Bringing pets to work sounds like a dream for animal lovers – who wouldn’t want a furry coworker curled up beside them? Disclaimer: I have more pets in my home of various species than a normal person does, so am quite biased on this topic, but will nevertheless cover the pros and cons in this post. Nearly everyone on our virtual team has some sort of furry co-worker in their home office.
Pet-friendly workplaces are becoming more common, but before you open the office doors to dogs, cats, or even the occasional emotional support rabbit, there are a few things to consider. Let’s look at the pros, cons, legal issues, and how to create a pet policy that works for everyone, including your hybrid team.
Paws and Policies: Should Your Workplace Go Pet-Friendly?
The Good:
- Pets can reduce stress and boost morale. Studies show that having animals around can increase happiness and even lower blood pressure.
- They encourage social interaction and can improve workplace culture. A dog in the office can be a conversation starter, helping teams bond.
- A pet-friendly policy can help with recruitment and retention—some employees see it as a major perk.
The Not-So-Good:
- Allergies and fears—not everyone loves dogs, and some employees may have severe allergies or phobias.
- Distractions – a barking dog or a cat walking across a keyboard might not be ideal for productivity.
- Liability concerns – what happens if a pet damages company property or, worse, bites someone? Employers need to think about insurance and workplace safety.
Legal Considerations: Service Animals, Emotional Support Animals & Pets
Not all animals in the workplace are just for fun – some are legally protected.
- Service Animals (like guide dogs) are protected under human rights legislation. If an employee with a disability requires one, employers must accommodate them. This includes service animals for both visible and non-visible disabilities, such as brain injuries or seizure disorders.
- Support Animals don’t have the same automatic legal protections, but refusing one could lead to a human rights complaint if the employee can show they need it for mental health or other disability-related reasons.
- Pets for Fun – this is where employers have full discretion. A pet-friendly office is a privilege, not a right, so it’s up to the employer to decide whether it works for their business.
Regardless of the type of animal, a clear, fair policy is essential to avoid discrimination claims or workplace disputes.
How to Create a Workplace Pet Policy
Thinking about allowing pets at work? Here’s what your policy should cover:
- Who’s eligible? Are all pets allowed, or just dogs? Any size restrictions?
- Employee consent: Ensure that all employees are comfortable with animals in the space – consider a pet-free zone for those with allergies or phobias.
- Behavioural standards: Require proof of vaccinations, house training, and non-aggressive behaviour.
- Liability and insurance: Make it clear who is responsible if a pet causes damage or injury.
- Trial periods: A test phase allows employers to see if a pet policy works before making it permanent.
Pets in a Hybrid Workplace: New Challenges
With more employees splitting time between home and the office, pets may not adjust well to the sudden change. Some might struggle with separation anxiety when their owners head to work, while others may not be used to new people and environments.
Employers could also consider:
- Requests for pet-related accommodations – some employees may want to adjust their schedules to care for their pets, although this is not a protected human rights ground.
- Virtual meeting etiquette – should pets be allowed on video calls? A constantly barking dog in the background of a client meeting may not be ideal, although a bark or two is no longer the deal breaker it was perceived to be pre-pandemic. It’s more often than not a bonding conversation maker in today’s workplace.
Final Thoughts
A pet-friendly workplace can boost morale, but it’s not for every business. The key is balancing employee happiness with operational needs, legal compliance and the nuances of your specific industry. A well-thought-out policy can help avoid conflicts while ensuring a fair and safe environment for everyone—pets included.
If you need help navigating workplace accommodations or liability issues, give us a meow to book a call to assist.
