Dogs in offices

[ApplePenPineapplePen]

RANT: I do not understand how or why it became acceptable for people in office jobs to take dogs to work. A workplace is no place for pets. Get a dogsitter or don't have a pet or change job. I don't want their hounds near me i don't want their hairs on my office chair. Am I being unreasonable to think the starting position should be no animals in offices? Rant over.

More calmly, I have 2 reasons that I want to avoid dogs - a severe allergy plus a previous dog attack leaving me generally nervous and stressed around dogs. Work is aware of my allergy and now office returns are being discussed, some measures are in place to minimise my exposure.

But what if that weren't the case though and I just didn't like them? Is it for the individual to check if there are animals in the office before they accept the job? Or should employers disclose in job ads?

Of course I exclude guide dogs/hearing dogs or similar.

AIBU to think the default position should be no dogs in offices?

@FrangipaniDeLaSqueegeeMopThe The whole "dogs destress" theory is probably correct in general but if you are the other end of the scale and have a phobia or allergy then the destressing theory poses the exact opposite risk and therefore it's not a blanket approach workplaces should be taking

This. But according to PPs I need to chill out or find another job. about 95% of the team I work in own dogs. If this was a thing I would be outvoted. No, I don't bring my cats or children to work so why should we allow dogs? I can't even go for lunch any more without having to check if there's dogs allowed.

In which industry do most offices allow dogs and how do I get a job in it?
There's nothing beter than a place full of dogs in my opinion. If you don't like it, don't apply for /accept such a position. Quite simple really.

@Ifeelsuchafool

In which industry do most offices allow dogs and how do I get a job in it? There's nothing beter than a place full of dogs in my opinion. If you don't like it, don't apply for /accept such a position. Quite simple really.

And if you have been in your job for a good while and suddenly dogs are introduced you should just suck it up?

@Ifeelsuchafool

In which industry do most offices allow dogs and how do I get a job in it? There's nothing beter than a place full of dogs in my opinion. If you don't like it, don't apply for /accept such a position. Quite simple really.

Join the Army. Every office has at least one dog.

In which industry do most offices allow dogs and how do I get a job in it?
There's nothing beter than a place full of dogs in my opinion. If you don't like it, don't apply for /accept such a position. Quite simple really.

It's a common policy in tech companies in my experience.

@FrangipaniDeLaSqueegeeMop yes I've seen that thread, think I commented on it as I could totally relate. And my pal is exactly like you say. She thinks everyone loves her dog. She has actually said that her dog brings joys to so many people and they smile and stop to talk to her. I'm sure that is true for those people who are interested but she has become totally blinkered to the fact that for every person stopping to coo over her brachycephalic dog (and don't get me started on those breeds), there are ten others who can't be arsed with it.

@Ifeelsuchafool I work in Estate Management/agriculture and have never worked in a dog free office. I’ve worked for private landowners, large National charities, government bodies and it’s the norm to have dogs.

With the private landowners part of everyone’s job description was that you had to help mind the owners dogs if they were away (which was a lot) so I can’t see how you’d get the job if you were allergic.

@21Flora Ah! Guessing you need Land Management degree then? Ah me! I'll just continue to dream about owning a dog again!

20+ years in London and I’ve never seen a badly behaved dog on the tube or a bus. Let alone in rush hour. I think this is just hysteria, honestly.
Well, I certainly have, so who's experience is completely representative? Neither.

I have a dog, he's asleep most of the day and I work at home now anyway. I don't see why dogs or kids are welcome at the workplace. People will insist on bringing their babies and kids with them. Don't want either at work.

[quote Voluptuagoodshag]@FrangipaniDeLaSqueegeeMop yes I've seen that thread, think I commented on it as I could totally relate. And my pal is exactly like you say. She thinks everyone loves her dog. She has actually said that her dog brings joys to so many people and they smile and stop to talk to her. I'm sure that is true for those people who are interested but she has become totally blinkered to the fact that for every person stopping to coo over her brachycephalic dog (and don't get me started on those breeds), there are ten others who can't be arsed with it.[/quote]
Same goes - brachycephalic dog! an inhumane and people whi buy them should be ashamed.

@FrangipaniDeLaSqueegeeMop

YANBU at all. Selfish and inconsiderate of owners.

I really hate this modern phenomena of expecting everyone to treat all dogs like people and be overjoyed when a dog is in the vicinity.

I am very nervous of most dogs (especially jumpy ones who seem to seek me out like a nervous-woman-seeking missile) and those I'm not nervous of, I'm indifferent to. Get your annoying mutt off me.

Mind you OP, there's some crazy dog people on MN and no doubt someone will be along to call you a cunt in a minute

Not only do I agree with you, I love your username. Used to see that film on C4 about three times a year. Rare, now :( "It's the completely unexpected night of Scott dancing with Fran!"

sight

@Ifeelsuchafool you do for the job I do but not to work for these places. They still have all the people normal companies do, have accountants, PAs, receptionists, admin, marketing, lettings officers, HR, gardeners, in house maintenance team. All dogs welcome! The maintenance team and gardeners even had a few in house cats!

@21Flora are the ancillary jobs advertised in any particular journals or on any particular websites or is recruitment usually by word of mouth/local media?

@Ifeelsuchafool the CAAV is where all estate management jobs are posted but they do advertise for secretaries/PAs etc... quite often there too. Agencies like Greycoat Lumley are good places to look. Jobs like this quite often come up for a couple - www.greycoatlumleys.co.uk/jobs/couple-job_scottish-highlands_2032. Although it’s £40,000 for two people you get a cottage provided and usually council tax and bills for free. Lots of the local offices of places like the Forestry Commission, National Trust are dog friendly too!

@21Flora, sadly (for this purpose only) I'm not part of a couple, but thanks for the advice. Much appreciated!

There's nothing beter than a place full of dogs in my opinion. If you don't like it, don't apply for /accept such a position. Quite simple really.

Except it isn't quite simple really is it. What you are suggesting is that those people who suffer from allergies, asthma, cystic or pulmonary fibrosis are all to be excluded from the workplace. Not only them but also their family who might bring allergens home with them.

I always thought animal lovers were, in general, kind and empathetic people but the absolute blinkered disregard for human beings on this thread is worrying.

What you are suggesting is that those people who suffer from allergies, asthma, cystic or pulmonary fibrosis are all to be excluded from the workplace

That would be true if dog friendly workplaces were the norm, as it is they represent a tiny fraction of employers.

That would be true if dog friendly workplaces were the norm, as it is they represent a tiny fraction of employers.

It really doesn't matter. You are suggesting then that if a small number of employers didn't follow equal opportunity laws then it would be OK. Knowingly and deliberately excluding people with certain disabilities is never OK.

@LobotomisedIceSkatingFan it's on Amazon Prime!! Best film ever "How's your skin FRAAAAN"

It's not! Oh my Christ. I'm going now. Now.

"I'd imagine you'd need a heart of stone to think it was funny,"
It's not funny.

Where i work there are always dogs in the office, i love them!

YANBU AT ALL! Dogs have no place in an office environment. We have working dogs in our organisation and they rarely come into my workplace but when they do I HATE it. I don’t like dogs though.