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

  • BargnHuntr on 27/05/2022 - 08:44
    +1

    What's next? bring in your sick kids?

    • LFO on 27/05/2022 - 10:04

      What's next?

      Breastfeeding whilst in Parliament sessions.

  • Black Brown Blue on 27/05/2022 - 08:48

    Could it be carpet?
    I used to have carpet in my place, had really bad hayfever symptoms. Got it removed, have tiles and wood, my hayfever symptoms have gone.
    But dogs or any pet in office is NO due to OHS, this is company's fault for allowing dogs in workplace and their fault you are suffering like this. Give them medical proof, document everything with paper trail and union or fairwork may be next option. Good luck.

  • Logical on 27/05/2022 - 09:18
    +1

    Have someone accidentally step on the dogs tail, the dog bites back. WHS and Workcover get involved. Does employer have insurance for having an animal in the workplace?… most likely not. They will need to pay up compensation eg medial etc… and they will learn their lesson the hard way unfortunately.

    Alternatively, go around all team mates and ask them to bring their animal in on a certain day… I can only imagine what happens when 10-30 or more animals get together in the workplace… a s$%t show :-)

  • LFO on 27/05/2022 - 10:02
    +2

    Wait until they start bringing their pony horse for emotional support … or a tarantula in a jar …

  • preferredusername on 27/05/2022 - 11:49

    Could they instead/additionally elect specific days for people to bring in their dogs rather than a free for all 5 days a week?

  • GodsSon23 on 27/05/2022 - 20:22
    +4

    Dog owners are the most selfish group of people in the world. They only care about themself and think everyone should fawn over their pet.

    • TEER3X on 27/05/2022 - 21:19

      I would guess that statistically the level of selfishness is evenly distributed among humans irrespective of their pet ownership status

  • [Deactivated] on 28/05/2022 - 09:05

    I love to see workplaces like this, I think it's amazing for people who fit that vibe.

    That's the issue here, clearly you or a few don't fit but everyone else does.

    Unfortunately, that means put up or leave. I mean, if they ban dogs and everyone finds out you were against it…then half your colleagues my be unhappy with you.

    Everyone is suited at different workplaces.
    Companies like this, allow people who don't want their dog stuck at home all day to bring them at times.

    I like all animals, I'd probably partly hate it but I like the idea.

    Maybe they could corner off a section of the workplace which is still large, but an area dogs can be around. That way they don't freely roam around, I also don't think they should be in the canteen area around food.

    I think the company should be able to find a way and balance it.

    :)

  • gimli on 28/05/2022 - 09:56
    +1

    I think its OK to have dogs at work but not having some plan to accommodate for people who are allergic or avoid dogs for whatever reason is ridiculous for a company of that size.

  • GourmetFoodie on 28/05/2022 - 11:51
    +1

    Go for a walk in the burbs and collect lots of dog shit in a big container hidden inside a bag. Even better, if you have a friend with a dog, get them to give you fresh “samples”.

    Bring shit to work along with disposable gloves. When no one is looking put on the gloves and drop a piece of shit somewhere a bit out of the way but guaranteed to be found.

    Continue this practice for a few weeks.

    Eventually dogs will be banned.

  • SlavOz on 29/05/2022 - 19:09
    +1

    Pets around the lunch table? Eww.

  • shaybisc on 30/05/2022 - 11:00

    It's anti-Muslim isn't it? I suppose that's one way of ensuring you never hire one despite the anti-discrimination laws.

  • inasero on 30/05/2022 - 15:47

    Dogs don't belong in a workplace - too many things that can go wrong, as others have already pointed out. Leave them at home where they belong

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