Things to Consider if You Are Bringing a Dog to the Office Space
Gone are the days of most office spaces being pet-free zones.
Fortunately, many of today’s flexible workspaces are also dog-friendly, allowing you to bring your four-legged friend into the office with you. Pets are known for boosting wellbeing, so bringing your pooch into work could also have a positive impact on your team’s output.
However, there are a few things to consider before bringing your pet into the work environment.
1. Size of space
Consider the size of both your pet and your office. Is there ample space for your dog to move around freely and comfortably?
2. Pet policies
Find out if your serviced office or coworking space has a pet policy before bringing your pooch to work. If they do, there will be certain rules you’ll have to abide by.
3. Approval
Even if there is a pet policy in place, it’s good practice and manners to inform your workspace manager that you intend to bring your dog into the office.
4. Allergies
It’s crucial to find out if anyone in your office space has an allergy to dogs before you consider bringing your pet into the working environment.
5. Vaccinations
Make sure your pet’s vaccinations are up to date. Your dog should be healthy and tick-free if they’re entering – and staying in – an office environment.
6. Grooming
As well as the vaccination side of things, it’s also important to ensure your four-legged friend has regular flea and tick prevention and is groomed on a regular basis.
7. House training
Needless to say, your pet needs to be house-trained. They should also be able to behave calmly when they’re around other dogs and, of course, people.
8. Their own space
You’ll need to provide your dog with a space in the office that is theirs, whether it’s a bed under the desk or even a free corner of your private office space.
9. Food and Drink
It’s important to ensure that your pet has food and water throughout the day. It’s easy to get distracted with work, so you could set reminders.
10. Cleaning supplies
Accidents do happen, so prepare and deal with them quickly. Have paper towels, bags, and cleaning supplies on hand in case your dog has an accident.
11. Supervision
Your pet shouldn’t be left alone during the working day. Even the most settled animals can get overwhelmed in office environments with lots of people.
12. Your employees
Your employees are likely to be excited by the new addition to the team! However, make sure your pet isn’t a constant distraction that impedes productivity.
13. Educating everyone
Your employees – and others who use the office space and shared amenities – should be told how they can interact with your dog (E.g. don’t feed.)
14. Walks
Don’t forget to take your pet out for walks during the working day. You could consider letting your team take turns walking the dog – if it’s something they’re up for!
15. Contingency plan
What will you do if you can’t take your pet into the office for whatever reason? Have a plan in place – is there someone who could check on them?
If you’re looking for a pet-friendly office, Freeofficefinder can help. Tell us where you’d like to move to, and we’ll match you with the best pet-friendly offices for your budget.
