HOW TO BRING YOUR DOG TO WORK WITHOUT BEING 'THAT' COLLEAGUE

Jeni O'Dowd
Jun 20
2 min read

Woman smiles at a fluffy brown dog sitting on a desk by a laptop. Exposed brick wall and large windows in the background. Cozy mood.

Office dogs: adorable or annoying? The answer depends entirely on the owner.

As more companies adopt pet-friendly policies, bringing your dog to work is no longer the HR horror it once was. But it does come with rules, and not just the unwritten kind.

If you're planning to turn your office into a pet-friendly zone, here's how to ensure your dog earns the title of Employee of the Month (and not Office Menace).

1. Check the rules first: Before you clip on the lead and grab your coffee, check your company’s policy. Not all offices are pet-friendly, and some buildings don’t allow animals. Always get the green light from your manager or HR. No one wants to start their day with a compliance issue.

2. Walk before work: No one wants a Code Brown during the 9 am meeting. A bathroom break before heading in is essential. Build in regular walks across the day, too — the Kurgo Journey Air Dog Harness offers safety and comfort while commuting or stepping out for midday relief.

3. Respect shared space: Your dog may be friendly, but that doesn’t mean your boss wants them crashing the Zoom call. Keep your pups in their designated area, and consider using a portable pet gate for open-plan offices.

4. Pack the doggy essentials: Just like you wouldn’t show up without your laptop, don’t forget your dog’s toolkit:

Lead and harness, such as the Kurgo Crash-Tested Harness or Quantum 6-in-1 Dog Leash
Water bowl or fountain like the PetSafe Outlast Pumpless Pet Fountain
Snacks in a Kurgo Go Stuff It Treat Bag
Quiet toys or chews to beat boredom, like the PetSafe Frosty Cone or Freezable Treat Holding Chilly Penguin
Poo bags (because nobody wants a surprise). If you’re lucky enough to have outdoor space, the Pet Loo Portable Pet Toilet is a neat fix for workplace potty time.

Brown dog lounging on a green sofa in a cozy room with exposed brick walls and a wooden table. First aid sign in the background.

5. Keep it down: Even small barks can be a big distraction in a quiet workspace. Ease your dog into the office routine gradually, and reward calm behaviour often. A noisy dog is no one’s idea of a productive co-worker.

6. Be respectful of others: Not everyone loves dogs. Some colleagues may have allergies, phobias or just want to work undisturbed. Keep your pup clean, calm and close. And don’t assume cuddles are welcome.

7. Know when to leave them home: If your dog is reactive, anxious, or still learning toilet manners, the best place for them is still at home. Being a responsible pet owner means knowing when your pooch isn’t quite ready for the corporate world.