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

          • Zondor on 26/05/2022 - 10:12

            @Charmoffensive: This isn't a thing that sits on a desk, it's a dog.

            • Charmoffensive on 26/05/2022 - 12:18

              @Zondor: It's a thing that sits on a desk and sprays moisture around the room.

              If my dog was at work and just sat under my desk, it's be less intrusive than a humidifier.

            • lunchbox99 on 26/05/2022 - 13:29

              @Zondor: I once had a desktop humidifier hump my leg and bite the mailman. True story.

        • cookie2 on 26/05/2022 - 04:53

          Well you're assuming that half dont like dogs in the workplace, I'd say that would be completely wrong. You'd get a number that don't like and others that don't care as well as the others that want.

          And again I don't believe that 'plenty' of dog lovers would think it inappropriate, it would be 'some'. The appropriateness of it comes down to how it's managed, the overall staff wants and the workplace itself. Obviously dogs in a retail setting is going to be different to a small business with no customer facing responsibilities.

          And everyone's morale matters, but not everyone can be satisfied if they as an individual are being unreasonable. And I think that generally speaking, you would mostly get an increase in overall staff morale from this, rather than a decrease.

          It depends how you define professional btw. 10 years ago it would've been considered unprofessional to have a beard in many workplace settings, or for a suit not to be worn etc. My point is that it shifts with society.

          You try working in the nude tho, that's something I'm sure more than half of your colleagues will be unhappy with. The comparison is ridiculous.

          • lunchbox99 on 26/05/2022 - 07:38
            +2

            @cookie2: I didn't say half the workplace don't like dogs. I said half the workplace would feel that dogs in the workplace is inappropriate whether they like dogs or not. Lots of people commenting on this thread have said exactly that - they like dogs but do not want dogs in the workplace.

            It is also a legal and OHS minefield. I guarantee you the business owner will change their mind after the first person trips on a dog, or the first person files a work cover claim for medical issues related to the dog, or a dog bites someone, or barks at someone.

            Obviously there are workplaces where dogs would be fine, but it sounds like OP is talking about an office environment.

            • cookie2 on 27/05/2022 - 21:07

              @lunchbox99: My sentence was actually

              … you're assuming that half dont like dogs in the workplace.

              It worries me that you read from that a completely different thing.

  • rektrading on 24/05/2022 - 09:50
    +3

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

    This sounds like good grounds for a OHS complaint with the ombudsman.

    May be even a lawsuit for compensation for an unsafe workplace.

    • Gorgeousmorgeous on 24/05/2022 - 10:03
      +3

      Thanks :) but i really like my company!

      • rektrading on 24/05/2022 - 10:06
        +10

        People liking where they work shouldn't have to pay for it with their health.

        • Drakesy on 24/05/2022 - 11:37
          +3

          This is it.
          Loyalty is dead.
          I wouldn't compromise on my health just so i could work

  • apple2016 on 24/05/2022 - 09:50
    +5

    I am very allergic to them

    Worksafe issue really. Employers are required to provide a safe workplace.

  • Ryanek on 24/05/2022 - 10:02
    +2

    Are we talking real dogs or is this a metaphor?

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

      real dogs, anywhere from Shitsu to kelpies and golden retrieve/poodle etc. tbh the poodles are not so bad as they are lower in allergens and tend to be pretty chill

      • Ryanek on 24/05/2022 - 10:09
        +2

        So yeah, I think it's best you move on. Dogs are part of their work culture and it looks like you're not compatible with that.

        If you don't have the option to work from home, I can't imagine the office is a pleasant place to work for you.

        • rektrading on 24/05/2022 - 10:22
          +17

          Workplace culture doesn't negate OHS. The company has a duty of care to provide a safe work environment.

          Pets like dogs have no place in an office work environment unless it's a business that provides care for pets.

          • Ryanek on 24/05/2022 - 10:39
            -6

            @rektrading: Yes that is true, but do you want to be the guy who killed the dogs at work initiative?

            Like I said… best to move on.

            • rektrading on 24/05/2022 - 10:53
              +4

              @Ryanek: I see it as the person that stands up to voice their concerns for a safer work environment.

              If the boss won't do the right thing then the workers have to.

              Btw I'm not talking about pets at the office but rather all unsafe work environments.

            • dtc on 24/05/2022 - 11:53
              +12

              @Ryanek: I love dogs, have them. But if someone is allergic to something then you have to deal with it in the office. You cant just say 'tough luck'. You need a management plan; if the plan is 'let dogs wander everywhere; then that isnt a plan

          • shutuptakemymoney101 on 25/05/2022 - 07:21

            @rektrading: Different people have different allergies, do we draw a line on things we need to ban in order to provide a workplace safe for everyone?

