Dogs in The Office, Ok or Not?

Gorgeousmorgeous on 24/05/2022 - 08:11
Last edited 24/05/2022 - 08:55 by 1 other user

The business I work for allows people to bring their dogs to work.

This was ok 2 years ago when we were a startup and had less than 10 employees. We are now much bigger with over 100 employees and no longer have that startup vibe.

There is at least 1 dog in the office every day. They are all generally well behaved. They wander the space occasionally, but will sit at people's feet in our kitchen space when people are eating and Hoover up anything that is dropped. I would say the majority of our company likes this.

I hate it a lot. I don't really like dogs, I am very allergic to them and I hate them being inside. There are others who also either have allergies or are scared of dogs but I am the only one who is ever going to be comfortable to raise the issue for discussion. I've raised it with my manager and the company has agreed to get the carpets cleaned more frequently. And it's going to be discussed further.

I feel mean for hating something that brings people joy, but this is my job that I enjoy and need! I'm keen to hear what other people in corporate land think.

Poll Options

  • 296
    Yes it's a great idea
  • 581
    No it sux
  • 17
    I really don't care
  • 106
    Just find another job
Education & Work

Comments

    • Muzeeb on 24/05/2022 - 08:33
      +85

      You want to sleep with op because they hate dogs?

      • AdosHouse on 25/05/2022 - 22:55
        +2

        I think they mean teabagging OP.

    • Gorgeousmorgeous on 24/05/2022 - 10:11
      +2

      lol

    • Dreamcast on 25/05/2022 - 19:37
      +3

      I would never hire you.

      • [Deactivated] on 25/05/2022 - 21:03
        -6

        I work for myself I’m not a slave to someone else

        • buckster on 26/05/2022 - 19:27
          +2

          Just a slave to yourself?

          • [Deactivated] on 26/05/2022 - 19:54

            @buckster: Nah spend most mornings surfing

          • [Deactivated] on 28/05/2022 - 10:10

            @gimli: lol couldn't help yourself eh

            • gimli on 28/05/2022 - 10:30

              @[Deactivated]: gotta go for the low hanging fruit…

              … you gotta work on your trolling game

              • [Deactivated] on 28/05/2022 - 12:38
                -1

                @gimli: pee off

  • Jimothy Wongingtons on 24/05/2022 - 08:16
    +20

    10 employees to 100 employees in 2 years ? Damn is it possible to learn this power? Please tell me it was to do with letting dogs in the office..

    Was the dog policy in place before or after you joined?

    • Gorgeousmorgeous on 24/05/2022 - 09:29
      +7

      It wasnt a policy, it just started happening. We were so small at the start it didnt matter. It was a dog in the office once a week or so. And then covid hit and we all worked from home for a long time

      • HeWhoKnows on 25/05/2022 - 13:09

        Its really not for us to judger as we dont work there!
        What are you going to do OP?
        Take the esults of this poll to your employer and demand action?

        Seriously this is a total waste of time mate.

        But aside from that its an interesting discussion point.

    • blwnhr on 25/05/2022 - 08:10
      +1

      Not unique in this market. The company I worked for went from 140 to nearly 400 in 3 years.

      • 1Kenobi on 25/05/2022 - 08:19
        +2

        Seriously what industries are these…? i need a job change and may as well go to a growth sector

        • blwnhr on 25/05/2022 - 08:28
          +1

          Can't speak for the other guy but I was in multi-discipline engineering.

  • Quantumcat on 24/05/2022 - 08:17
    +83

    You should ask if you can work from home permanently. It is not fair if you are allergic that you have to put up with that in your workspace.

    • SF3 on 24/05/2022 - 08:37
      +32

      Could be considered an OSH problem?

      • lunchbox99 on 25/05/2022 - 12:47
        +6

        Trip over a dog, fake a back injury, sue the workplace and the dog owner. Profit.

    • Gorgeousmorgeous on 24/05/2022 - 09:45
      +2

      I'd love to! but there are times i really need to be in office. I tend to wfh 2 days a week.

      • Quantumcat on 24/05/2022 - 09:51
        +54

        If they are on definite days of the week can you ask for those days eg Monday and Thursday or whatever it is, to be dog free days?

        • cookie2 on 24/05/2022 - 21:41
          +9

          That's a good idea actually

  • Stopback on 24/05/2022 - 08:18
    +24

    Keep dogs in one sector rule. Don't let the dogs out.

    • Jimothy Wongingtons on 24/05/2022 - 08:32
      +32

      WHOOOO LET THE DOGGSSSSS OUTTTTTT

      • kolorijo on 24/05/2022 - 09:48
        +13

        Who, who, who, who, who?

