Office dogs: 3 pros & 3 cons

June 1, 2025

Office dogs: they’re cute, cuddly, and great at spreading good vibes. Yes, these four-legged assistants at the workplace can contribute to a harmonious working atmosphere. However, there’s still good reason to proceed with caution – along with the benefits there may also be drawbacks.

3 good reasons for having an office dog

When a dog is properly integrated in an office, it can significantly enrich the working day. Office dogs not only reduce stress at the workplace, they also have a positive effect on the overall working atmosphere and team dynamics. Employees commonly report feeling an increased sense of satisfaction when an office dog is present at the workplace.

1. Dogs (at the office) improve the mood

For most people, it’s impossible to avoid stress during the working day. However, dogs can lower stress by the calming effect their presence has on people, as many studies have shown. Just petting a dog lowers the levels of cortisone (the stress hormone) and encourages the release of oxytocin, often called the happiness hormone for the good feelings it produces. Therefore, dogs that enjoy being petted can provide stress relief for their human counterparts. Their presence can elevate a general sense of well-being, not only for the dog owners but for other colleagues as well. There’s also another plus for employees whose dogs accompany them to work: walking their dogs during lunch breaks means more exercise outdoors and a chance to clear their minds, enabling them to return to their work with more focus and energy.

2. Office dogs are natural icebreakers

Dogs can encourage social interaction among colleagues. There’s nothing quite like a dog to break the ice at the office. They’re light and personable conversation pieces, and their presence can often form the basis for a more casual and open working atmosphere. Dogs can help initiate conversations among employees who otherwise wouldn’t have much direct contact with each other. By helping to bring people in touch with each other, office dogs can strengthen team bonding and expand networking at the workplace.

3. Dogs increase employee retention

Dog owners are not the only ones who benefit from a pet-friendly policy at work. Companies also experience a higher rate of staff retention, because having an employer with a pet-friendly policy is a critical factor for many employees when selecting a job or deciding to remain within a company. Many dog owners either can’t or are not willing to leave their dogs at home, and therefore would never consider taking a job which doesn’t allow them to bring their dogs to work. Companies which allow dogs at the workplace demonstrate that they take the needs of their employees seriously and make efforts to accommodate them. This results in a stronger sense of employee loyalty, ensuring that talent will feel comfortable within the company for the long term.

3 challenges that office dogs present

1. Office dogs are noisy and create chaos

Admittedly, dogs can be adorable, but they can also disrupt workflows and distract colleagues – and not only with their cuteness. Things can get chaotic quickly if you have a dog barking away in an open plan office or an overly excited dog who roams the space seeking attention, or even worse: two dogs in the office that do not get along. That being said, not all dogs are perfectly trained. Employee patience will quickly run thin with disruptive dogs that knock over stacks of paper or use the office as a hunting ground for snacks.

2. Colleagues who have animal hair allergies

Animal hair allergies are more common than most people think: it’s estimated that they affect 10% of the population in Germany. An encounter with an office dog can be very unpleasant for those who are allergic; inducing sneezing, skin rashes or even an asthma attack – all things that certainly shouldn’t occur at work. Colleagues who are allergic to dogs will not only feel uneasy when there’s an office dog present, they may even feel compelled to avoid coming into the office for the sake of their health. Therefore, a pet-friendly policy at the workplace may end up causing tension among employees and health problems for some team members.

3. Anxiety and phobias

Not everyone likes or feels comfortable around dogs – and here, too, the numbers are higher than most would expect: according to one statistic, approximately 10 – 15% of the population has a fear of dogs (known as cynophobia), which means they experience anxiety, panic and other intense negative emotions in the presence of dogs. For these colleagues, working in a dog-friendly office can be a horror that burdens them with additional stress. This can be especially compounded when the dog’s behavior is unpredictable or agitated, for example, if it suddenly starts barking or dashing towards someone. Such actions will make those at the workplace with a fear of dogs feel extremely nervous and unsafe.

Essentially, productivity should always be kept in mind. While office dogs may reduce stress for some employees, they should never disrupt the ability to concentrate on one’s work.

The usage of modern offices that offer flexibility and adaptability, such as those provided by Unicorn Workspaces, allows for customized solutions that fully support a company’s working processes and the presence of four-legged friends at the workplace.

Is it legal to have dogs at the office?

The presence of pets in the office is a hotly debated topic raising a lot of questions regarding the legal and implementation aspects of including animals at the workplace. For this reason, it is important for employers to set clear guidelines that are in compliance with established labor laws, and which consistently uphold the health and safety of all employees. Staff members who plan on bringing their dogs to the office should openly discuss this with their employers in advance - to find out if it is permitted, and if so, under what conditions.

On a related note, having the appropriate insurance is an issue that’s often overlooked. Employers should make sure that their liability insurance includes coverage of damages that may be caused by dogs at the office. Employees should also review their own insurance policies to determine if they are adequately covered.

Employers who are increasingly prioritizing flexibility and inclusivity can profit from a dog-friendly policy for its ability to strengthen a positive working atmosphere. This approach is also in alignment with the philosophy of Unicorn Workspaces.

