How to prepare for bringing your dog to work

Reviewed by: Dr. Robert Menardi, DVM

If there’s one thing to make the workday go by faster, it is having your best four-legged friend by your side. As more companies return to the full-time in-person model, it has become increasingly popular to look for ways we can continue to spend daily time with our dogs. Companies are also learning more about the benefits of pet-friendly offices.   

There are many documented benefits to having a pet in the workplace, ranging from increased morale and worker retention to better focus and overall employee health. But not every dog is well-suited for a 9-5 office schedule, and it takes planning for the employer and the pet owner to make this a positive experience. How can pet parents set their pups up for success if they want to bring their dog to work?  

Table of contents 

• Pros of bringing your dog to work 
• Cons of dog-friendly offices 
• So, you’re considering bringing your dog to work 
• If your pup isn’t an office dog 
• Bottom line on bringing your dog to work

Pros of bringing your dog to work 

More research is being done into the benefits of having a pet-friendly workspace. We know that dog ownership is good for us on an individual level, and it turns out that these positive outcomes translate to entire companies, too. Some of these benefits include:  

• Support employee physical and mental health – Having a dog is a great way to be active. Bringing your dog to work means that you will have opportunities to take a break from your desk, get fresh air, and stretch and exercise. Dogs also help lighten the mood and reduce stress! Better Cities for Pets notes that 93% of workers in pet-friendly offices have positive attitudes about going to work. 

• Reduce pet care costs – If you typically send your dog to daycare or hire a dog walker, bringing your pet to work is a huge money saver.  

• Dog stress, socialization, and activity – Dogs are social creatures. Compared to staying at home alone all day, being in the office is a great way for dogs to socialize and get stimulation, as well as avoid any separation-related stress. This is not the case with every dog, however, so pet parents should consider whether the office is the most comfortable space for their individual dog.  

• Boost employee morale, job satisfaction, and performance – Happy employees also means better retention and lower levels of employee absenteeism, improving overall productivity. Research by Mars Petcare found that 87% of employers with dog-friendly policies found employees more likely to return to in-person work. 

• Strengthen office sense of community – Pets can be a point of common interest and can get co-workers interacting with each other in a friendly way. Encouraging social interaction helps support both employees and business.  

• Attract and keep top talent – Like generous maternity benefits or retirement plans, a dog-friendly office can be very enticing to potential hires. Once they’ve found a company that allows them to spend time with their beloved pet, it is not likely they will want to give that perk up anytime soon. A Vetster poll even found that 70% of workers would be willing to take a pay cut in order to bring their dog to work.   

Cons of dog-friendly offices 

Bringing your dog into the office is not always a smooth process and may not be the best decision for everyone. Some potential negative aspects of having dogs in the office include:  

• Allergies and phobias – Be considerate of your co-workers. Pet fur and dander allergies are fairly common and can make sufferers miserable. Others may be uncomfortable around dogs, making their workplace one of stress and anxiety.   

• Disruptions and distractions – There’s always a chance for barking, enthusiastic play, and even aggression when dogs are in the office. And they don’t care if you have a meeting or are deep in focus—they need attention and potty breaks. This can all be annoying, disruptive, and potentially dangerous.  

• Time requirements – It may be difficult to find time to give your dog the potty breaks they need when you are running to meetings or trying to meet a deadline.   

• Stress for owner and dog – Your bustling office is very different from your quiet living room, which may cause your dog more stress than excitement. And when your dog is stressed, you’re likely to be stressed, too.   

So, you’re considering bringing your dog to work 

Now that you better understand the benefits and potential disadvantages of bringing your dog to work, there are some questions you should ask yourself to determine if your dog is office ready.  

1. Does your company allow dogs in the office? This should be your first consideration! It is a simple yes or no, and if you are not sure, ask your boss or someone from Human Resources before showing up with a new four-legged employee. Some offices will have requirements for identification, health records, supervisor permission, and may have restrictions on dog size and breed.  

