The Dos & Don’ts of Bringing Your Dog to Work

February is all about love, and not only on Valentine’s day. The 20th of February is National Love Your Pet Day. This day is an excellent opportunity to show your attention to your lovely pet. 

To make it really special, don’t postpone your attention for the evening. Bring your pet to the office and enjoy the Love Your Pet Day all day long. And here’s everything you need to know before bringing your pet to the office.

Pets in the Office and You

Anyone who has a pet knows how good it feels to get back home to him. You step through the door and feel instant relief. That’s because pets have the ability to reduce your stress. And if you bring your pet to the office, your workday can become less stressful and, therefore – more productive. 

Arnas Stuopelis, Chairman of the Board of hosting provider Hostinger, says: “Nowadays people can be really harsh on themselves. Even though they are doing a great job, they tend to consider, whether they are good enough. The interesting thing is that the presence of their pets in the office boosts their self-esteem and performance. Stress is going down, and confidence is rising.”

Pets in the Office and Colleagues

Even if the pet is yours, the joy spreads all over the place to everyone. Your pet can become a conversation starter and bring you closer to your colleagues. Time writes: “Dogs in the workplace provide more social support for employees, as well as more opportunities for coworkers to interact in a positive setting.” Small talk is rarely useful, but the conversation about pets can be truly genuine, building deep connections. 

Pets in the Office and Customers

If your workplace is open for the customers, keep in mind that a pet can make the business look cozier. The Balance Careers comments on this: “Allowing pets in the office can boost a customer’s perception of the business. It can help them to relax and enjoy their visit. It also tends to soften the company’s image and makes a business seem more progressive and forward-thinking.”

But First, Some Rules

Bringing your pet to the office can be beneficial on many levels. But before the visit, make sure that you, your colleagues, and space are prepared:

Check-in with the colleagues

Don’t take it for granted that everyone loves pets. People might have allergies, phobias, or other reasons why they don’t want animals in the workplace.

Check out the place

Evaluate the size and type of your pet and look around the office for possible threats. Look out for places where it’s possible to fall-in or get stuck. Look for wires and other chewable things.

Dedicate pet-free zones

Even though your colleagues agreed on the pet in the office, respect their right for uninterrupted work. To give people space to concentrate without distractions, dedicate pet-free zones.

A sick pet should stay at home

You love your pet no matter what. But your colleagues shouldn’t be forced to deal with a sick pet. It can frustrate them. And if they have their pets back home, there is a risk of transferring the disease. So, if your pet is sick, pass on the idea to bring it to the office.

Supervise your pet

People can be willing to play with your pet, but that doesn’t mean that you can relax and forget your pet for a while. You are responsible for both: your pet and office-space well-being. So supervise your pet throughout the day. 

Clean up after your pet

A new place full of unknown people can be stressful for your pet. And that stress can reveal itself in the form of unpredictable defecation. Be prepared for it, and clean it as soon as possible, so your colleagues or clients shouldn’t deal with that.

You have just enough time to get ready for the upcoming celebration. Talk with your colleagues, pet-proof your office, decide on pet-free zones. And bring your lovely pet to the office to celebrate this Love Your Pet Day all day long.