Everything you need to know about bringing your dog to the office

Dogs are man's best friend. There's no doubt about that, which is why you're about to read a lot more about whether you can bring your best friend to the office. It's not without legal costs, but we'll show you the shortcut on how to get permission to bring your dog to the office.

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What's in it for the workplace to have a dog in the office?

It's scientifically proven that bosses and managers around the world gain more loyal employees if they allow employees to bring their dog into the office. It's therefore an important consideration to make when embarking on a recruitment process in the search for new employees.

As we all know, there is no such thing as a dog's first sick day, but for dog owners, the responsibility of taking care of their dog (just like with children) will mean that they have to stay at home and take care of the dog, go to the vet, etc. But it's not only in these cases that allowing the employee to bring their dog to work will have an impact on the employee. It also reduces the number of sick days and helps to create less stress in the workplace for other employees.

Petting a dog will activate the hormone oxytocin, which helps reduce the stress hormone cortisol - a hormone that we want to see eradicated in Danish workplaces. In addition to reducing stress, an office dog also encourages you to get a breath of fresh air. It's not just the owner, but often other colleagues who join in for a little walk around the neighborhood. Perhaps a welcome opportunity for a "walk and talk" meeting. In this way, an office dog can help create well-being in the workplace. Fresh air, less stress and more well-being - what's not to like?

Benefits of an office dog

Below we've gathered some of the benefits of having an office dog sniffing around between desks:

• Having an office dog reduces stress levels

• An office dog creates social connections among colleagues

• Anyone who wants to, besides the owner and their office dog, can sneak in a breath of fresh air and an extra step on the pedometer

• An office dog creates more motivation in the workplace

• It helps make the workplace attractive as allowing an office dog is seen as both inclusive and modern

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Is an office dog allowed?

While bringing your dog to the office sounds like a no-brainer, there are a number of considerations you need to make beforehand. Bringing your dog to the office is not legally allowed or even a matter of course. First of all, it requires a conversation with your boss, where they must give written consent that an office dog in the workplace is ok. Next, you need to discuss it with your colleagues, as not everyone considers a dog to be man's best friend. It could be an insecurity or allergy acting as a sticking point, so it's important to have a conversation with the whole workplace. Your dog should be happy wherever they are, so it's important that your colleagues are ready to welcome them - and maybe even throw a ball every now and then if your dog gets bored.

What are the requirements for an office dog?

Before you bring your dog to the office, it must be healthy, vaccinated and insured. It should also be friendly to other adults and children and not suffer from excessive barking all day long. You'll also need to work with your boss and colleagues to establish a set of rules that must be adhered to in order for the working day to run smoothly with your new office dog.

Of course, like all of us, your new office dog will need some food during the day. However, you'll need to bring a food bowl with a lid so that the smell from the food doesn't bother others in the workplace. Likewise, you must bring a water bowl and it is your sole responsibility to make sure that the new office dog is cleaned up after.

If you need a guide dog to do your job, completely different rules apply, and in that case it will always be ok to bring an office dog!

The new office dog might need a helping paw

Everything takes some getting used to, and the same goes for bringing your dog to the office. Start by bringing your dog to the office for half an hour at a time. This will help them get used to their new surroundings, as will your colleagues when they greet their new office dog. Bring along some of your dog's favorite toys to keep him occupied if you have to go to a meeting or something similar. Establish a routine for the new office dog so they don't get restless or impatient.

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Can you take your dog to heaven with you?

Unfortunately, we can't answer that, but we've got you covered if you want to bring your dog to the office. Woof woof and have fun!