Should Dogs Be Allowed in the Office?

Why dogs can provide a more productive office environment.

Should dogs be allowed in the office

While we all love our four-legged friends, is the office really the place for them? Here at Wellineux, we believe that dogs can help to boost morale, lower stress levels and create stronger relationships between colleagues. A recent 2019 study found that patting a dog for 10 minutes or more provided momentary stress relief, and continued to reduce cortisol levels throughout the day. However, colleagues, office conditions and policies need to be taken into account on whether a workplace is actually suitable for dogs. They can be viewed as messy or an easy distraction, so we take a look at the facts when it comes to bringing dogs into the office. 

  1. Stress Less

Let’s face it, if you’re having a flat day in the office, seeing your colleague’s dog can change your mood instantly. A small pat or stroke can help you to destress, by releasing oxytocin and decreasing cortisol levels. Dogs can help to lower peoples’ heart rates and blood pressure, all while providing a calmer atmosphere.

A 2002 study had participant’s hands submerged in ice water (to stress them out), on three separate occasions, one alone, one with their spouse and one with a pet. The study found that participants had a lower heart rate and blood pressure levels, and recovered the quickest when their pet was there (even beating their own spouses!)

A less stressed workplace means employees who are more focused, happier and able to provide a more positive environment for those around them.

2. Colleague Connection

If you’re working for a big company, chances are you’re not going to know everyone. People are more likely to stop and pat dogs, and actually make an effort to connect with each other. It’s a great way to make new friends at work, all while uniting people on their love of pets! A 2010 study from Central Michigan University revealed dogs in the workplace can lead to more trust between coworkers, resulting in greater collaboration between team members. 


3. Future Employees

While introducing dogs to the office won’t cost employers much, it will have a positive impact on both current and future employees. Those who own dogs won’t have to stress about them being at home, and for some people, it can be a determinant in whether they take a job or not! 


4. Healthier Lifestyle

Having a dog requires regular outside time, which means short toilet breaks and walks at lunch. For many office-workers, the idea of leaving your desk for lunch may seem laughable. By having a dog in the office, employees are forced to leave their desk and spend some time outside. This actually can stimulate creativity, with a recent study published in the Journal of Experimental Psychology found going for a walk can boost creative thinking by as much as 60% compared to sitting!


5. Improved Work/Life Balance

When a dog is at home, the thought of it spending all day alone can be stressful. Allowing employees to bring their dogs to work means they’re not worrying about their dogs, or having to pay exorbitant pet-sitter fees. It also means that employees won’t rush off on the dot to get back to their fur-babies, and are willing to stay later to finish projects as their pets are with them. 


At the moment, around 30% of Australian offices are pet-friendly, so it’s definitely something that Leadership teams should consider in order to stay relevant and connected with new concepts of family in 2019. Of course,  you’ll always have to take into consideration your other employees, whether you’ve got suitable facilities for pets and their behaviour. If you’re looking to introduce pets to the workplace, here are a few checklist items to ensure everyone is on the same page:

  • Have employees give a copy of up-to-date vaccinations for pets

  • All pets must be toilet trained

  • Create ‘no-dog’ zones for those who’d rather not interact

  • Ensure that everyone benefits (not just the owner)

  • Check building regulations, and whether the building is dog-friendly

  • Make sure no one is allergic to dogs in your company

  • Create policies to ensure that dogs take turns coming in, and how many days an employee can bring a dog in 


So, do you need to have a meeting to make your workplace more dog-friendly? Why not read our guide on How to make every meeting productive, where you’ll be sure to have an organised and successful meeting.