Bring Your Dog to Work Day is on the 21st of June. It’s a special day when dog owners can bring their fur babies to work with them. Of course, not all workplaces are equal and the practicality of bringing a dog to work may not be feasible depending on the type of work done. However, it is a day where these issues are openly discussed and shared to change outdated perceptions and attitudes for the better.
What the Law Says
In general, UK contact law states that “pets can be brought to work as long as there are no specific laws breached”. Surprisingly, there are no general laws restricting employees or employers from bringing pets or dogs to work, but it depends on the type of workplace and the culture of that work environment.
In addition, it is important to note that contact law warns “An employer is under no obligation to allow employees to bring pets into the workplace.”
Whether or not an owner can bring their pet to work depends on the employer and what they say – this can differ between employers across the UK.
Issues that surround these discussions depend on health and safety concerns. Allergies are a big problem for some co-workers which can create resistance for owners. Dog fur can be very off-putting for some people plus dogs need ample space to play (when they are puppies) so this needs to be factored in. Keeping your dog in your office can work well if you have your own private office, but if you work in an open floor environment this flags up safety risks.
