Tips for Bringing Your Dog to Work Safely

Did you know that dog-friendly offices tend to have higher rates of productivity and workplace harmony? It’s true! According to both veterinary and public surveys, having pets onsite is reported to contribute to higher work satisfaction rates and enhance workplace engagement. These factors, along with employee demand, have led companies large and small to open their doors to dogs during work hours.

If your own workplace is among these, bringing your dog to work may feel like a no-brainer. But before you grab the leash, it’s important to consider the logistics. A professional environment requires careful preparation to ensure the experience is positive and safe for everyone — your pet, coworkers, and yourself.

Is it a good idea to bring your dog to work with you?

Dog owners know the joy of being around their furry companions, but do those benefits extend to the workplace? In addition to the aforementioned surveys, multiple studies have shown that pet-friendly offices not only help attract and retain top talent, but can also help reduce employee stress and foster a more collaborative work environment.

Some offices are so pet-positive, they have specific programs to ensure the space runs harmoniously for animals and humans alike. For example, Trupanion has a team of professional dog walkers.

Nevertheless, other research that shows the positives of dogs in the workplace also found that certain prerequisites must be in place to prevent issues. Different workplaces come with their own unique risks for dogs, and even the most pet-friendly spaces need to take precautions.

Safety should therefore be first and foremost on your mind before bringing your dog to work. You not only want to protect your co-workers and their ability to get their jobs done, but you want to make sure your pup is safe and comfortable at all hours of the workday.

What to consider before bringing your dog into the office

You are the only one who has a good understanding of your dog’s temperament. So, you need to be honest with yourself — is your dog going to thrive in a busy workplace, or will it cause stress for them and those around you? It may be beneficial to make a list of potential conflicts you and your dog may encounter in the office to ensure you have a solution for any potential issues.

Consider these factors before settling on a decision about your dog and your office:

1. Is your workplace dog-friendly?

Before you grab that leash, check your company’s pet policy. Just because you see a dog at the office doesn’t mean all employees are allowed to bring pets. Some dogs may be service animals, ESAs, or otherwise have special permissions, so it’s never wise to make assumptions.

Review the employee handbook or consult with your Human Resources department to understand the official policy. If no policy exists, speak with your supervisor to clarify expectations and any specific guidelines. To avoid issues, you’ll always want to have clear, affirmative permission to bring your dog to work instead of just assuming you can.

2. Is your dog comfortable in new environments?

All dogs have unique personalities, preferences, and comfort levels. If your dog has spent most of their life in your home, they likely haven’t been exposed to new people, places, and other dogs. So, dropping them into your workplace without proper socialization could be overwhelming.

Make sure your dog has been properly socialized to new people, places, and dogs and that they are comfortable in different environments. It can’t be stressed enough that your first priority before deciding to bring your dog to work with you should be your dog’s comfort and safety — knowing your pup’s personality is a critical first step in the process.

On this note, for the sake of your dog and the safety of those around you (and their dogs, too), never bring a reactive dog into the workplace. Consider working with a professional dog trainer or even your vet to come up with a training plan to reduce reactivity in your dog before bringing them into a public space. Reactive behaviors in dogs like barking, lunging, and growling can quickly turn into aggression, and someone could get hurt. It’s important to leave these pups at home until they’re ready for more challenging environments.

3. Will your dog fit in with your office lifestyle and coworkers?

You and your pup likely have a routine at home, and it may seem logical that routine would carry over into your office. However, working in an office can be an entirely different environment than working from home, even though your day-to-day tasks are the same. Consider the following:

• Are you frequently in meetings?
• Do you work in an open office where your dog won’t have a quiet space?
• How much space will your dog have at work? Will they be able to roam, or will they be confined to a small area?
• How is your pet around other dogs? Will other employees also bring pets, and could too many dogs create distractions?

Make sure your work schedule allows you to meet your dog’s needs, including water, food, and potty breaks. Your dog will still need their regular care and feeding, so if you are unable to ensure your pet’s needs are met, you will be doing them a disservice by taking them away from their normal routine.

4. Do your co-workers have animal allergies or fears?

Your dog is the best; that is not up for contention, but your co-workers may not see it that way. Just because your workplace has opened their doggy doors to your pet doesn’t mean all of your fellow employees will be thrilled about it.

Before you bring your dog into the office, talk to your nearby co-workers, especially those with whom you work closely regularly, to make sure they are comfortable with your dog being in the office all day. Some may have severe allergies to pet dander, or a fear or dislike of dogs. You may also want to consider reviewing some basic tips on dog owner etiquette.

5. Is your dog well-trained?

A well-behaved dog is essential in a professional setting. Your dog should be able to reliably respond to basic commands for their safety and that of others (pets and coworkers alike).

Additionally, your dog must be fully house-trained before spending extended hours in an office. The last thing you want is an accident in the middle of a meeting! Proper training ensures your pet remains a welcome guest rather than a workplace distraction.

6. Is your dog healthy enough to go to your office?

Bringing your dog to work means exposing them to a lot of new potential health hazards. From basic germs to workplace hazards, you’re going to need to think ahead. It all starts with regular vet care of course. So, before you bring your pup to your office, take them to your vet for a routine checkup. This is the perfect time to talk with your veterinarian about things like getting their vaccines updated and routine flea, tick, and heartworm medication.

But beyond that, you’ll have to consider your dog’s general condition and if it’s in the best interest of their health to bring them to work with you. Older dogs or those with chronic health conditions may be unnecessarily stressed by environmental changes, for example. Others with immune conditions may be more susceptible to catching new illnesses from other office pets. The last thing you want to do is compromise your pet’s health. This is why it’s important to talk with your veterinarian ahead of time, well before you start the process of bringing your dog to work.

What to ask your vet before bringing your dog into your office

Again, make sure to ask your vet about your dog being healthy before any forays into the office. And while you’re at it, talk with your veterinarian about your work environment and the potential of bringing your dog there. Be sure to discuss your work lifestyle, any other dogs your dog will regularly interact with, and your dog’s general temperament. Questions to consider asking include:

• How can I help my dog adjust to a new environment?
• What are the health risks associated with my pet being around other dogs?
• Should I bring any comfort items (e.g., bed, toys) to help my dog settle in?
• Do you have any other tips for bringing a dog into a work environment?

Your vet can advise on how to maintain your dog’s routine in a new environment as well as ways to help keep your pet healthy whilst there. Even if your office already has a lot of safety measures in place for work pets, it never hurts to be extra cautious.

Keep your new furry co-worker happy, healthy, and protected

Now that you’ve decided to bring your dog into your office, prioritizing their well-being is the key to a successful transition into the workplace. Though even with the best preparation, unexpected accidents or health concerns may arise.

That’s why having quality pet insurance from a trusted provider like Trupanion can be a smart move for any pet parent. Whether it’s an unforeseen illness or an injury from an office mishap, pet insurance offers coverage that can help with new, unexpected vet expenses. So, before your pup clocks in for their first day, learn more about how Trupanion can help.