            • rektrading on 25/05/2022 - 07:41
              +3

              @shutuptakemymoney101:

              do we draw a line on things we need to ban to provide a workplace safe for everyone?

              Yes, that is how OHS works.

              Duty of care requires the company to take reasonable steps to protect its workers and customers from workplace hazards.

              They should use controls from the 🔺 to the bottom.

              Elimination
              Substitution
              Engineering controls
              Administrative controls
              Personal protective equipment

              • shutuptakemymoney101 on 25/05/2022 - 11:32

                @rektrading: Is that always practical in all cases?

              • thord on 25/05/2022 - 14:32

                @rektrading:

                Duty of care requires the company to take reasonable steps to protect its workers and customers from workplace hazards.

                1. What's the hazard?
                2. If anyone finds out it was you - everyone in that office is going to hate you
                • rektrading on 25/05/2022 - 14:35

                  @thord: The pet is the hazard as described by OP. It is an allergen.

                  • thord on 25/05/2022 - 15:24

                    @rektrading: Alergens aren't hazards

                    • rektrading on 25/05/2022 - 15:35
                      +1

                      @thord: Allergens are a hazard. Many schools ban foods that have allergens.

                      Businesses are required by state law to comply with biohazard guidelines to protect workers using controls from allergens.

                      • shutuptakemymoney101 on 25/05/2022 - 17:17

                        @rektrading: Perfumes and deodorants are an allergen to some, would it be overstepping the mark if the business banned staff using these chemicals when in the office?

                        Just an example but I'm sure you see my point? How far do we take things?

                        • buckster on 26/05/2022 - 19:37

                          @shutuptakemymoney101: Have worked for companies where there are OHS policies preventing the use of perfumes and excessive deodorant due to allergenic properties. So yes

              • lunchbox99 on 26/05/2022 - 07:46
                +1

                @rektrading: Seems like elimination is pretty easy - don't allow pets in the workplace.

            • [Deactivated] on 25/05/2022 - 17:50
              +1

              @shutuptakemymoney101: We draw the line at 'dogs aren't people' and if they are not a 'working dog' they don't belong at the workplace.

  • brendanm on 24/05/2022 - 10:18
    +10

    I like dogs, but would not want them in an office all day. If you have allergies like that, and the dog policy wasn't a "policy", then I'm not sure how they can get away with bringing them in and making your life miserable.

  • Mechz on 24/05/2022 - 10:49
    -2

    Just feed them something that will make them shit everywhere. Nothing nasty, just enough to get them back home where they belong.

    • HerpinDerp on 24/05/2022 - 11:28
      +7

      Sounds like you should end up in the same place as the dogs aftermath with that mentality.

    • payton on 24/05/2022 - 11:41
      +4

      good job in trying to get OP fired for malicious conduct

    • Gorgeousmorgeous on 24/05/2022 - 12:32
      +1

      LOL!

  • Drakesy on 24/05/2022 - 11:02
    +7

    If you're allergic to it i'd definitely push harder if you have allergies.
    You can expect that a typical office environment would be dog free.

    If i was around cats in my office environment i'd be giving them an ultimatum with one solution the ombudsman.
    When health is at play that's where the employer should draw the line.

  • Seraphin7 on 24/05/2022 - 11:20
    +23

    I don't know what's happened over the last several years where all of sudden people think it's their inherent right to take their dog with them everywhere they go. Dogs (or any other animal) have no place in any form of business setting, unless of course there is a direct relationship (e.g. vets).

    • slow on 24/05/2022 - 11:31
      +10

      Agree 100%, and dogs on lead signs and picking up their dog's crap are completely optional…..

      I've even had people coming to my house and thinking it's OK to bring their dog without even asking

    • CauseNEffect on 25/05/2022 - 13:42
      -8

      Disagree entirely. You aren't curing cancer or solving the worlds problems in your everyday job. A well trained, cared for socialized dog will be a blessing to any office.

      You can still have dog free zones. Boardroom etc for your very important work.

      Let people be happy and watch your culture improve..

      • daleroy1234 on 25/05/2022 - 15:21
        +4

        100% disagree. What next? Cats allowed? Hamsters? Birds? It's an office environment, not a fking zoo!

        • CauseNEffect on 25/05/2022 - 17:36
          -5

          Nice strawman there. Nobody is suggesting other animals.. ir would be a managerie in place of zoo unless zebras are an option.

          Dogs are often used as support animals which would likely be useful for miserable souls like yourself.