        • Kangal on 25/05/2022 - 00:04

          The one million dollar question!

          • 01011010 on 26/05/2022 - 14:22
            -1

            @Kangal: i thought it was, 'what did the fox say?'

    • cadwalader on 26/05/2022 - 12:10
      +3

      Yea, would make sense in a company of this size. Maybe a dog free area, or OP could ask for a private office or a dog free hotdesk area (as OP is wfh 2 days a week).

  • Xistn on 24/05/2022 - 08:24
    -8

    "Very Allergic" but put up with it for 2yrs…. right o.

    • Quantumcat on 24/05/2022 - 08:32
      +7

      You can take antihistamines

    • Gorgeousmorgeous on 24/05/2022 - 09:36
      +32

      I take antihistamines every day, plus asthma meds and eye drops. I can tolerate dogs to a certain level if I dont touch them, but the number of different dogs coming in daily is making things worse.

      When i say very allergic it is class 4, so i am not anaphylactic but it is high.

      Also my allergies are worsening over time, a few years ago I wasnt allergic to dogs. (i still diddnt like them though!)

      And when i started the dogs werent mentioned as a thing (see my comment above)

      • ThithLord on 24/05/2022 - 09:51
        +7

        I take antihistamines every day, plus asthma meds and eye drops

        Are you taking these purely because of the dogs in the office? That sounds like an absolute nightmare and I am concerned for your well-being.

        It sounds incredibly unfair. Is there any health/safety department?

        I would absolutely love to have dogs in the office, btw (people have brought them in sparingly every few months).

        • Gorgeousmorgeous on 24/05/2022 - 10:13
          +3

          No in complete transparency the asthma meds and eye drops are daily anyways. (i have very well controlled asthma)

          The anti-histamines I dont need to take daily if I WFH.

          • ThithLord on 24/05/2022 - 10:16
            +2

            @Gorgeousmorgeous: Can you angle for more permanent WFH arrangements to placate any change in dog policy?

      • Hardlyworkin on 24/05/2022 - 13:25
        +16

        Seems like your employer could face a worker's comp claim in the future.

        They have a responsibility to provide a safe environment. It's sucks for those who like dogs but unless they are there on medical grounds then they shouldn't be in an office.

      • CalmLemons on 25/05/2022 - 00:24
        -7

        You should probably seek treatment for your allergies, maybe sensitisation treatment.

        We live in Australia. If the insets don't kill you, the weather will.

        Thunderstorm asthma….I guarantee you with climate change something worse will come along.

        Would really seek specialist treatment if I were you.

        • Fredorishi on 25/05/2022 - 10:45
          +2

          Im not sure why you are getting nagged for this comment. I was going to suggest the exact same thing. See a proper allergy specialist. I have done it for a severe dust mite allergy and its great. Bit exxy, but cheaper in the long run.

          • CalmLemons on 26/05/2022 - 02:21

            @Fredorishi: Most likely because 99.99% of the people on the forums have zero medical knowledge….

            I'm sure that ambulance will come in time though…

        • LordM00 on 28/05/2022 - 12:17

          Wait really? I should look into this, sounds great.

      • Littlevu on 25/05/2022 - 16:36
        +1

        Did your allergy get worse the deeper your dislike went? Sounds like Fido put a hex on you.

    • Blitzfx on 25/05/2022 - 00:45
      +1

      Why exactly do you not believe that is not possible?

  • shaybisc on 24/05/2022 - 08:25
    +11

    Full disclosure - cranky old man here. Used to be into dogs when I was a child. Now gone off them.

    The thing that occurs to me is that dog owners houses usually smell doggy. You can't tell as a dog owner because you're immersed in it. Is this a problem for dogs at work businesses?

    • Stopback on 24/05/2022 - 08:39
      +2

      It's the dog hair when you sit down on couches

    • Gorgeousmorgeous on 24/05/2022 - 09:46
      +8

      I think the office smells doggy tbh and my boss agreed, another reason the carpets are going to get cleaned more often.

    • [Deactivated] on 24/05/2022 - 11:01
      +1

      cats are worse

      • Some Human on 24/05/2022 - 20:14
        +16

        Cats would go around the office all day knocking stuff off everyone's desk

        • PopCounty on 24/05/2022 - 22:20
          +2

          And other smaller pets or so. Specifically if natives.

      • Daz91 on 25/05/2022 - 10:24
        +1

        Thank god nobody brings cats to work then?

      • pufffdragon on 25/05/2022 - 16:43
        +1

        Cats don't stink though.