2. Is your dog ready for the office? Before going into the office, your dog should be up to date on all their vaccines and had a recent bath. They should also be thoroughly potty trained and know basic commands like “sit” and “drop it,” which can keep them safe and make them pleasant co-workers. Before bringing your dog to work for a full day, try only a few hours at a time and get them on an office-friendly meal, potty, and exercise schedule.  Working with you in an office will require your dog to be on their best behavior. Not only should they be able to stay quiet and largely entertain themselves while you work, but their time at work will be easier for everyone if they are relaxed rather than full of energy or nervously pacing or even showing aggressive behavior. Be sure to monitor your dog for signs of stress, fear, and aggression, and do not have them in the office if they are not comfortable.  

3. How does your dog do around new people and other dogs? Just because your office is dog-friendly does not mean that anything goes. Your office dog should be comfortable meeting strangers and other dogs without jumping, barking, or getting too excited or scared. Practice your dog’s social skills by bringing them with you on errands and meeting with friends and their dogs in a controlled environment.  

4. What should you pack for your dog’s workday? Just like you pack a bag every day for work, your dog will have a bag full of office essentials, too. Be sure to pack food if they will be eating at the office, as well as treats, bowls, a bed or blanket that smells like home, and plenty of toys. Interactive puzzles and treat-dispensing toys like a Kong are great to keep them occupied while you’re working. Be sure, however, that all toys are quiet so as not to disturb your colleagues.  

5. Where will your dog’s workspace be? It is important to have a plan for where your dog will spend their time while you are at the office. Do you have your own office with a door? You should always supervise your dog while they are with you at work, and depending on your office, you may need to keep them at your side at all times. If you work in a more communal space, consider keeping them on a leash or in a penned area around your desk. If they can’t come to a meeting with you, see if a colleague can keep an eye on them while you are away from your desk or have their crate handy.  

6. Is your work schedule dog-friendly? Having time to give your dog a good exercise session before work is important to help keep them calm during the day. It can be difficult if you have a long commute or early hours. Your dog will need breaks from the office to go potty and get some fresh air and exercise. A workday schedule that is packed with meetings and tight deadlines is not conducive to an office dog.    

7. Are your colleagues dog lovers, too? Talk with your co-workers in advance about their comfort level and any questions or concerns they may have about your dog being in the office. Have transparent conversations about phobias, allergies, expectations, and whether they plan to bring any pets into the office, too.   

8. Is your office safe for pets? Office buildings often have areas that may not be safe or appropriate for dogs, like cafeterias or manufacturing facilities. You should also be aware of potential hazards such as poisons in cleaning products, toxic indoor plants, dangerous electrical cords, and garbage cans. Keep these items out of your dog’s reach, which may require some redecorating before your pup arrives at the office.  

If your pup isn’t an office dog 

The 9-5 office life isn’t right for every dog. If your company requires you to be in-person every day and your dog cannot accompany you to work, you will have to plan for your dog to spend their days elsewhere.  

It is very important to meet your dog’s basic needs for food, water, bathroom breaks, physical and mental stimulation, and social interaction, even while you are away at work. Leave your dog with plenty of water and toys and consider doggy daycare or a midday dog walker.  

Bottom line on bringing your dog to work 

Ultimately, deciding whether to bring your dog to the office depends on several factors. It’s important to weigh every pro and con before you show up with your canine companion in tow.  

Be sure to talk openly with your company and colleagues about dogs in the office and help set your dog up for success by packing the essentials and giving your dog a comfy spot to hang out.   

Should you find that new spaces, smells, and strangers can be overwhelming and stressful as you begin to bring your dog to work, consider ElleVet Sciences to help support your pet. ElleVet’s CBD + CBDA products can offer support for your dog’s general and situational stress, helping them calmly settle into office life.  

With proper planning and the support of your workplace, everyone in the office environment can enjoy the benefits of having a new four-legged co-worker.