Everything you need to know to bring your pet to work

People love the idea of working alongside their pets because it makes the daily grind feel a little lighter. But a pet-friendly office isn’t just about cuddles between Zoom calls. It’s about understanding the rules, investing in training, and being thoughtful about how your pet impacts others. With the right approach, bringing your dog or cat to work can strengthen your bond with your pet and your coworkers, too.

Know and follow office rules

Start with your company’s official pet policy (if one exists). If it doesn’t, ask HR for guidance before bringing your pet in. Policies vary widely, but most responsible ones share common threads.

What to expect in an office pet policy:

• Eligibility. This should go over approved species, size limits, and sometimes breed considerations.
• Health requirements. This will inform you of the up-to-date vaccines, flea/tick prevention, and registration paperwork needed. 
• Behavior standards. Be sure your pet is house trained, understands noise expectations, and interaction rules. 
• Access rules. There are likely designated pet-free zones (cafeterias, wellness rooms, client suites, labs, some conference rooms).
• Frequency. Sometimes companies will put limits on how often pets can be onsite. 
• Owner responsibility. Supervision, damage liability, and clean-up expectations are important to keep in mind. 

💡Wanting to welcome pets into your office? Check out our comprehensive guide to building an office pet policy. 

Invest time and money in training

A pet’s behavior in the office reflects on their human. Even social, well-adjusted pets benefit from structure and manners reinforcement. Office environments are unpredictable, full of new sounds, smells, and people, which can overwhelm animals without clear expectations.

The AKC Canine Good Citizen (CGC) Certification is one of the most recognized training benchmarks for real-world manners. While not required by all offices, it’s a strong signal of temperament and obedience if your company asks for proof of training.

Quick office manners checklist to train for:

• Settling on a mat or bed for extended periods
• No barking, whining, or meeting interruptions
• Reliable potty training
• Not jumping on people or furniture
• Ignoring food that isn’t theirs
• Walking calmly on a leash in hallways or elevators

Explore some of our training guides to help get your pet ready for their first day in the office: 

• Dog training 101: How to set your dog up for success 
• Basic obedience training for dogs and puppies 
• How to teach a dog to stay 
• Clicker training for dogs: How and why to use it 
• An introductory guide to desensitization and counterconditioning for your dog 

Be respectful of co-workers

Sharing an office means sharing the experience, so kindness and boundaries go a long way. A pet-friendly workplace can strengthen culture, but it only works when co-workers feel comfortable, not crowded.

Allergies to dogs and cats are less common than seasonal or food allergies, but they still exist. And beyond allergies, some colleagues may feel anxious around animals, get distracted by noise, or simply prefer not to interact. Respecting those preferences is as much a part of good office etiquette as throwing your trash away and keeping noise levels down on calls.

How to keep the peace in shared spaces

• Grooming matters. Clean pets shed less and carry fewer allergens.
• Bring boundaries. A bed, mat, or crate gives your pet a clear “home base.”
• Respect space. Keep pets in your immediate work area unless invited elsewhere.
• Let people choose. Never pressure someone to interact.
• Know the triggers. Avoid sensitive areas for phobias, noise, or sensory overwhelm.
• Clean fast. Accidents happen; clean-up kits prevent awkward delays.

If concerns come up

If someone expresses discomfort, thank them for telling you directly, then adjust fast. Small shifts like adding distance, reinforcing boundaries, or choosing fewer office days can make a world of difference. Listening without defensiveness builds trust, both for you and for future pet parents in the office.

Know when you shouldn’t

Bringing a pet to work can feel like a no-brainer when you love having them by your side. But the most responsible pet parents pause before they pack the leash or carrier. Not every pet benefits from office life, and not every office benefits from pets. Saying “not today” (or “not yet”) isn’t a failure, it’s often the kindest and smartest call.

Some animals get stressed in new environments, even if they’re confident at home. The unpredictability of an office can be tough for pets who rely on routine to feel secure.

Before committing to office days, it helps to think about three things: your pet’s temperament, your ability to supervise them without sacrificing productivity, and the environment itself.

Questions to ask yourself first

• Do they stay calm in places that are new or noisy?
• Does your dog need any kind of calming supplement or medication to stay calm in new or noisy places?
• Are they fully and reliably house-trained?
• Can they settle quietly for long stretches without pacing, barking, or vocalizing?
• Do they ignore unattended food, drinks, or bags?
• Are they comfortable around strangers without jumping, clawing, or hiding?
• Can they handle elevators, badge doors, hallways, and unexpected office traffic?
• Do they bounce back quickly if something surprises them?
• Can you meet deadlines and focus while monitoring their behavior?
• Is there space for them to relax without blocking walkways or shared areas?
• Does your office have clear pet-free zones for co-workers who need them?

When the answer is “not yet”

Use that as your training roadmap. Mat settling, leash manners, impulse control, and calm introductions are all skills that can be built over time. Office readiness isn’t about perfection, it’s about predictability and comfort.

When the answer is “not here”

If your pet shows signs of stress like shaking, panting (in dogs), overgrooming (in cats), excessive vocalizing, freezing, or needing constant reassurance, the office might not be the right environment for them. Likewise, if your workplace is small, client-facing without pet infrastructure, or full of known phobias or sensitivities, remote pet days or occasional visits might be the better compromise.

A successful pet-friendly culture is built by people who respect the whole room, not just their own desk. Choosing fewer, intentional pet days protects your pet’s well-being and your professional relationships. Sometimes the best office companion is a happy pet waiting for you at home, excited for the stories you’ll tell when the workday is done.

‍