Dogs in the office: HR considerations for employers
- Seleena Creedon
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
In recent years, more SME businesses have embraced the idea of a pet-friendly workplace. Dogs in the office can lift morale, reduce stress, and even encourage colleagues to take breaks and move around during the day. But before you say “yes” to a four-legged visitor, it’s important to consider the HR and people implications.
Allowing dogs in the office isn’t just about putting down a water bowl – it involves careful thought about employee wellbeing, legal obligations, and clear policies. Here are the key HR considerations to keep in mind.
Equality and Legal obligations
The first distinction HR needs to make is between assistance dogs and pets.
Assistance dogs are covered under the Equality Act 2010. Employers must make reasonable adjustments to allow them, as they are not considered pets but essential aids for employees with disabilities.
Pets, however, are at the employer’s discretion. You can choose whether or not to allow them, but consistency and fairness in how requests are handled are vital to avoid grievances.
It’s also worth checking your lease agreement or landlord restrictions, as well as any health and safety regulations that may apply, particularly if your workplace handles food (dog slobber in bacon sandwiches probably not ideal!).
Employee Wellbeing and Inclusivity
Not everyone is a dog lover. For some colleagues, dogs in the office can cause stress rather than ease it.
It is important to consider:
Allergies – exposure to dog hair or dander could trigger health issues.
Phobias – cynophobia (fear of dogs) is a recognised condition.
Cultural or religious sensitivities – some staff may feel uncomfortable around dogs.
Open consultation is key. A workplace survey can help gauge overall employee sentiment and uncover potential concerns before a policy is introduced in our experience.
Policy development
If you decide to permit dogs, it's important to create a clear and practical policy.
This might include:
Requiring proof of vaccinations, flea/worm treatments, and pet insurance.
Setting boundaries (dog-free zones such as kitchens, meeting rooms, or quiet spaces).
Clear expectations around behaviour – e.g. dogs must be well-socialised, house-trained, and not disruptive (a Great Dane jumping up might not be welcome nor a Cockapoo jumping on desks!).
A trial period or permission review process, so adjustments can be made if problems arise. In our expert opinion a transparent policy ensures fairness and consistency while protecting the business.
Health, Safety & Liability
Look we're not H&S professionals but it's an important part of welcoming dogs into the workplace.
It's important that teams or departments come together to assess risks, including:
Trip hazards from leads or excited pets.
Hygiene concerns if dogs are in shared spaces.
Insurance coverage for potential incidents (e.g. bites or property damage).
Building this into your health & safety framework or policy is essential.
Business and cultural impact
Finally, consider how allowing dogs aligns with your organisation’s culture and brand. For some businesses, being dog-friendly enhances employer branding and supports wellbeing initiatives. For others, especially client-facing environments, it may not be appropriate to welcome pooches into the workplace.
Hello People can support you to balance the benefits with the risks and ensure any decision supports both people and business objectives.
And the answer to the obvious question.
Does Hello People Solutions have dogs in the office?
Yes, and it's a well managed situation with all risks evaluated and people consulted.
Allowing dogs in the office can be a fantastic perk, but it’s not as simple as opening the door and welcoming them in. From legal obligations to staff wellbeing, there are important HR considerations that must guide the decision.
If you’re thinking about introducing a dog-friendly policy in your workplace, Hello People Solutions can help you draft policies, consult employees, and manage the change in a way that protects your business while supporting your people.
