Essential Office Etiquette for Dogs: How to Create a Dog-Friendly Workplace
Whether you're working from a pet-friendly office or run your own dog-inclusive business, bringing your pup into the workplace can be a rewarding (and tail-wagging) experience. Here at Petdirect, we get pet – and that includes understanding how to keep your dog calm, comfortable, and well-mannered around co-workers and clients. In this guide to essential office etiquette for dogs, we’ll help you create a work-friendly environment that both two- and four-legged colleagues will appreciate.
Get The Green Light First
Before you pack your pup’s lunch bag and leash, check if dogs are officially allowed in your workplace. Some companies have clear pet policies, while others might need a quick conversation with HR or management. Make sure your dog is up to date with their vaccinations, worm and flea treatments, and socialised enough to handle new environments without a bark-fest.
Pack Their Office Essentials
Just like you need your laptop and coffee, your pup needs the right gear. Here’s an office-day checklist that’ll set them (and you) up for success:
- A comfy dog bed or crate for napping
- A familiar soft toy for comfort
- Water and food bowls (plus a few tasty treats!)
- Poop bags – because nobody wants an office “oopsie”
- Harness and lead for quick strolls outside
- Calming support like calming supplements or sprays if they’re new to the workspace
Respect Shared Spaces
Office culture isn’t just about coffee runs and Slack emojis — it's about shared responsibility and mutual respect. Your dog should be:
- House-trained and able to ‘hold it’ between outdoor breaks
- Comfortable being quietly tethered or staying in their designated space
- Non-reactive to strangers, delivery people, or other pets
- Free from excessive barking, whining, or jumping
Some pups might need a refresher course in these skills. With a little help from dog training tools and accessories, you can gently guide your dog’s behaviour to match office expectations. For dogs needing extra calm, products like Adaptil diffusers or calming chews can also help.
Keep Everyone Safe And Happy
Your pup might be your favourite deskmate, but not everyone in the office will be a dog person (gasp!). To keep everyone feeling safe and happy:
- Supervise at all times — especially around food stations and shared areas
- Always ask before allowing your dog to greet someone
- Use a secure harness and lead for greetings and walks
- Regularly give your dog breaks outdoors to stretch and reset
When A Dog-Friendly Office Isn’t The Right Fit
Despite your planning, not all dogs are suited to office life. Puppies who haven’t finished toilet training, dogs with separation anxiety, or breeds with high energy levels might struggle. In this case, consider alternatives such as:
- Doggy daycare
- Pet sitters or walkers
- Gradual workplace visits to acclimate your pup
If you’re transitioning your dog into an office lifestyle, incorporating calming products and structured routines can help. View our full range of pet supplements to support emotional and joint well-being.
Making Work And Woofs Work Together
Embracing your dog as your office mate can give your workdays a cheerful boost — just imagine those tail wags between emails! With patience, consistency, and support from helpful pet accessories, you can create a workplace that’s productive and paw-sitively welcoming.
At Petdirect, we’re here to help you find everything your office-bound pup needs — from accessories to treats and beyond. Plus, with our Pet Perks loyalty programme and Autodeliver service, keeping your dog’s supplies topped up is smooth sailing. After all, we get pet.