Pet Peeves, Permissions and Policies
According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, 23 million households acquired a four-legged companion during the COVID-19 pandemic. Now that many workers have returned to in-house or hybrid jobs, their employers must consider how to approach new household members.
Joys and frustrations
Humans generally have a benign view of pets, especially their own. (As with children, they might not be quite so well disposed toward other people's offspring.) The U.S. Chamber of Commerce reports from a 2021 study that 94% of those surveyed described a positive and permissive attitude about dogs in the workplace. Cats garnered 84%, and even fish got a robust 36%. But there are equally strong reasons why it may not be practical to welcome Rover, Daisy and Max to the office.
Pet proponents would point out that animal-friendly policies are useful to companies for attracting and retaining talented personnel. Many candidates even regard a company's pet-friendly policy as a key criterion for accepting a job and plugging away at it. Workers who are allowed to bring their pet to work are likely to be more productive and consistent and less inclined to arrive late or leave early to walk or feed their critters. It may help improve the overall work/life balance and reduce stress, particularly because taking short strolls outside with pets breaks up the day and increases owners' energy.
Pets may become the adhesive that glues team members together when they can bond over a favorite beast. Interoffice relationships thereby grow more familial, which promotes collaboration and innovation in the ranks.
Yet there are negatives and nuisances. Many people are allergic to dog and cat dander, the dandruff-like shedding. While you can address this to some extent with dog-free areas or HEPA filters, remember that asthma and allergies qualify as an official disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Other nasties to watch for are:
- Zoonotic diseases that spread from animals to humans
- Salmonella in birds, reptiles and amphibians
- Tripping on leashes
- Injuries from bites, slips and falls
- Noises like barking and whining
- Odors
- Landlord restrictions
- Unsanitary conditions
- Fights with other pets
- Damage to furniture, equipment and employees' possessions
Fellow workers will not appreciate it if their favorite shoes or handbags are chewed to a pulp. Even curious bunnies are known to have gnawed through electrical cords.
Enforcing the rulebook
Pet owners can be hypersensitive about their animals and quick to snarl at any criticism or rebuke. If you decide to allow pets on office premises, codify the do's and don'ts in writing. First, service animals, belonging to people with disabilities, have special exemptions. Make it clear that they are distinct from emotional support or therapy animals, which receive no legal protections.
Many companies have been revisiting all their policies since the pandemic. Pet workplace policies most typically address dogs.
Consider implementing some of these rules:
- Have health and hygiene protocols — e.g., handwashing, deworming, pet vaccinations — up to date and confirmed with HR.
- Post a warning to other employees on the pet owner's desk.
- Limit leash lengths.
- Require that pets be house-trained and of some minimum age and have no history of aggression.
- Require that owners keep pets with them at all times.
- Make owners responsible for cleaning up messes.
- Exclude certain breeds of dog or types of animals, such as snakes or miniature pigs.
- Have off-limits areas, like meeting rooms, restrooms and kitchens.
- Employees must not feed other people's pets.
You will also need some form of complaint process, as well as consequences for infractions or annoying behavior.
Animal welfare
Pets need protection too. Dog beds, along with toys, treats and water, should be positioned next to owners' desks. Cats need accessible litter boxes. Respect their schedules: Dogs normally sleep 12-14 hours a day, while cats are most active at dawn and dusk.
Noise can be very disturbing to some animals. Make sure dogs are given adequate breaks outdoors. Be patient when you introduce them to new surroundings.
If you want to show solidarity and inspire loyalty, consider providing pet insurance and stipends, as well as bereavement time off when Rover goes to meet his maker.
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