BCBusiness

64 P i x e l - S h o t / S h u t t e r s t o c k B C B U S I N E S S . C A J U LY/A U G U S T 2 0 2 5 A RUFF DECISION In this column, we seek to answer some of the disagreements you might encounter in the working world. In this edition's debate: Should dogs be allowed in offices? By Dani Wright and Kerri Donaldson KD: YES, DOGS SHOULD BE ALLOWED AT WORK Dogs can detect bombs, sniff out cancer and rescue avalanche victims—but sure, your office is too intense for a Labrador. In an age of burnout, Slack fatigue and inboxes that might qualify as trauma, we need morale boosts that aren't just "casual Fridays." Enter: dogs. They've been shown to lower blood pressure, reduce cortisol and encourage actual breaks. (Read: leaving your desk—not just staring blankly at your monitor. That's not mindfulness, Brenda, you're dissociating.) They also spark conversations that aren't about the Canucks or the weather forecast. In a 2023 survey by Banfield Pet Hospital, 78 percent of employees at petfriendly workplaces reported being happier, and 91 percent of HR leaders said pets had a positive impact on workplace culture. In terms of ROI, nose boops might be the most efficient moraleboosting investment your company ever makes. Are there challenges? Sure. Dogs shed. They bark. But they're also team bonding goldmines, builtin comic relief and a welcome departure from the soulnumbing grind of bathroom breaksasmilestones. It only takes one dog sitting upright at reception for the whole office to erupt in laughter and create a legendary new memory—one that isn't about Jim getting too festive at the company holiday party. Of course, this isn't a freefor all. Clear optin policies, allergy accommodations and a strict no howlingduringclientcalls rule should apply. But if your workplace is already demanding your soul, the least it can do is let you bring your best friend. DW: NO, DOGS SHOULD NOT BE ALLOWED AT THE OFFICE As hard as this might be for some people to understand, be real for a second: not everyone likes dogs. Or, more specifically, not everyone likes your dog. And probably no one likes them as much as you do. Insisting that your pet should come to the office is a little bit like the parent who insists that their kid won't disrupt that adultsonly dinner party. Cut to the inevitable tantrum that takes place in that hardtogetintofivetableonly wine bar. Or, in the case of a dog in the office: a sudden bark that could make a coworker feel anxious or unsafe. Allergies and phobias among staff should be enough to warrant a reconsideration of dogsinoffice policies. But also consider the allergies and phobias of say, clients, or potential clients. Additionally, the repercussions of somebody tripping over a dog and injuring themselves on company property should be taken into account, not just for staff safety, but for the dog's safety, too. If the owners are on an important call or are pulled into a meeting, who is responsible for the safety and wellbeing of the dog or those who interact with him or her? (We've all seen someone fail to read the "do not pet me" signals a pup can display.) And sure, most would insist this would never happen with their pet, but an accident can occur in the blink of an eye, and preventable accidents should not happen on company grounds. TIE BREAKER: KAILA BUTLER WOLF, SENIOR DIRECTOR, COMMUNICATIONS, BC SPCA "Spoiler alert, the BC SPCA believes that pets can have a place in the workplace, with the strong caveat that there must be a documented and formal pet policy in place," says Butler Wolf. The animal welfare agency says a pet policy should outline health, safety and behavioral guidelines. This includes petproofing the office (no stray wires), determining what types of pets will be allowed and which areas will remain petfree. They also say that offices should be mindful of allergies of both humans and animals. (Petfree zones are a great solution for this, and petbringers should also tell coworkers whether the dog can have treats or other food items in order to safeguard their health.) The BC SPCA also highlights the importance of wellbehaved dogs at work. Puzzle toys, spaces where they can be alone (crates, gates or closed doors) and monitoring their interactions with other animals inoffice are all critical. For the safety of all animals in the office, the BC SPCA notes that sick pets should stay home and all pets who come in should be up to date on their vaccinations, as well as their tick, flea and heartworm medications. Additionally, it's very important to clean up quickly after your pup. Accidents can happen, and being prepared with cleaning supplies is key. Last but certainly not least, they say it's very important to make sure your pet is comfortable in the office. Keep an eye out for signs of stress to ensure their happiness in a new space.

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