Bringing Dogs to the Workplace

Office mascots can bring less stress and more employee interaction

Businesses are encouraging dogs in the workplace more than ever before and we are loving it.  Here at Cadman Group, we are lucky to get regular visits from our mascot Bitzer, who always lights up the whole room. A recent study shows that, in fact, 8% of all American workplaces are now allowing employees to bring their dogs to work. Some places take that policy up a notch. In Seattle, the Amazon Corporation has even opened its own “Downtown Dog Park” where over 2,000 employees and their dogs are regularly found searching for puppy play dates and camaraderie.

A wagging tail and a smiley puppy-face have been shown to make people smile too, and smiling people are better folks to do business with. Having a nice dog at work has been proven to decrease stress in the workspace.  Less stress also means an increase in productivity and a solid boost in office morale. Active pets need active humans, and active humans are good for business.

The dogs are better-off, too. Cooping them-up in an empty house all day is no fun. As more and more offices are returning to work in the post-Covid19 vaccination age, those who adopted dogs are suddenly faced with where to put them after a year and a half blissfully together. Luckily, more offices are allowing employees to bring along their new furry wingman, knowing that the occasional pup-created comic-relief that also makes for great camaraderie in the office. In fact, pets trigger interactions among humans that may not otherwise take place.  But setting this new pet policy for your office, of course, needs to be done with thoughtful consideration.

Dogs make the office more fun

Pet Policy: Setting the Ground Rules

If you are contemplating this move for your office building, there are a few things to consider beforehand.  Your pet dog must be able to comply to some basic office rules. A few basic and obvious “No Nos” include:

· Dogs that have no vaccinations (who could potentially infect other dogs)

· Dogs that have fleas or ticks (see above)

· The Barkers

· The Biters

· The Chewers

· Those that are unspayed, are ill-behaved and/or aggressive (yikes!)

· Dogs who are younger than 12 months, and those that are not house-broken

Dogs playing in a designated outdoor area together

You should also check your office lease and your office’s insurance policy, as well as any community pet ordinances. You may need to get your landlord’s permission for this new idea and, have a chat with your insurance agent about what this might look like.

There may be legal risks involved, such as tripping, dog bites or related injuries. Tort liabilities must be an early managerial consideration. Develop an office policy regarding potential problems and have it signed by all of your employees. The dog owner must put in writing that their dog is not dangerous, display proof of vaccines and neutering, agree to control their pet and show that their insurance policy, does not exclude dog bites.

While we love our pets unconditionally, management must have the right to reject such animals from hanging out at the office and pet-owners need to make sure they’re not liable for any incidents that might occur from any of these rules. Owners must be held 100% responsible for any of their pup’s misdeeds, including potty mishaps and behavioral problems. The key is to create office rules that implement pet policies that owners sign off on to cover those potential problems. You’ll also want to ask your team about possible allergies, or fears. Institute an in-office leash rule, as well as ‘dos’ and ‘don’ts’ policies. Get a written acceptance of the new policies from your entire staff and register and personally meet all dogs, prior to allowing them in. Consider it an audition!

The Introduction

Once your fur baby has been approved and is ready to start work, then it’s time to make sure they feel safe and comfortable. Help your pup acclimate to the new adventure, by introducing it to the staff...-“Brutus, this is Mary, Mary this is Brutus”. Bring a dog-bed or crate with a pillow to make a safe place for Brutus to nap, perhaps under your desk. If you have a private office, you may wish to install a baby gate at the door. Bring supplies such as water bowl, dog food, leash, waste bags, snacks, chews and toys. Maybe create a fun sign to inform fellow workers about their exchanges with their new furry co-worker such as a “Please don’t feed Brutus.  He has a weak belly.”

Safety first!

Dog-proofing your area, will be important, too. There may be certain office areas that will be off-limits, such as laboratories, basements, sensitive equipment and kitchens. And you need to make sure all dangers are out of reach. Dangers, such as paper shredders, drugs or chemicals, garbage cans, plus purses and backpacks of fellow employees should be kept in the off-limits areas.

Dog walks can bring physical and mental wellness to the workplace

Overall Employee Wellness

The daily dog-walk is, of course, healthy for your pup and for you, as well. Taking a moment for a breather allows you both a physical and mental break from work and may provide you with an opportunity to connect with another dog-owner at the office.

Lastly, it may be a good idea to have an experimental period of a few days or a week or so, to try out these new office ideas. However, even with such a test period, you still will need to lay out your rules and regulations in advance, for all to review and sign.

Once you have all the pieces in place, you may find new opportunities to connect with you team.  The company Halloween party may include a Pet Costume Contest. You can ask employees for pictures of their pets at work, which can be posted to your company’s social media pages, and a walking meeting with a co-worker may bring new ideas. With a few ground rules, you’re free to just have fun with it and enjoy your new furry employee friends.