Dog policy at work

[Americaherewecome]

Does your employer have one? Do you have any experience of writing one?

We need one for our business; any suggestions gratefully received.

TIA

Thankfully my employers policy is no dogs apart from assistance dogs.

It would be helpful to know what kind of business it is. A pet shop will likely have a very different policy to an office, or a biscuit factory.

Well trained adult dogs only.
Dog in office, please knock sign placed on office door.
No dog beds permitted and dog blankets must be removed and replaced with fresh ones each time in office,
Dog always leashed in common areas.
Dog not permitted to roam round office.
Appropriate insurance to be in place.
Any employees who have allergies must make employer aware.
Any employees with a fear of dogs must make employer aware.

Apologies JazzyJelly; that would be useful.
It is an office environment.

Why on EARTH would anyone think it is appropriate to bring a dog into work if not a service dog?

This should not be a thing, with the exception of a service dog and by that I mean a proper service dog, not an 'emotional support dog' if you need something to stroke get a soft toy

Up to you then really - presumably well behaved dogs, with appropriate insurance, would make a lovely environment. It might limit your hiring choices but there will be some people who would be more attracted to a job with an office dog, or the possibility to bring their own (myself included).

Might put off rats and mice too, which has been an issue I've seen in a previous office job (as long as dog food is stored securely).

We had a small (3 people) charity office and one employee brought their dog in occasionally. It was well behaved and was lovely when it happened. No formal policy but if it's a small office and everyone is happy, I think it's fine.

Service dogs only.
Some offices have started "bring your dog to work" days but little consideration is given to those with allergies or who are frightened of dogs.
In my old place they allegedly cleaned it thoroughly after "doggy Fridays" but people with allergies reported having symptoms on the Monday and also as we were required to go in a certain number of days per week, it meant that those with allergies couldn't go in on a Friday.

In my ex employer the director of my team was permitted to bring her dog in every day and took time away from operational staff so they would walk it and pick its shite.
Nobody else could bring in pets.

In another firm I once brought in a baby rabbit I smuggled from Spain. I was bottle feeding it on reception and my boss wasn't impressed. 🤣

Why should someone who is afraid of dogs have to declare it?

Dogs should not be in workplaces. They are pets owned by individuals and those individuals should not be pushing them into other people's spaces.

I am thoroughly sick of dogs ; I think their proliferation has harmed both individuals and society/public spaces.

Our landlord simply does not allow it, it's in the lease terms. So check that first.

This is interesting- what happens if someone declares an allergy or a fear of dogs?

@Mulledjuice I expect they are seen as 'a problem' because they are stopping the 'office dog fun'

Dogs in the office is up there with bring your whole self to work. Looks good on paper, less appealing in reality and with hindsight probably not the best idea.

Insurance is the big one. Most pet insurance doesn't cover you if you are at work. I would insist on seeing the certificate of insurance.

But I don't think dogs belong at work.

Also, accidents...(CW animal suffering)
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2262686/Tatler-magazines-tweeting-dachshund-dog-revolving-door-tragedy.html

So don't forget to do OH&S check for both human and animal risks.

Service dogs only.

And when I worked for the police, obviously we had working dogs around as well.

Yeah I imagine this is what happens.

Thankfully my workplace's policy is of course you can't bring your pet to work! (Obviously service dogs would not be a problem).

You’d have to have clear guidance on areas where the dog can visit, whether the dog has to be tethered or allowed off-lead, expectations regarding the cleaning up of piss and shit, how to factor in staff who are fearful of dogs, have allergies or whose religious sensitivities lead them to see pet dogs as objectionable. Or you could just say “accredited service dogs only” and leave it at that.

My old office was very formal and definitely ‘no dog’
My colleague’s Guide Dog though was the most popular being in the office.
( obviously we could only make a fuss of her when she was off duty)

I worked in a company which allowed an employee to bring her dog to work in her office.
She had a GSD and worked in a streetlevel office on her own in Gremany nice area but less than salubrious business as a NDN.

She has 2 and one died and the other was not managing well at home. The dog escorted her to and from work snored it head off under a desk and everyone was happy.

Usual rules be under control
Keeping the area (water proof mat) around water (and food) clean and dog hair removed (as the GSD was fluffy) were all the employees responsibility, plus no pooing in the office and no disposal of poo in office bins.

But what about moulting? Some barely and others it's like a snow storm

True, I know of a couple of companies who would happily allow bringing dogs to work but the lease won't allow it

Be aware religion is a protected characteristic and Muslims don’t like pet dogs at all - they are haram I believe ….. so potentially you are setting yourself up for a discrimination case.