How To Create A Dog-Friendly Workplace

Before small business owners create a pet policy, it’s worth understanding what to expect when new canine colleagues join the team. According to the ASPCA, about 23 million American households acquired a cat or dog since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. With many employees returning to offices, some pet owners are understandably reluctant to leave their new family members at home. In fact, some businesses now offer ‘pawternity’ or 'furternity' leave, giving employees time to take care of their pets. A dog-friendly workplace can help ease the transition back to the office.

Since human employees are your priority, it’s best to make the process of creating a pet policy as clear and collaborative as possible.

As labor shortages continue to bite small businesses, some employers are showing a greater willingness to accommodate employee requests. They want to create an environment that reflects their staff’s values and priorities, potentially helping them forge ahead in the race to hire Gen Z.

But small-business owners also need to think carefully about becoming dog-friendly, so that the humans in the office remain equally happy.

Working hard or hardly working? Finn, a mini schnauzer, hangs out at the Brooklyn-based BPCM office.

The Benefits of a Dog-Friendly Workplace

There are many good reasons to allow dogs at work. The University of California reported that dogs can lower stress and even significantly improve productivity at work. Though you may presume they’ll only be a distraction, dogs can actually boost employee morale at work, improving office culture, employee wellness, and business success.

However, that can't happen without a supportive environment and attitude from employees. It’s important to have rules that set up pets, their owners, and everyone else for success.

As a small-business owner, it's key to think about the situation from every angle. Put yourself in the mindset of both the employee who wants to bring a dog to work and those who might be less fanatical about four-legged friends.

Create a Policy Around Pets at Work

To start, let’s clarify the legal requirements for businesses.

According to the Americans with Disabilities Act, “State and local governments, businesses, and nonprofit organizations that serve the public generally must allow service animals to accompany people with disabilities in all areas of the facility where the public is allowed to go.”

Service animals have been individually trained to do work or perform tasks for an individual with a disability, specifically related to that disability. Meanwhile, support or therapy animals provide comfort simply by being with a person. The ADA has some helpful FAQS to steer you right.

Even if you don't love the idea of dogs in the workplace, they are often necessary for both employees and customers. However, some employees may have legitimate issues with dogs, such as allergies and phobias.

Since human employees are your priority, it’s best to make the process of creating a pet policy as clear and collaborative as possible. Leave an open channel of communication for employees to express their opinions privately before a final decision is made. Ensure they know how to provide feedback as the policy rolls out.

Hustling through the morning commute in New York City, Finn makes his way to work.

Employee Perspectives on Dogs at Work

Allison Pringle, senior account executive at communications agency BPCM, loves bringing her miniature schnauzer, Finn, to her Brooklyn-based office. He rides along with her on the subway in a carrying sling.

From meetings and team-building sessions, an office dog’s life can vary day to day. But Finn's exuberant energy isn't the best fit for every scenario.

"I have to judge what is most conducive to our working situation, and sometimes that means not having a rambunctious puppy in the office who requires a watchful eye,” Pringle says.

However, not every work environment is supportive of dogs at work. Luke Leighfield, a freelance designer, has brought his husky, Hyko, to many offices and experienced a range of rules. While most companies welcome his dog’s wide smile and wagging tail, Leighfield has also faced certain restrictions.

“Sometimes I’m not able to bring him into meeting rooms,” Leighfield explains. “I can always find a co-worker to hang out with him any time I’m not fully available.”

Such rules help companies ensure that people who are averse to dogs don’t need to be stuck in a confined space with them. To make sure co-workers are comfortable, Leighfield introduces them to his pup and ensures they’re happy having him nearby. 

Make Your Work Environment More Suitable for Dogs

Anyone bringing a dog into their workplace should be responsible for their comfort and care. But businesses can also help make the space more suitable. This doesn’t require a major redesign; a few thoughtful touches can go a long way.

Providing water bowls, dog treats, or even floor cushions add to a dog’s comfort and happiness. It also sends a message about your workplace culture if you’re conducting in-person interviews; it shows you're open to new ideas that make employees (and pets) happy.

Other ideas for introducing dogs at work:

• Arrange an outdoor meetup so that employees and their dogs can connect.
• Decide whether you’ll issue a free-for-all invite for pets at work or assess each dog case by case.
• Set a trial period so that you can revisit your decision if it’s not working. Make that clear to employees.

Wherever you are in your decision-making process, this overview can help you plan your next steps – or leaps – forward.

Thinking of working alongside your pet? Check out How to Smoothly Bring A Dog to Work.

Photos from top: Getty Images, Allison Pringle (2)