          +1 for the dogs.

      • johnno07 on 26/05/2022 - 08:10
        +3

        Let people be happy and watch your culture improve..

        Classic one-eyed dog-lover. Can you not possibly comprehend that people don't like having dogs on/around them? Especially in the OP's case where they are quite allergic?

        I don't mind other people's (well behaved) dogs, but I would quit my job today if they started bringing them into the office.

        • rektrading on 26/05/2022 - 09:52

          I would quit my job today if they started bringing them into the office.

          You don't have to quit. The law (OHS) is on your side.

        • CauseNEffect on 26/05/2022 - 11:36

          I'd put it up for a democratic vote. No reason there can't be compromise to make it work.. I reckon you'd be out voted.

          A dog per floor wouldn't be an issue for most people.

          • buckster on 26/05/2022 - 19:41

            @CauseNEffect: Yeah but democratic vote doesn't trump OHS requirements.

            I think if OPs workplace had a dog specific area and dog free remainder of the premises they'd unlikely have issues.

            Animal policy need to be sensible not just a free for all

            • CauseNEffect on 26/05/2022 - 20:02
              -1

              @buckster: And seeing eye dogs and emotional support dogs trump oh&s…

              Of course you can designate safe areas and no go zones like the kitchen area.. dogs can be trained after all. Often better than humans..

    • liquid metal on 26/05/2022 - 21:24
      -1

      You'd suffer quite a lot in many European countries with that sort of mindset. You have dogs in shops, pubs, public transport, cafes, etc. Almost everywhere. Yet, its not an issue cause dogs are better socialised due to that. In Australia it'd be a drama cause a good majority of dogs hardly leaves their home. They aren't involved in our daily lives.

      • CauseNEffect on 26/05/2022 - 21:26

        Dogs are pack animals.. the more they are with you in social settings the more relaxed and happy they are..

      • Seraphin7 on 26/05/2022 - 22:51

        Spoiler alert … I'm not in Europe.

        And very happy with that situation.

  • how2save on 24/05/2022 - 11:27
    +6

    Under 10 people where everyone knows each other very well and you can ask everyone if it's ok, then maybe, but beyond that you've got to start thinking about everyone, especially those who don't want to speak up, in that case, unless the workplace is properly set up for pets then I'd say no.

    I worked somewhere with a dog friendly policy, but it was basically just "dog's aren't banned from the building" so if someone was out with their pet and popped in for 10 minutes to pick something up or drop something off, sure bring the dog in for a few minutes.

    There was an occasion where someone had a dog back from the vets and they chilled by their desk for a couple of days. No issue here either.

    But would have been a nightmare if all of a sudden a dozen of us decided to bring our dog in all day every day.

    I find these rules are often unfairly created just to suit one or two people. Like if it doesn't work if we're all doing it, or half of us are doing it, maybe lets not do it.

  • newjerseydamo on 24/05/2022 - 11:43
    +10

    I'm a dog owner and lover, and there's no way I would want to put up with that office environment.
    1) I want a break from my own dog
    2) I don't want to deal with another person's dog, especially if they're a bad owner and don't control it
    3) The smell and hair would also annoy me

    With the increase in staffing, the company should have addressed this themselves a lot sooner.
    I definitely would be pushing for them to either create bring your dog to work days so there are specific days once a month (or whatever) so you can plan accordingly, ban it completely, or provide flexibility to you to work from home.

  • moph on 24/05/2022 - 12:37
    +12

    I'm a dog guy and previously (when I worked in an office) would bring my dog in sometimes. I think having animals in the workplace is nice, helps to lighten the mood and allows people to relax. However that was a small business and I knew everyone was happy with the dog there. It's a different situation in a larger workplace where it isn't easy to check with everyone.

    I think your allergies are a genuine issue and as a dog owner I would be respectful of that. Your workplace should help to accommodate that by ensuring you are segregated from the dogs either in space or time (having some dog free areas or days). You could also request they invest in some air purifiers to remove allergens.

    • Gorgeousmorgeous on 24/05/2022 - 12:38

      really great suggestion on the air purifiers.

      • moph on 24/05/2022 - 14:56
        +5

        Another thing I just thought of - when I would bring my dog into the office, I also brought a mat for him to lie on. Then I'd take it home with me at the end of the day. That meant that there'd be less hair and dog smell getting into the carpet etc. It worked well for him also because he had a familiar object and knew that was his spot to lie down. If the dog owners in your office aren't doing something like that, you could suggest to your manager that the business develops a policy that requires dog owners to bring their own dog bed and ensure their dogs lie on it rather than the carpet when they're in the office. Obviously it's not a complete solution but I reckon if your workplace can implement some combination of this, air purifiers, and dog free spaces and times then it should greatly reduce your allergy problems, and they're all thoughtful and constructive solutions that you can reasonably ask for.

