Question: Do pets belong in the workplace?

Answer:

There is a growing trend of companies providing therapy dogs at work to help ease their employees’ stress.  Pet Partners is a non-profit that hosts therapy animal events at businesses across the United States.  Pet Partners has volunteer handlers who bring trained pets to businesses and allow employees to visit with them for set time periods during the workday.  These visits with pets are reported to be a favorite benefit among employees who go back to work more relaxed.  Of course, one employee’s stress reliever may be anxiety provoking to another.  While some find dogs to be relaxing and playful, others have an intense fear of dogs.  Employers also need to consider employees with allergies and how they may be negatively impacted by the presence of dogs in the workplace.

Some employers also are becoming pet-friendly, where employees are permitted to bring their pets to work, and not just on the annual Take Your Dog to Work Day (which is recognized on the first Friday after Father’s Day each year).  Some companies have summer hours on Fridays, others are allowing employees to bring their pets to work on Fridays during summer months.  Being around animals can have tangible psychological benefits – such as boosting morale and improving productivity.  Should your company decide to begin allowing pets at work, first think through some of the practical issues that may arise:

• Have procedures in place to handle situations where visiting pets do not get along with each other;
• Attempt to prevent aggressive pets from visiting the office.  However, new environments can create over-excitement or aggressiveness even in regularly docile pets;
• Ensure employees keep safety top of mind: use leashes or crates in the workplace and do not leave pets unattended;
• Remind employees to bring food and water to care for their pets and to take appropriate breaks with their pets during the workday; and
• Ensure pet owners provide guidance to co-workers on how best to approach their animals and whether petting from strangers is welcome.

About the author:   Laura Liss is Chair of Patzik Frank and Samotny’s Employment Law Practice Group. She provides both legal and practical business advice on all phases of employment-related decisions. She regularly serves as a sounding board for business owners, executives and human resources professionals and assists them in successfully and efficiently navigating the various employment laws that affect their businesses.