        • [Deactivated] on 25/05/2022 - 16:59
          +2

          believe me they do and their food

        • buckster on 26/05/2022 - 19:32

          Wait till one pisses on your chair

  • SupeNintendoChalmers on 24/05/2022 - 08:26
    +7

    Pardon, who let the dogs out?

  • TChalla on 24/05/2022 - 08:26
    +7

    I love dogs. They're annoying in the office though (especially with my company growing too)

  • SF3 on 24/05/2022 - 08:36
    +6

    no longer have that startup vibe

    It's what happens for any startup that becomes a company, and needs to takes things even more seriously.

    • Gorgeousmorgeous on 24/05/2022 - 09:48
      +5

      There are no regulations. Or policy.

    • rektrading on 24/05/2022 - 09:52
      +10

      Pets at the office can be an OHS issue.

  • Danstar on 24/05/2022 - 08:52
    +17

    Almost as ridiculous as “comfort animals” on planes

  • Donaldhump on 24/05/2022 - 08:59
    +2

    ozbargain way, let your dog eat others scraps save on pet food.

  • offthetap on 24/05/2022 - 09:03
    -6

    When you started at this company did you know they had an open door policy to dogs? if so deal with it and stop complaining… you knew what you were getting into.

    • Quantumcat on 24/05/2022 - 09:25
      +4

      It is different if there is a dog in once a fortnight compared to every day

    • Gorgeousmorgeous on 24/05/2022 - 09:40
      +6

      No, it was not mentioned. We were very small back then and I just turned up one day and there was a dog.

      We had no policy at all, and i still dont think there is an official policy.

    • [Deactivated] on 24/05/2022 - 12:19
      +29

      They all smell. People around the dogs all the time get used to it and don't notice it. Dogs are not integrated into most people's lives. Most people do not interact with them at all on a daily basis unless someone thinks dogs are their fur babies and insist on pushing them on the rest of us.

      • rack on 25/05/2022 - 12:40

        Yes they do. I bought a cavoodle because someone said they don't have that doggy smell. Oh hell they do. Even when he comes back from the groomer. He still smells. He is no longer allowed on the furniture.

    • Sum-Ting Wong on 24/05/2022 - 17:27
      +4

      How do one execute dogs correctly in the workplace? Sounds very violent.

    • cookie2 on 25/05/2022 - 06:47
      +6

      The concept of the allergy card? It's not a concept or a card, it's just a fact for this person. They have allergies that impact them in their workspace now due to changes, dogs not written policy.

  • bobbified on 24/05/2022 - 09:06
    +1

    This was ok 2 years ago

    Your allergies were okay with dogs two years ago?

    • Gorgeousmorgeous on 24/05/2022 - 09:41
      +4

      My dog allergy was less 2 years ago and there were less dogs, And then covid made the issue ireelevant due to all of us working at home.

      • bobbified on 24/05/2022 - 09:47
        -8

        There's obviously a lot of people that love dogs and it's already an existing company policy. It's very possible some people have bought dogs knowing that they can bring them to work (rather than leave them at home alone).

        Personally, if I didn't like something I would just pick up my sh.t and go somewhere else (instead of expecting everyone else to change for me). I can't see this ending well for you, particularly if they do change the rule and your name is attached to the banning of dogs in the office. I'm not sure what your company culture is like, but in a typical office setting, I wouldn't be surprised if you suddenly became everyone's "favourite" person in the office.

        • Gorgeousmorgeous on 24/05/2022 - 10:09
          +4

          Yes, i am very aware of this, which is why I am contemplating just leaving. But it still doenst fix the problem for others who are to worried to speak up.

          But "bringing your dog to work" has not been an advertised part of the job, its just something that you realise when people start working for the company.

          • bobbified on 24/05/2022 - 10:18
            +1

            @Gorgeousmorgeous:

            But it still doenst fix the problem for others who are to worried to speak up.

            To be completely blunt, in the corporate world, 'others' are not your problem. If the shoe's on the other foot, I highly doubt they'd do the same in return.

          • cookie2 on 24/05/2022 - 21:50
            +6

            @Gorgeousmorgeous: I think you're being really reasonable about something that impacts your day to day work and comfort when in the office. I love dogs and I'm pro dogs in the office within reason but definitely think that others needs must be met too. I'd say a particular day a week or rostering days dogs in the office or allowing everyone wfh flexibility etc. I just don't think your need should be ignored just to allow for someone elses.

  • Benoffie on 24/05/2022 - 09:08
    +24

    I dont agree with it. Many people are scared of dogs.
    Raise it as a WHS issue.