  • elgrande on 24/05/2022 - 14:38
    +4

    Plot twist: OP works for a cat food company

  • Jason Genova on 24/05/2022 - 16:01
    +3

    your company sounds woke

    • Gorgeousmorgeous on 24/05/2022 - 17:47
      +4

      Very, sadly I'm Gen X, the antithesis of woke 😏

      • buckster on 26/05/2022 - 19:43

        I thought the antithesis of woke was 70 year old men like Alan Jones

  • pn09 on 24/05/2022 - 19:04
    +3

    Bring a pet Bikie to work … they will corral the dogs, create a fight club, get some betting going, and bring in some cash - an alternative income stream.

    If anyone objects tell them that they are bikie-phobic and that in this day an age this is unacceptable

    Get a tidy payout and move to a land with no dogs

    Note: Bikie generated funds may continue as a passive income stream after your departure

  • Deals For Days on 24/05/2022 - 19:28

    I love dogs, I think it's fair if they visit now and again, but I don't think it's particularly fair on people who are allergic to have them in their workplace. And just in general—I think if people wanna be with their dogs, the company should let them WFH.

    That being said, idk. I don't agree with others saying it's a liability/OHS issue, highly doubt that would play out unless you had a really severe allergy.

    Granted, I think if people knew about your allergy, the non-(profanity) ones would stop bringing their dogs to work.

    • Drakesy on 26/05/2022 - 15:32
      +1

      If you're working in a workplace where it wouldn't be expected that you'd come into daily contact with a dog you'd have a pretty strong case to push back.

      Not so much if you work at a vet/dog home/kennel.

  • AustriaBargain on 24/05/2022 - 19:59
    +3

    Start your own business that bans all dogs. If I owned a big business there would be ten cats for each employee.

    • FireRunner on 25/05/2022 - 12:48
      +1

      I saw this webcomic today and it’s exactly what I imagine your company to be like

  • DiscoJango on 24/05/2022 - 20:31
    +5

    all dogs have a 'smell'

    an office with dog/s in it every day, would start to smell a bit funky after a while

    • smartazz104 on 24/05/2022 - 20:51
      +2

      Can’t imagine what any clients coming for a visit would be thinking.

      • CauseNEffect on 25/05/2022 - 13:32
        +3

        That you have a positive work culture.. most people like dogs..

        Don't overthink it.

        Even ceo's have dogs.. most would smile at the sight of a fido welcome party.

    • CauseNEffect on 25/05/2022 - 13:38
      +2

      A dog that spends much of its time inside a house on clean bedding which is washed regularly will not smell anymore than you would. Ideally dogs are washed fortnightly unless they do some nasty rolling in pungent things. I mean if you are putting your nose against the dogs coat then you will get a faint smell but nobody is noticing that from covid safe distances.

      Human bo is often pungent.. many a time a collegue has come back from a run and you could tell from 3 meters away..

    • lonewolf on 25/05/2022 - 15:45
      +1

      Not really. My workplace has had dogs, There was never a smell. Inside dogs also dont have anywhere near the same smell as outside dogs. There are many variables.

  • bmerigan on 24/05/2022 - 20:57

    I'm ok with dogs at work, but not wandering around loose and free.

  • ty99234 on 24/05/2022 - 21:20

    Hmm, is the company you work for a finance(lending) company?

  • Davo1111 on 24/05/2022 - 21:50

    Take it up with HR, and find a new job

  • brad1-8tsi on 24/05/2022 - 22:02

    As much as I love dogs I think everyday would be the pits. One day a week at most.

    My partner used to smuggle her dog into the office. I believe it tinkled on somebodies keyboard and the carpet.

  • trapper on 24/05/2022 - 22:32

    I've had a few offices here like this and didn't mind the odd dog wandering around. I found it quite quirky really because I had never seen this before coming to Australia.

    If you have allergies and it's affecting you then I'm sure people will be happy to accommodate with a dog free zone etc

    • lonewolf on 25/05/2022 - 15:44

      It depends on how severe the allergies are. I have allergies to dogs but i have had dogs most of my life. I know people who have more severe dog allergies than me who also keep dogs (they occasionally have gotten injections or something to keep control of the allergies). People also have allergies to pollen / flowers etc (I do), does that mean we should have no plants at all at work?

      • trapper on 25/05/2022 - 18:06

        If your plant is causing your workmate to suffer with allergies, then yes, you should get rid of that plant.

