unlikely to get any work done.

I would love to take mine. But one would spend all day trying to get peoples attention. The other would lay in my feet and then find someone who doesn’t want a dog around and go lay on there’s. She only likes people who don’t try and get her attention.

However, I don’t think it’s right tbh. Plenty of people don’t like dogs, Don’t want them around and that’s ok. Unless a company started with a dogs welcome policy and were clear when advertising for jobs I think it’s really unfair.

Also, offices often have carpets, loads of dogs would make it smell after a while. The Theres risk as dementia, what happens if a dog needs the loo and it’s owner is in a meeting. What happens if 2 dogs don’t get on and the owners have to be near each other for work. And so on and so forth.

It seems like a bit of a nightmare. Though in my head I imagine it as a paradise where everyone is happy 😃

gogohmm · 19/10/2022 07:33

Exh takes the dog to work but he has his own office. If you have a dog phobia, why not work on this, perhaps your employer could help with some therapy

Billybagpuss · 19/10/2022 07:35

I take it taking dogs for a wee has replaced the going out for a ciggie break as an excuse for extra time off?

I love dogs but feel a professional office should be a dog free zone for multiple reasons most importantly:
distraction
allergies
anxiety for those who don’t share my love
unpredictability of an animal if they decide they don’t like someone

I also feel that restaurants who allow dogs, which I think is great, should have dog restricted areas for those who don’t like them.

HighlandPony · 19/10/2022 07:36

I clean offices where digs are allowed. Don’t see a problem with it, more a problem that an actual adult is terrified of dogs.

AnApparitionQuipped · 19/10/2022 07:36

gogohmm · 19/10/2022 07:33

Exh takes the dog to work but he has his own office. If you have a dog phobia, why not work on this, perhaps your employer could help with some therapy

That's all very well, but therapy isn't going to cure the OP overnight and in the meantime, she has to keep going to work.

NCHammer2022 · 19/10/2022 07:37

God I’d hate this. Hope it doesn’t catch on in the public sector. Sorry OP I have no advice just sympathy. It’s really selfish just making workplaces somewhere that are filled with dogs all the bloody time because they can’t be arsed to put proper arrangements in place to care for their own pets.

OnTheBrinkOfChange · 19/10/2022 07:37

HighlandPony · 19/10/2022 07:36

I clean offices where digs are allowed. Don’t see a problem with it, more a problem that an actual adult is terrified of dogs.

There's no reason for an attitude like that. You have no idea why she doesn't like dogs.

Whereisthehugeteddybear · 19/10/2022 07:38

not to mention that sooner or later there will be incidents such as fouling, fighting, annoying barking and so on.

I know of 2 dogs that started mating under a desk in an office!!😳

Ekátn · 19/10/2022 07:39

Whereisthehugeteddybear · 19/10/2022 07:38

not to mention that sooner or later there will be incidents such as fouling, fighting, annoying barking and so on.

I know of 2 dogs that started mating under a desk in an office!!😳

I have 2 girls who like to hump eachother. Another reason not to take them. 😂

NightmareSlashDelightful · 19/10/2022 07:43

All you can do is talk to your HR people or manager, ultimately. The company will either have a policy or it won’t.

I don’t see an issue in raising it, although I’d go along the lines of distraction/potential noise and mess/what about colleagues or clients with allergies etc. Because ultimately your fear is your problem, and on its own won’t be enough to enact a policy.

DozyFox · 19/10/2022 07:43

HighlandPony · 19/10/2022 07:36

I clean offices where digs are allowed. Don’t see a problem with it, more a problem that an actual adult is terrified of dogs.

There are not enough eye rolls in the world for this one...

LucyD30 · 19/10/2022 07:43

We are allowed dogs in our office. We did have a lady who was scared so the rule was that the dog is on a lead at all times. My dog is very well behaved and chilled out so he just sleeps all the time. No one knows he is there most of the time and I get very positive feedback. However another person who brings their dog in is a different story - it’s boisterous and barks and she doesn’t keep it under control very well. It’s a shame as it will probably ruin it for all of us. Even the lady who is scared of dogs was ok with mine because she never saw or heard him and I always let her know if I was going to the kitchen or leaving my desk with him. If everyone was considerate with well behaved dogs the it could be ok but entirely depends on the set up. We have hybrid working so office never full anymore. It’s a lovely perk but equally I would hate to make my colleagues dread going in so I only bring him in when I need to if my other arrangements fall through

NightmareSlashDelightful · 19/10/2022 07:43

Whereisthehugeteddybear · 19/10/2022 07:38

not to mention that sooner or later there will be incidents such as fouling, fighting, annoying barking and so on.

I know of 2 dogs that started mating under a desk in an office!!😳

I’ve known several junior account handlers who’ve done the same!

thelobsterquadrille · 19/10/2022 07:44

My dog comes to work with me but I'm a dog walker so I reckon that's okay Grin

AnApparitionQuipped · 19/10/2022 07:45

NightmareSlashDelightful · 19/10/2022 07:43

I’ve known several junior account handlers who’ve done the same!

Show quote history

😂

Original poster
ExhaustedMama68 · 19/10/2022 07:46

Thank you for all the helpful comments. Glad to know I’m not the only one who thinks it’s not a good idea.

I didn’t even think of the insurance side of things but the CEO brings their dog so I’m guessing it’s either been covered or they don’t care.

OP posts: