Example Workplace Pet Rules – For Your Dog

Establishing rules for bringing your dog to work is essential to ensure a harmonious and productive workplace pet environment.

Whether the office dog is a Labrador, Chow Chow or Pug Your organization’s dog rules should align with its culture and policies regarding bringing dogs to work. Key considerations should include safety, health, hygiene, productivity, employee comfort, and dog welfare. These rules should ensure a safe environment for all employees and pets, maintain cleanliness, support productivity without distractions, respect individual comfort levels, and prioritize the well-being of dogs. Consistency in enforcing these rules is essential to create a harmonious and respectful workplace for everyone involved.

What is an example of a pet policy for dogs in the workplace?

We love how Dogs can create a fun and happy environment work the workplace, encourage interactions among people and get us up for regular breaks.

The opportunity to have them at our workplace is a privilege. To take part in a dogs-at-work program, employees must agree to honour the workplace dog rules.

Below you will find some rules that we use. feel free to add and remove rules that are/aren’t relevant to your business. Implementing and adhering to these rules helps ensure that bringing dogs to work enhances the workplace experience for both employees and their furry friends, while maintaining a safe, productive, and respectful environment.

Dog Requirements

Ensuring dog well-being in the office as well as home is crucial for maintaining their health, happiness, and overall quality of life. Dogs, as beloved companions and members of families and work colleagues, rely on their owners for essential care and attention. Proper nutrition, regular exercise, stimulation through play, training, and social interaction are fundamental to their physical and mental health.

Emotional needs, such as companionship and security, are also vital aspects of dog well-being. Additionally, providing a safe and comfortable environment, regular grooming, and monitoring their health contribute to their overall well-being and longevity. By prioritizing dog well-being, owners not only ensure the health and happiness of their pets but also strengthen the bond and trust between themselves and their canine companions

To participate, dogs must be:

• 6 months+ old with basic obedience training and have no history of biting, excessive noise-making, chasing or aggressive behaviour.
• Toilet trained
• Up to date with all vaccinations, free of any infections or parasites and well groomed
• Distanced from anyone who feels uncomfortable or has allergies or other medical problems with dogs
• Microchipped, to help locate and return the dog should they would run away.
• adequately toilet trained
• Fully insured, which must cover dog bites.

Dog Owner Responsibilities

Dog owners bear full responsibility for their dogs in all settings, including the workplace. By ensuring their pets’ behavior and presence are positive and safe, owners contribute to a harmonious environment for everyone affected by the presence of pets in the workplace.

To comply with our workplace dog rules, dog owners who want to bring their dogs to work must agree to:

• Be 100% responsible for their dog’s behaviour and well-being.
• Dogs must always be supervised.
• Good hygiene and happiness the entire time your dog is visiting.
• Be respectful and mindful of other employees, and their dogs, to ensure everyone can be as successful and productive as possible at work.
• Manage their workspace to ensure it’s “dog-proofed” and safe for their visiting dog and other colleagues.
• Ensure that the dog’s behaviour does not interfere with other employees’ comfort or ability to do their work.
• Always keep their dogs within eyesight
• Make sure their dog does not wander into restricted areas
• To ensure dog and colleague safety, dogs must be kept securely in the employee’s work area with their own Leashes.
• Waste bags, toys, food and water bowls need to be supplied by the dog owner
• Plan adequate bathroom breaks, access to water and food, and exercise throughout the day.
• Clean up after their dog immediately if any accidents occur. Please remove all dog mess from the workplace and do not place in the office bin.
• Solely accountable and responsible for their dog’s behaviour.
• Walking only in permitted outdoor areas.
• Ensure their dog is not a danger to themselves or others.
• Make sure their dog does not damage company or employee property 
• The dog owner takes full responsibility and must have their own insurance policy, which must cover bites.
• Be legally and financially responsible for any damage caused by their dog.
• Provide annual proof of vaccination and health for their visiting dogs.
• Keep dogs out of dog-free areas.

Managing Workplace Dog Issues

Managing workplace dog issues is crucial for maintaining a balanced and productive environment where employees feel comfortable and safe.

Is a sick pet a good excuse to miss work?

A sick pet can be a valid excuse to miss work, especially for employees who consider their pets as part of the workforce. Much like caring for a sick child, tending to a pet in need can require immediate attention and significant emotional investment. Many companies recognize the importance of work-life balance and the mental well-being of their employees, which extends to the care of their pets. Providing care for a sick pet often involves vet visits, administering medication, and ensuring comfort, all of which can be time-consuming and urgent. Employers with a compassionate approach may understand the necessity of such absences and appreciate the loyalty and productivity fostered by supporting their employees’ personal responsibilities.

Concerns related to their workplace dog rules should be handled in the following way:

1. Talk with the dog owner and work to mutually resolve issues.
2. Escalate the issue to the dog owner’s supervisor.
3. Escalate the issue to Human Resources.

Overall, when managed responsibly and with clear guidelines, allowing dogs in the office can be a win-win situation, benefiting both employees and the workplace as a whole.