The topic of 'dogs in the office' doesn’t spark as much debate as the question of 'remote work vs. in-office attendance,' but it certainly provokes a more emotional response. Looking back over the past 15 years, I can identify several phases in this discussion:
In the late 2000s, bringing a dog to the office was about as acceptable as smoking at your desk—essentially, 'it’s just a no-go.' I recall a colleague at a major corporation’s headquarters who brought her dog in every day despite all warnings and objections, triggering weeks of heated debate and a moderate leadership crisis. The three classic arguments against change all came into play: 'What if everyone did that? We’ve never done it that way before! Where would that lead us?'
A decade later, with the rise of New Work, foosball tables, fruit baskets, pizza and beer after work, and so on, bringing dogs to the office suddenly became 'cool', and people started noticing the benefits. In the morning, a cute four-legged friend greets you with a tail wag that has more energy than any cup of coffee. In stressful moments, they rest their head on your lap, and you can literally feel the atmosphere in the room shift—just by having the animal there. Studies now confirm that pets in the workplace offer more than just pleasant company. They deliver measurable advantages:
- Stress Reduction: Petting a dog has been proven to lower cortisol levels—even on a hectic workday.
- Movement Breaks: If you have a dog in the office, you’re automatically encouraged to take short walks—a healthy interruption from constant sitting.
- Team Dynamics: Animals act as icebreakers and conversation starters. They bring colleagues together who might otherwise rarely interact.
That said, there are also challenges, which I’ve experienced firsthand. Not everyone feels comfortable around animals—whether due to allergies or fear. And when several dogs play and tussle loudly in the hallway, it can be quite annoying. The tricky part, when addressing owners, is that the issue quickly becomes emotional, sometimes ending in tears, and it’s rarely resolved on a purely factual level.
That’s why I believe the same principles apply to 'dogs in the office' as to many other workplace topics: think it through carefully, set clear rules, and stick to them.