  • djones145 on 24/05/2022 - 09:09
    +8

    hmmm you have a dog problem, maybe buy a lion and bring it in to scare the dogs away… and everyone else. boom empty office

    • Kangal on 25/05/2022 - 01:48
      +1

      If we're going that route, there's lots of options:

      Eagle, Baboon, Wolverine, Cougar, Boar, Hyena, Alligator, Python, Jaguar, Gorilla, Black Bear, Moose, Tiger, Saltwater Crocodile, Bison, Polar Bear, Walrus, Gaur, Eleseal, Giraffe, Hippo, Rhino, Elephant.

  • bliss35 on 24/05/2022 - 09:11
    -7

    So you didn't have allergies 2 years ago? Work from home or find a new job :)

    • Gorgeousmorgeous on 24/05/2022 - 09:24
      +7

      It wasn't advertised with this as a thing, and tbh it came about organically not as an actual policy.

    • markathome on 24/05/2022 - 23:32
      +3

      While it may be surprising, an allergy developing and worsening with ongoing exposure is quite unremarkable. If you type in "exposure allergies" in to Google it's actually highlighted in the summary.

      https://www.google.com/search?q=exposure+allergies

      Allergies aren't static things and they can make life miserable. You definitely deserve to have the issue taken seriously Gorgeous. My fear is, if the dogs are only allowed in twice a week when you're not there, will that actually be sufficient or will you still be irritated because the dander lingers?

  • Jimmycfc on 24/05/2022 - 09:17
    +24

    I love dog's but i don't see why all of a sudden people think they can do this.
    So what happens if you eat chocolate in the kitchen and a dog eats it?
    I am not saying do this but it will be interesting when it happens

    • Danstar on 24/05/2022 - 09:20
      +19

      Or what happens if the dog decides to attack someone? Would that be covered by work cover?

      • Kivharo on 25/05/2022 - 08:12
        +3

        Or trips on a dog, or a dog lead, or dog toys, or dog bed as often seems to be the way when people bring in their dogs.

  • Maglia Nera on 24/05/2022 - 09:20

    bring in your parrot ?

    • Quantumcat on 24/05/2022 - 09:27
      +2

      I did actually used to bring in my parrot to a past job. It was hard to concentrate though as if she didn't get any interaction with me for more than 30 seconds she'd start chewing a cable or pull keys off a keyboard.

      • Roman Sandstorm on 25/05/2022 - 13:51
        +3

        Did your eyepatch prevent you from keeping an eye on your parrot on your shoulder?

  • DemocracyManifest on 24/05/2022 - 09:23

    Bring in Oreos everyday and drop them accidentally

  • netjock on 24/05/2022 - 09:36
    +9

    I am very allergic to them

    Tell your work about your allergy and suggest to have dog and no dog zones because I am sure you're not the only one (I am not allergic to 99% of things) but just like nut allergies I think it should be taken seriously.

  • orangetrain on 24/05/2022 - 09:37
    +3

    Discuss with your manager. There may be other people WFH or separate building or they left. Your manager is ideally your corporate best friend to keep you at the company to keep you doing your best*

    • Managers can also be dicks. In that case transfer or leave
    • Gorgeousmorgeous on 24/05/2022 - 09:43
      +6

      My manager is lovely and is taking my concerns with grace. I know that my issues with the dogs will be unpopular, but i am happy that he is listening to me :)

      • rompastompa on 25/05/2022 - 21:32

        Time for a promotion and a new office where dogs aren't allowed! Depending on your office layout, how happy you are in the business and most importantly how valuable you are, then it shouldn't be a problem to be promoted into a 'senior' role with your own office.

        Perhaps a performance review required, with a pay increase delayed, while you get settled in your new office?

  • rektrading on 24/05/2022 - 09:44
    +28

    Pets in the office are unprofessional unless it's a vet or the RSPCA.

    • cookie2 on 25/05/2022 - 06:52

      Can be great for staff morale. Just needs to be well managed and consideration for all. And should be a bonus, not an rule/entitlement. Would've gotten me back into the office much faster!

      • lunchbox99 on 25/05/2022 - 12:50
        +7

        What about the half of any large group of staff who don't like dogs in the workplace? Doesn't their morale matter? This would include plenty of dog lovers who just think it's not appropriate.

        I would like to work in the nude, but I recognise that others in my workplace would not be so positive. It's called having emotional intelligence.

        • Charmoffensive on 25/05/2022 - 14:50
          +2

          What about the half of any large group of staff who don't like dogs in the workplace? Doesn't their morale matter?

          I don't like people bringing in those little desk humidifiers, but I'm not about to police it. I just do what normal people do and ignore it so other people can have their fun.

          It's called having emotional intelligence.

          that goes both ways, bud.

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