First published on Tuesday, June 17, 2025
Last updated on Tuesday, June 17, 2025
Pets are a big part of many people's lives, whether it's a loyal dog, curious cat, chatty bird, or beloved reptile. They bring joy, comfort, and companionship and have been known to save lives in more ways than one.
As adorable as pets can be, having animals in the workplace does come with significant risks. Let’s dive into the ups and downs of having pets at work, with a focus on what you need to consider before introducing a pet-friendly policy in your business.
How having pets in the office could be an asset
There are countless benefits to having pets in the office, with some of the most cited pros including:
Increased collaboration
One unexpected benefit is that pets can boost collaboration, morale, and happiness. They’re natural icebreakers, giving colleagues a reason to stop by and say hi. Informal interactions like these can lead to better relationships, stronger rapport, and reduced feelings of isolation.
Boosts recruitment and retention
Having pet-friendly policies can be a big draw for candidates in the job pool. A large percentage of today’s workforce likely have pets and some of their worries when job hunting could include leaving their companions alone all day. Some are even willing to take pay cuts if it means being able to bring in their pets. Offering a pet-friendly perk shows your business cares about work-life balance and can give you an edge in recruiting and retention.
Better workplace wellbeing
Sometimes, simply being around animals can reduce stress and improve your mood. Allowing dogs, cats, and other pets in the office contributes to a positive work culture and promotes a pleasant social environment. For staff dealing with tight deadlines or personal stress, seeing a cute, friendly pet can be comforting and positively impact their day
Encourages return to work mandates
As more companies urge their staff to return to the office full-time, employees may worry about being away from their pets for longer periods. According to research by Harvard Business Review, business owners who want to make returning to the office as inviting as possible are already using out-of-the-box ideas like introducing office pet policies that allow staff to bring their furry friends to work.
The not-so-bright side of having animals in the workplace
Not all of your employees will be on board with having animals in the office and that's okay. Here are some important factors to weigh before becoming a pet-friendly workplace.
Health & safety issues
Having animals in the workplace can pose health and safety concerns. Some employees may have allergies or health sensitives to dander. Others may have worries about cleanliness especially accidents in common areas such as lunchrooms, affecting hygiene. There are also concerns about making sure pets are up-to-date on vaccinations, and well-behaved to prevent the risks of bites or scratches.
Fears, beliefs, and personal preferences
Not everyone is comfortable around animals. Some employees may be afraid of or simply dislike certain animals, which can cause discomfort and anxiety. Others may prefer to avoid animals for personal or religious reasons. It is important to approach these differences with sensitivity and offer alternatives like pet-free areas or give them the option to work remotely so everyone feels comfortable.
Potential distractions
While pets can boost morale, it can also negatively affect productivity. Stopping to pet a dog, dealing with a cat walking across a keyboard, or even managing a barking dog can detract from productivity if not properly managed.
Tips for a smooth rollout
If you're thinking of bringing pets into the office, here are a few handy tips to keep in mind:
Run a survey to get everyone’s opinions,
Create clear guidelines around pet behaviour, vaccinations and hygiene
Set boundaries like pet-free zones or designated pet days (e.g pet Fridays)
Encourage open dialogue so everyone feels comfortable speaking up
What if my employee needs pet-related accommodations?
Making the final call on whether to invite furry friends into the office isn't always solely at your discretion. When having pets in the office is purely for a perk or fun, you have more flexibility.
In some cases, you may be legally obligated to allow animals in the workplace. For example, if an employee relies on a service animal or requires the assistance of an animal due to a disability, human rights legislation requires you to accommodate their needs unless doing so causes undue hardship.
In the same vein, some employees may need support animals. Though these do not have the same legal protections as service animals they may be important to your employees' mental health. Denying such requests could lead to human rights complaints and potential fines.
Understanding the unique needs and perspectives within your workplace will help you decide whether to participate in initiatives like Take Your Dog to Work Day.
Final Thoughts
A pet-friendly workplace won't suit every workplace. But if you're considering it, start small and listen to your staff, it goes a long way.
You can start by testing the waters with something like once-a-week pet days gives your team enough time to adapt while you assess if it works or not.
And when you're ready to take that leap forward, having the right documentation like a clear pet policy in place can help you introduce this perk with confidence.
Get your free office pet policy
Crafted by BrightHR experts to help you stay compliant, protect your business, and keep tails wagging.
Download your FREE office pet policy here
Or, want to see how BrightHR can make managing people easier (a lot less stressful)? Book a no-obligation demo and chat with one of our friendly specialists today!
