Guidelines for Allowing Dogs in Your Workplace

Guidelines for Setting Up a Pet Policy

All of the pet policy recommendations below are optional. A company does not need a pet policy to allow dogs into the workplace. However, we recommend some type of pet policy so everyone can happily co-exist together. Remember to always get permission from your Human Resource department and/or your company's management team when implementing a pet policy.

- Dogs must be leashed (standard 6 foot leash) or in a closed office or cubicle. Some dog owners will put a small folding fence (baby gate) in front of their cubicle door so their pup cannot roam around.

- Dogs should be well-behaved (not aggressive towards people). Not all dogs like the UPS or FedEx delivery people, but that is why the leash rule is implemented.

- Dogs must be on a flea free. It is up to the pet owner to decide the best type of flea program for their dog.

- "Three accidents and you're out" rule. Some companies allow only three bathroom accidents per dog and then they must stay at home. However, the dog can come back once he or she has been successfully potty trained.

- Dog owners must clean up after their dog goes to the bathroom outside. The company should have some type of garbage can located outside so owners can easily throw away the poop.

- Occasionally some companies will exempt dogs from conference rooms, restrooms and cafeterias. This policy will all depend on your management's decision. It is usually determined by the number of people that work at your office, or if people are allergic or afraid of dogs.