Paws & Policies: Building a Pet Policy That Elevates Culture

As National Take Your Dog to Work Day approaches on June 20th, it’s the perfect time to explore how bringing pets into the office can enhance workplace culture and how HR teams can thoughtfully add a pet policy to their employee handbooks.

Here at Dominion Payroll, we’ve embraced a dog-friendly workplace by allowing employees to bring their pets in every Friday, a simple yet impactful perk that adds energy and joy to our offices. But before you open the doors to four-legged visitors, it’s important to build a clear, inclusive policy that benefits your people and protects your business.

Why More Workplaces Are Going Dog-Friendly

The modern workforce is changing, and so are expectations around flexibility, wellness, and culture. Allowing pets in the office can:

• Reduce stress and improve morale. A study by the Human Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI) and Cohen Research Group found that 74% of pet owners reported improved mental health due to owning a pet, and 54% reported improved physical health. 

• Boost employee retention. According to a study conducted by Nationwide and HABRI, 88% of employees who work for a pet-friendly company plan to stay with the company for at least a year, compared to 73% of work for non-pet-friendly workplaces. 

• Attract top talent. In today’s competitive job market, small perks like dog-friendly days can differentiate your company from others.

How to Create a Pet Policy for Your Workplace

Creating a dog-friendly workplace policy doesn’t have to be complicated, but it should be clear, fair, and enforceable. Here are six essential elements every HR leader should include when drafting or updating a pet-at-work policy:

1. Define Eligibility
Clarify which pets are allowed (e.g., dogs only), what days they are permitted, and what restrictions apply based on size, breed, or behavior.

2. Require Proof of Vaccinations and Behavior
Ask employees to submit proof of up-to-date vaccinations, flea/tick prevention, and a signed agreement that their pet is house-trained and non-aggressive.

3. Set Expectations for Behavior and Supervision
Pets must remain supervised, leashed in shared spaces, and not disrupt others. Clear communication around barking, accidents, or workplace safety is essential.

4. Designate Pet-Free Zones
Create pet-free areas for employees with allergies, phobias, or sensitivities, such as break rooms or conference rooms.

5. Include a “Three-Strikes” or Behavior Clause
Not every pet will be the right fit for the office. Include a clause that allows HR to revoke privileges if a pet becomes disruptive or dangerous.

6. Liability & Insurance Review
Consult with your legal team or insurance provider to understand liability, waivers, or additional coverage needs.

Communicate Your Policy Clearly

If you’re building a pet policy for your employee handbook from scratch or updating an existing one, refer to this SHRM Office Pet Policy Sample

Once your dog-friendly policy is finalized, communicate it across internal channels:

• Update your employee handbook

• Send a detailed email announcement

• Host an info session or trial day

• Include an FAQ to address common questions

Encourage employees to offer feedback as the policy rolls out so you can make adjustments and ensure long-term success.

How to Handle Common Pet Policy Challenges

Even the best policies require thoughtful enforcement. Here’s how to proactively address the most common challenges of a pet-friendly office:

Allergies & Phobias

• Communicate pet schedules in advance
• Offer flexible workspaces or remote days for affected employees
• Maintain clearly labeled pet-free zones

Noise & Disruption

• Set clear behavioral standards for dogs

• Require supervision and leashes in shared spaces

• Consider a probationary period for new pets

Hygiene & Cleanliness

• Encourage pet owners to bring cleaning supplies

• Require regular grooming and flea/tick prevention

• Establish clear guidelines for pet accidents

Liability & Legal Risks

• Consult your insurance provider

• Have pet owners sign liability waivers

Final Thoughts

If you're looking for a cost-effective way to improve employee engagement, support mental health at work, and add a little joy to your culture, creating a dog-friendly office policy might be your next great move.

At Dominion Payroll, we believe in thoughtful policies that support both compliance and culture. If your HR team is considering adding pets to your office policy, we’re here to help guide you through the process.