How to prepare a dog-friendly workplace

Careful planning is essential for the successful inclusion of dogs into office life. First off, the issue should be thoroughly discussed within the team. If there are colleagues who are allergic to dogs or prefer to avoid them, now is the time to find solutions that will address their concerns, such as dog-free zones. In the interest of maintaining a harmonic and healthy work environment, there should be a positive consensus among all employees for allowing dogs to be brought to the office. Consideration also needs to be given to creating a dog-friendly workplace that includes quiet areas for the dogs to rest as well as opportunities for playing and socializing. Regularly scheduled breaks for walks are also essential for the dogs’ well-being during the workday. Once thorough planning has been concluded, the workplace will be ready to welcome the enriching experience of having office dogs.

Essentials for a dog-friendly office

In modern working environments, such as those that Unicorn Workspaces provides, the presence of dogs can have a positive impact on the mood and motivation of employees. Providing the following requirements will ensure a smoother integration of office dogs.

Quiet rest area: Provide a comfortable place with a dog bed or blanket for napping and relaxing. In essence, a retreat area where the dog feels safe and secure.
Water bowls: Ample amounts of clean water should always be accessible, so that the dog can be properly hydrated, especially after being physically active.
Doggie snacks: Have high-quality, healthy treats on hand to reward the dog and keep it happy.
Toys: Chew toys or stuffed animals keep dogs entertained and occupied, thus preventing boredom and destructive behavior.
Define contact with others: Places like Unicorn Workspaces appreciate the enrichment that arises from fostering the interaction of professionals and a pet-friendly culture. However, to minimize any disturbances, it’s important to have clear rules with other offices regarding where the dog is welcome and where it isn’t allowed.

Sharing time at the office with our four-legged friends not only creates a happier workplace, it improves the work-life balance and is therefore actively put into practice at Unicorn Workspaces.

Frequently asked questions about office dogs (FAQ)

What is an office dog?

Office dogs are much more than furry companions at the workplace – in fact, their ability to improve the working atmosphere is quite impressive. Reduced stress levels among employees and an overall more positive workplace environment have been attributed to the presence of office dogs. These canine companions can improve the communication and sense of unity among teams. Especially in urban office buildings populated with tech firms and creative service providers, a four-legged colleague can create welcomed moments of relaxation and happiness for their two-legged colleagues merely by their presence. As part of a modern and inclusive corporate culture, office dogs support a sustainable and healthy working environment that is appreciated by many who are striving for flexibility and a good work-life balance. However, to preserve a harmonious atmosphere at the workplace, it’s of utmost importance to take into account the needs of all employees in order to address any concerns they may have about a dog being brought to the workplace, such as allergies or feeling uneasy in the presence of dogs. When introduced with an appropriate pet-friendly policy, office dogs become a valuable part of a progressive workspace concept.

Are dogs allowed to be at the office?

Whether or not dogs are permitted in the office depends largely on company policy and the office infrastructure. On one hand, having dogs at the workplace can increase employees’ sense of well-being, as well as reduce stress and improve communication within teams. The flexible office space layouts that Unicorn Workspaces provides open and adaptable office space structures that can also be easily made pet-friendly. On the other hand, there are some important factors to consider, namely: health issues (such as allergies) and safety, as well as adhering to hygiene rules and codes of conduct. Clear rules and agreements will be needed to create an atmosphere that’s beneficial for both people and pups. The needs of all team members should be taken into consideration so that productivity can be successfully merged with pet-friendly approaches within the work environment. To this end, while Unicorn Workspaces provides flexible environments to meet the individual needs of their clients’ teams, a specific agreement regarding bringing pets to work will be required in advance.

How can a pet-friendly policy be successfully implemented at the office?

Dogs at the workplace can surely be beneficial for the well-being of employees, bonding among teams, and the company’s culture. At the same time, having dogs at the office comes with challenges that should not be underestimated. For a pet-friendly policy that’s acceptable for everyone at the workplace, it’s imperative to have clear rules and agreements. As a general rule, only dogs who are well behaved should be permitted at the workplace. It’s also extremely important to consider employees with dog hair allergies or a fear of dogs. In such cases, compromises can be made by creating pet-free zones or only allowing pets at the office on designated days. Plus, not every office is suitable for dogs. There needs to be sufficient space available and noise (from humans and dogs) should be kept at acceptable levels for both. Once companies have addressed and resolved these issues, there’ll be nothing standing in the way of implementing a pet-friendly policy at the workplace.

Is being at the office good for dogs?

An environment enriched by welcoming canine companions not only improves the atmosphere of everyday office life at Unicorn Workspaces, it also significantly contributes to the dog’s socialization. At pet-friendly workplaces, dogs have plenty of opportunities to be among and interact with humans, thus enhancing the dogs‘ emotional and psychological well-being. Moreover, the bond between a dog owner and their pet is strengthened when their dog frequently accompanies them to the office, and the dog’s presence can even raise the employee morale of the entire team.