The idea of bringing your dog to work might sound dreamy. A snoozing spaniel under your desk, a wagging tail greeting clients, lunchtime strolls that double as mindfulness breaks.
But like most workplace perks, the reality needs a bit of planning.
If your office is dog-friendly, brilliant. If it’s not, this might be your nudge to start the conversation. Either way, here’s how to set your dog (and yourself) up for success.
Step One: Know Your Dog
Not all dogs are natural office companions, and that’s okay.
Before anything else, ask:
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Can they settle for long periods?
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Do they bark at strangers?
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Are they well-socialised with other dogs?
If the answer to all three is yes, carry on. If not, you might need a few training sessions or trial runs first.
Step Two: Prep the Humans
Co-workers matter. Even in dog-friendly spaces, not everyone loves a Labrador underfoot.
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Let your team know your plans.
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Ask about allergies or dog phobias.
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Set clear expectations: your dog won’t be roaming the halls or begging at people’s bins.
It’s about respect, not just rules.
Step Three: Pack Like a Pro
A successful dog-at-work day starts with a solid kit:
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Bed or mat (familiar smells help them settle)
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Water bowl and food if needed
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Toys that don’t squeak (you’re not a monster)
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Poo bags, wipes, and hand sanitiser
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A long-lasting chew to keep them calm during meetings
Optional: a sign that says “Working Dog – Do Not Disturb (unless you have treats)”
Step Four: Walk First, Always
Arriving with a dog full of beans is asking for trouble. Schedule a proper walk before work begins. A tired dog is a happy dog.
Post-walk, check those paws. Muddy footprints on the office carpet are not the legacy you want to leave. A quick clean-up in the car park, outside the building, or just inside the lobby can make all the difference.
Devices like Oscura help here. It cleans your dog’s paws and lower legs gently in under a minute, with no faff or mess. Ask if you can place it by the office entrance, and you’ll be golden.
See how this paw cleaning device works here.
Step Five: Respect the Routine
Try to mirror your dog’s home schedule. Same feeding times. Similar nap windows. Predictability helps them settle.
If your day’s packed with meetings, ask a colleague or dog-loving team member to take them out at lunch. Or book a short session with a local walker. Rover is a handy platform for finding someone trustworthy.
Step Six: Read the Room
If your dog starts to whine, bark or get restless, take them out. Give them a break. Sometimes it’s not the day for office life, and that’s fine.
Better to step away than to pretend it’s working when it’s clearly not.
What About Hygiene?
Even the most well-behaved dogs bring in city grime. You’re responsible for making sure that doesn’t spread.
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Clean paws before entry.
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Bring a mat or blanket to keep your dog’s sleeping spot tidy.
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Avoid giving raw bones or wet treats inside the office. And definitely avoid those stinky fish skins!
If someone has allergies or sensitivities, take that seriously. A little extra effort goes a long way in keeping the peace.
Done right, dogs in the office can boost morale, encourage better breaks, and make work feel more human. It’s not about perfection. It’s about consideration.
Plan well, stay flexible, and bring a few biscuits.
And if you’re looking for an easy, design-conscious way to keep paws clean before heading in? Oscura is engineered to do just that, quietly and elegantly.
