Pets have been a trend for years and are enjoying great popularity, especially in Austria and Germany. Many people, especially older ones, see the animal as a partner, which is why it occupies an important place in people's lives. Pets in the workplace are a legal gray area. There is no law that forbids taking your pet to the workplace, but there is also none that explicitly allows it. Although it naturally depends on the animal and especially on the type of animal, the decision ultimately remains with the supervisor as to whether taking the pet to the workplace is tolerated or permitted.
In countless companies, however, it is common practice for dogs and cats in particular to be taken to the workplace as pets, which definitely shows that the boss is willing to allow their employees to maintain a close relationship with their pet. But what does the law actually say about this? And what happens if the pet, for example a dog, needs to go for a walk? There is no legal right to keep a pet in the workplace, nor is there any employment law right to take the four-legged friend for a walk – walks and the associated breaks must be clarified with the supervisor or otherwise taken during the normal, legally provided breaks. Furthermore, the supervisor's duty of care towards colleagues and other employees must be maintained. Because if someone sits in the same office with a pet hair allergy, the company management must intervene and prohibit the pet from being brought along.
Does a pet in the workplace make sense?
Of course, it also depends on the type of pet, because dogs and cats are generally relatively popular, and it is not a problem to convince colleagues that the pet has its place in the workplace. But not everyone has dogs or cats. Rats, mice, or guinea pigs are at home in their cage and thus in an environment they are used to. The daily transport to and from the workplace would mean an enormous amount of stress for the animal, which is why it does not make sense to expose the pet to this daily recurring stress. Cats, too, basically prefer their familiar environment. Only the four-legged furry friends of humans, the dogs, are as pack animals very focused on being close to and going along with their pack, i.e., their owner. Here, of course, it also depends on the size, because a Newfoundland that also drools will not be welcome in any office, even if, in contrast, you probably wouldn't have the slightest problem with a Chihuahua as a much smaller dog.
What do I have to consider if I take my pet to the workplace?
Ideally, you have already informed your supervisor at the beginning of your employment that you intend to bring your pet to the workplace. If they have agreed to this, it is recommended to record this special agreement in a separate clause in the employment contract. However, there are a few things to keep in mind so that it is a pleasant coexistence for everyone involved:
- The pet (the dog) must be socialized and well-behaved
- Your performance and work ethic must not be impaired
- Maintain a good relationship with your colleagues, because in rainy weather the animal may not smell particularly good
- Caution! Not every workplace is suitable for an animal – especially loud and smelly workplaces should definitely not be expected of a pet
- Adhere to hygiene regulations
If all these requirements are met, and you as the owner also stick to the rules of the game, a pet in the workplace can be a real enrichment for the entire company and especially the working atmosphere. However, the first step should always be to talk to the boss and your colleagues – so that you don't experience any nasty surprises later on.
Photo by Sabine, meinhaushalt.at
Read also: Dog training – From the beginning
