Pets at Work – An Employers’ Guide

Employers are being asked, whether pets can be brought to work. Statistics indicate that pet ownership, particularly dog ownership, has increased significantly. Often dogs cannot be left for a whole working day, and paying for a doggy carer can be costly.

As a result employers are receiving frequent requests about bringing a pet to work. So what are the legal implications that employers need to consider?

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Benefits of Allowing Pets at Work to the Employer

Offering the option of allowing pets to come to work, is a benefit which costs the employer very little. Further it may give the employer the edge when attracting and retaining talent. Permitting ‘pets to come to work’ may also improve the wellbeing of other employees.

Allowing a policy of pets to be brought to work may also contribute positively to the branding of the employer as an ’employer of choice’.

Once an employer is desirable, then the employer is able to benefit from high quality applicants targeting the employer to join. Such employers get the pick of the talent pool.

Suitability of the Role and Workplace

It certainly reduces the risk if the employee is able to supervise his/her pet, when it is on the employer’s premises. For some roles, this may be more difficult to accommodate. A pet will not be permitted in areas where food is prepared for example.

Another consideration is whether the pet is suitably trained. The pet’s presence should not disrupt the normal and professional operation of the workplace.

To minimise disruption the employer may wish to consider keeping pets separate either physically or co ordinating which pets come in on specific days.

Pets at Work – What should Employers consider?

Some people suffer from allergies or phobias. Where another employee has a health condition be it physical or emotional due to the presence of a pet, this must be considered.

Employers under the Equality Act must explore any reasonable adjustments that could be made. The employer must consult with members of the workforce and consider this in a risk assessment.

If the workplace is accessed by members of the public, the risks to the public should also be considered.

Employers should also consider the impact should the pet bite or destroy property.

Consideration should also be given should a pet have fleas which then infect the office environment. To avoid some of these pitfalls, the employer could draft policies setting out the obligations on employees.

Emotional Support Animals

An emotional support pet is an animal which provides support and alleviates the negative symptoms associated with emotional and psychological disabilities.

Emotional support pets do not require specific task training unlike for example guide dogs for the blind or hearing dogs for the deaf.

The presence of the animal offers a range of therapeutic benefits, contributing to improved well-being.

Therefore under the Equality Act, it may be a reasonable adjustment to allow that an employee is permitted to come to work accompanied by a pet, subject to certain criteria.

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