        • lonewolf on 25/05/2022 - 18:37

          Its not anyones plant, its an open office where there are plants all over to give some life as well as fresher air. If the person has allergies, dont go near it or deal with the allergies. I have allergies for dust, pollen, dairy, and pets. I deal with it. If its severe allergies leading to death etc is a different story, But i havent heard people having those kinds of allergies with animals or plant life. Generally seems to be foods or meds.

  • drfuzzy on 24/05/2022 - 23:21
    +1

    Woof.

  • syousef on 25/05/2022 - 01:39
    -2

    You took the job with dogs allowed despite your allergies. Now you're upset that they're not changing the rules to suit you? Find another job.

    • Davo1111 on 25/05/2022 - 04:32
      -1

      I didn't realise they were there from the start. OP find a new job and quit complaining

      • cookie2 on 25/05/2022 - 07:00
        +2

        They or 1? You should review commentary before passing judgement

        • Davo1111 on 25/05/2022 - 08:07
          +1

          they, being non gender specific 1

    • cookie2 on 25/05/2022 - 06:59
      +2

      You read very little of this post.

      • syousef on 25/05/2022 - 12:45
        +1

        Incorrect. I read the post. The rules were there from the start. Companies change as they grow, so that is expected. OP could have seen where this was going as the company got bigger. It was incredibly short-sighted to take on this particular job with those allergies, and expect it to work out in the long term. As a short term job sure, but OP could have seen where this was going.

        What you don't seem to understand is the implication is that no large company should allow employees to bring in pets. That's not a good thing. There should be businesses that can operate this way, and others that don't. OP can find a business that suits them without forcing this work place to restrict everyone else working there from bringing in their dog.

        • BartholemewH on 26/05/2022 - 01:31
          +1

          OP was there before the dogs. There was no policy, one day a dog shows up.

          • syousef on 26/05/2022 - 07:00

            @BartholemewH: Tracked down the one comment where the OP says "One day it just started happening". This just means the OP was unaware of what policies were in place. If the owners didn't approve it the first person to bring in a dog would have been asked not to bring the dog again.

            Regardless a whole bunch of people have been hired since then that thought it was ok to bring their dog in. Now OP just expects them to stop. OP should have complained sooner given allergies etc. not waited until it was part of the character and culture of the place. Now OP wants to put everyone else out in one of the few work places where this is allowed.

            A reasonably large dog free area would be a good compromise. Keeping dogs on leash or in pens would be another.

            I hope people suggesting the dogs are poisoned so they can poop all over the company and bring about change that way are joking.

            • buckster on 26/05/2022 - 19:45
              -1

              @syousef: Regardless of time passed, it doesn't override OHS requirements and duty of care.

              If OP did veer into anaphylaxis (even if unlikely), it's the businesses responsibility for it as they failed to provide a safe workplace for all employees

              • syousef on 26/05/2022 - 21:13

                @buckster: They can absolutely do so without banning employees from bringing in dogs. Dog free zones or even entire offices as they expand.

                We're going to get to a point where the employee who doesn't want to see dogs in the office is countered by the employee who claims to need a support animal.

                This is why we can't have nice things and end up with soul-destroying, boring offices that people want to escape.

                it's pretty obvious you don't like pets in the office from your other responses. And you should get to choose to work in a pet free environment, while others get to choose otherwise.

                • buckster on 27/05/2022 - 08:27
                  -1

                  @syousef: Assumptions wrong, and arguments invalid.

                  It's not about stance on pets, it's black and white workplace requirements.

                  • syousef on 27/05/2022 - 09:56

                    @buckster: My assumptions are wrong and my arguments are invalid huh? Thanks for providing such a clear and concise counter argument. You may as well have called me a poopy head.

                    I think people like you forget that there are actually work places that are all about the animals. Not every work place is an office. And not every work place needs to be a homogenous pit of soulless despair. Mental health is important too.

        • cookie2 on 27/05/2022 - 21:09

          Op could have seen??? That's where i stopped reading if I'm being honest.

          • syousef on 28/05/2022 - 00:27

            @cookie2: Feel free to stop reading at any point. No skin off my nose.

            Startups don't stay small if they're successful. If you have 10 people in a company and 2 are bringing in pets, it isn't hard to see that number will increase when the company grows to 100. That should be very obvious.

  • Cu5ter on 25/05/2022 - 01:58

    As much as I love dogs, which is a lot, I don't think it's all that appropriate to have them in the workplace. You can't help an allergy and it shouldn't cost you a job.
    Unless…plot twist; OP's startup is a veterinary surgery?

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