Pet tips: Workplace etiquette

Seattle is a pet-friendly city and home to several pet-friendly companies including Amazon and Trupanion. If you’re planning to bring your best furry friend to work with you, follow these etiquette tips so you and your pet can have a productive and successful day in the office.

• As a general rule, most companies only allow dogs in the office. If you’re planning to bring your cat or exotic pet, be sure to check in with your employer about what animals are allowed.

• Your pet should be healthy, well-behaved, socialized and housetrained (If there is an accident, don’t fret, just clean it up!). Remember that your office will be an unfamiliar environment so use your best judgment when it comes to the well-being of your pet.

• Bring your pet’s bed, favorite toys, food and water, and lots of treats to help your pet feel comfortable. This will also help to keep them busy so you can do the same.

• Don’t force interactions between your coworkers and your pet. Not everyone is comfortable with animals and you want to be respectful of how they feel.

• Be mindful of your pet and avoid taking them in the lunchroom or restroom.

Pets can be motivators in the workplace. By improving mood, morale and interpersonal relationships – there will be a noticeable increase in productivity. Having pets in the office can also help employees learn a healthy work-life balance, encouraging them to take breaks because their pets need one, too. Happy employees are better employees!