Dogs can brighten up any office day. However, are dog-friendly offices actually safe for your puppy? Are there certain types of dogs you should never bring into the office? And if they cause any damage, would you be liable? A vet has settled the debate on whether you should take your dog to work.
PDSA vet nurse Nina Downing revealed the first port of call is to check your office policy to make sure your dog stays healthy. They may not be the only dog in the office, so some policies state that pets must have been neutered and must be up to date with their vaccinations.
The vet also explained what to consider about the office setup to ensure their wellbeing during the day.
Speaking to The NW Mail, she advised checking whether there’s an outdoor area for walks and toilet breaks, and a suitable place for their bed, food, and water bowls.
Dogs should also have a place to play during the day to keep their minds active and a quiet area to retreat to if they need some space and rest.
The next thing to consider is the temperature. Air conditioning is notoriously unpredictable in the UK, leaving you freezing in mid-summer, while other offices may swelter without fans. According to Schertz Animal Hospital, the ideal temperature for a dog is between 18C and 24C.
Even if you have the most well-trained dog, according to the vet, you should also consider insurance to avoid liability if your puppy accidentally breaks something.
She said, “Many workplaces will require pet owners to have third-party liability insurance. Check with your pet insurance provider beforehand to see if you’re covered for third-party damage or public liability.
“This protects you financially if your dog causes damage or accidents at work.”
