August 26, 2024 
Pets bring a lot of joy to the office.
Pets bring a lot of joy to the office. Recent studies have shown that having pets in the workplace can significantly reduce stress and increase productivity, thereby boosting employee well-being. Your friendly pooch is not just a man’s best friend but an office cheerleader.
While it’s great to have pets in the office for your employees and furry friends, it’s essential to be compliant and ensure that the office is comfortable and welcoming for all.
If you’re considering becoming a pet-friendly office, you need to have a plan in place that will set out policies and procedures to ensure that things don’t get out of hand.
1. Check your building rules
First, make sure your building and contract (if you’re renting your office space) allow for pets. If you are moving offices this would be a good topic to bring up with your potential landlord before committing to an office space.
2. Company-wide Survey
Before starting, it’s best to consult with your employees. After all, they are going to be the most affected. Checking how they feel about pets in the office is crucial to ensuring this policy is worth pursuing. You don’t want to start any process without the majority of the office supporting it. Some example survey questions you could ask, include:
– What are your thoughts on a pet-friendly office? (Positive, Negative, Neutral)
– Do you feel that pets in the office will interfere with your work? (Yes, No)
– Do you have any dog / cat allergies? (Yes, No)
– If you have a pet, how often would you bring it to a pet-friendly office? (Never, Rarely, Sometimes, Occasionally, Regularly)
– Should pet owners supply behavioural certificates before being allowed to bring their pet? (Yes, No)
3. Identify What Types Of Pets Will Be Allowed
When it comes to being pet-friendly, you need to make sure you identify what kind of pets are allowed. Perhaps you just want dogs, or cats, or both!
You need to determine straight away what pets can join the office. This also ensures that there is no confusion for your employees.
4. Office Check
Loose cords? Or other hazards you might not be aware of around the office? You may want to do an office check. This will help in identifying no-go areas and making sure your pets are safe when they come to the office. You may have to place hooks for the cords and anchor straps to keep furniture from tipping over. This is a win-win, as you minimise the chance of workplace accidents protecting both your fur-employees and your human ones!
5. Create Pet Office Company Policy or Standards
A policy needs to be in place for pets in the office. This protects not only your company, your employees and their furry friends but it also gives clear guidelines from the beginning. Standards are also important to put in place. Pets should be expected to behave in a way that minimises distractions in the office. You might want to consider:
– Who takes care of the pet when their owner is in a meeting?
– What areas are no-gos?
– In the event of misbehaviour what is the recourse of action?
– What is the complaint process?
– Will employees bringing pets have to sign a waver?
– Is there going to be a minimum age for the pet to be allowed in the office?
Legal Considerations
When implementing a pet-friendly office policy, it’s crucial to understand and comply with legal requirements and health and safety regulations. Different jurisdictions may have specific rules governing the presence of animals in commercial spaces. Employers should familiarise themselves with these regulations to ensure compliance. Key considerations include:
– Health & Safety Regulations: Ensure that pets do not pose health risks to employees, such as allergies or phobias. Maintain hygiene and sanitation standards, especially in areas where food is prepared or consumed.
– Local Laws & Building Codes: Check local regulations and building codes that might impact your decision to allow pets in the workplace.
Emergency Plans
Having a plan in place for emergencies involving pets is essential to ensure the safety of both animals and employees. Here are some guidelines:
– Emergency Kits: Prepare an emergency kit for pets, including food, water, medications, and contact information for veterinarians.
– Evacuation Plans: Develop a clear evacuation plan that includes pets. Identify pet-friendly shelters or boarding facilities where pets can be taken in case of an emergency.
– Training: Train employees on how to handle pets during emergencies, including how to safely evacuate them and provide first aid if necessary.
Insurance Considerations
To mitigate potential liabilities associated with having pets in the workplace, consider the following insurance-related advice:
– General Liability Insurance: Ensure your general liability insurance policy covers incidents involving pets, such as bites or injuries.
– Employee Insurance: Consider requiring employees to provide their insurance that covers pet-related damages or injuries.
– Waivers & Agreements: Have employees sign waivers or indemnification agreements to cover the cost of defending any lawsuits related to pet incidents.
6. Arrange (Or Rearrange) The Office
Pets are great, but you should make sure there are pet areas and no-pet areas. You also want to ensure that employees who aren’t comfortable around pets can have their own separate space. Don’t forget to also identify a place where pets can go to the toilet. Designating these areas will help keep boundaries within the office and let pet-owners know where their furry friend is allowed to go.
7. Trial Period
A trial is a great way to test out the current policies in place. This is a perfect opportunity to see what works and what doesn’t. It can also give you a chance to test whether the pet-friendly office is feasible without fully committing. While you can prepare most policies and procedures, only when a trial is in place can you see potential hazards or problems that have not been addressed. You can also see how certain dogs for example interact with one another. Knowing whether certain dogs do or don’t get along is crucial in your next step of developing a roster.
8. Develop A Roster
A roster is essential if you have multiple pets in the office. Having a schedule in place lets everyone keep track of what pets are in the office on any given day. It can also help, if you are having all kinds of pets that may not see eye to eye (cats and dogs for example) to have them on separate days. You may also want to have pets just come in a few days a week rather than everyday. A roster gives you flexibility and can be easily changed. It also provides a good guide to employees and keeps them informed about when pets are in the office.
9. Evaluate
With any policy and procedure, you need to evaluate and review it every so often. In addition to this, make sure to have a reporting process in place to allow employees who may have concerns regarding the policy to your HR department. You want this arrangement to be suitable for all, without anyone feeling uncomfortable. Evaluating the policy ensures that procedures are adapted and modernised as time goes by.
Pets can bring a lot of joy to the office, offering numerous benefits such as reduced stress, increased productivity, and enhanced employee well-being.
However, as with any new policy or procedure, it’s essential to do your due diligence before introducing pets into the office. While pets are meant to provide joy for your employees, without a well-thought-out plan, they can instead cause chaos and conflict. Potential challenges include allergies, distractions, and the need to maintain a clean and safe environment for everyone.
To ensure a successful pet-friendly office, it’s crucial to have clear policies and procedures in place. This includes addressing legal considerations, preparing for emergencies, and considering insurance to cover potential liabilities. By doing so, you can create a harmonious and enjoyable workplace for both your employees and their furry friends.
If you need assistance in developing a pet-friendly office policy, our HR experts are here to help. Contact us today via the form below to ensure your workplace is ready to welcome pets in a way that benefits everyone.
