Dogs in the workplace

[Strumpetpumpet]

i work in a fairly small open plan office. One of the directors has taken to bringing his dog into work - not every day, just on days when he can’t get a dog sitter. I have some allergies though mainly to cats, rabbits etc though some dogs have affected me in the past, but I’m just not a dog person, I’m not used to them and I don’t particularly like them, and I don’t think it’s appropriate to have dogs in the workplace obviously apart from guide dogs. If I had known there would be a dog in the office I wouldn’t have taken the job. Do I have any rights to object or should I just start looking for another job?

This is totally and absolutely unacceptable. Dogs should be banned like smoking is. In view of allergies etc.

Another example as to why some dog owners are just unreal and take offence when someone doesn't love their pooch.

Perhaps you should take a snake into work and see how they like it?

Eurgh. It's totally unacceptable, and shows yet again the entitlement and arrogance of dog people (ime, NOT the nicest people). I have chosen a job now where I wfh, as I cannot risk having to have dogs around me. Absolutely sick of dog culture.

God I hate dogs in the workplace, but it's one of those things that you're not allowed to say because you'll offend dog people.

Not everyone likes dogs, not everyone wants to have your dog sniffing around when they are eating lunch.

I like dogs but don't like them in the office. I would speak to a different director and say you have an issue with it. There will be others who thank you. You have nothing to lose.

If you’re prepared to leave and look for another job because of this, then you’ve nothing to lose by raising it as an issue. If you’re not the only one unhappy, then you’ll probably have back up. Certainly worth a try. Totally unacceptable to inflict your dog on other people at work, you’re entitled to object.

I love dogs and have one but I agree with you that it isn’t fair to have dogs in work place

We have had our first message from a parent expressing concern over the dog, and this parent is a dog lover who has a pet dog at home. She is asking if it is roaming around or being kept in the office and just brought out in a controlled way for a circle time or similar.
I will be interested to see how my boss responds as it is roaming around freely a lot of the time.

Not dogs I know but our HT kept a gerbil in a cage in her office. It absolutely stank and I always remember thinking it didn't give a very professional impression of the school but she wouldn't be told.

Sadly, you do. Well, scream and shout, but the effect is the same. And yes unfortunately I have watched small children defecate in public places. It’s always a pleasure when a potty is whipped out in a restaurant or cafe.

OP, I would ask your managers for an air purifier and a small gate around your desk. I wouldn't necessarily say I don't like dogs, (even though I understand), but they should comply with making your personal work space safe and healthy for you.

I love dogs but I banned them from our office when ones either barked at people, one lifted its leg and peed on a plant, and one whined non stop. Plus people had allergies.

Much prefer working from home now to cut out all that nonsense

Dh's firm had a vote a few years ago whether people could bring their dogs in to the office. It was brought about by a couple of people who wanted to bring their dogs in, and they were certain that everyone would love it. They thought the vote would be overwhelming.

It was. 95% of people said no. (and yes, most people did vote-smallish firm)

I find this amazing. If you want a dog that’s your business, your home life and not to be brought into work.

Lots of schools have dogs now. Ostensibly for the ‘therapeutic’ benefits but usually because some dog-mad dipstick of a Headteacher doesn’t want to leave theirs at home. How convenient. I feel sorry for all the kids and staff who have no say but have an animal foisted on them whether they like it or not.

I know people have strong feelings either way but it’s the lack of consent that gets to me. Dogs are smelly, unpredictable, unhygenic and can be irritating. I would hate for one of my colleagues to unilaterally decide to bring one in every day. But as you’ve seen from pp and how “kind” dog owners are, they don’t give a fuck about you and your concerns. They only care about themselves.