Office Mate in a Crate

Many sole proprietors will look to share office space to reduce expenses and have collegial dialogue during the long work days. But can your office mate come in a crate?

We have all likely experienced walking into a business and a pet suddenly appears to greet us. Usually, it is a dog and most of the time it is friendly. So, should Fido be allowed in all work spaces?

First, many small business owners rent office space and have a lease in place. Check your lease, read it thoroughly and likely there is a clause about pets on the premises. Most larger commercial spaces do not permit pets other than service dogs. And if they do allow them, there may be a size limit or a quantity limit.

Bringing in large Great Danes or small Toy Poodles are very different experiences. If your building permits pet dogs, should you bring them in?

First, know your dog,. If they do not like change or it takes them time to be comfortable with new people, likely they are not good candidates for office visits. If your dog is fearful of certain people, or children, or loud noises, taking them to your building that is next to a daycare or an active train line, is, again, likely not a good thing for the dog or the people interacting with him.

We are aware of one larger commercial building that originally permitted dogs. That was until one dog decided to bite someone and it resulted in a lawsuit. The insurance carrier of the landlord advised the owner that they would not continue their insurance unless the building changed its policy. So, because an owner either did not understand their pet’s need properly or did, and just figured nothing would spook him, all the other tenants now did not even have a choice to consider bringing in their pet. That bad owner made the decision for all of them.

If you are lucky enough to have a well behaved dog that will help remove stress at the workplace and not cause it, make sure you have a cozy crate set up for him. There are many personalized crates where you can brand the cover with your logo. You see them all the time at Agility Meets, Dockdiving Events, and Dog Shows. A crate cover serves the dual purpose of providing a safe, quiet place for your dog while shielding any clients or visitors or employees who are not ‘dog people.’

A few years ago, I ran into a small Yorkie named Pierre Cardin with a large diamond collar on visiting a tenant on our floor. I wondered surely if that Frenchman were allowed to visit, another Frenchman, The Marquis de Lafayette, would also be welcomed. I checked with our landlord’s office and not only was The Marquis not welcome but Pierre Cardin was asked to exit the building. Sorry buddy! But rules are rules.

So, before your office mate is one that needs his own crate, consider all the consequences. It may be best to allow him to stay home and watch the world through the safety of his home base. However, if your dog has the right temperament and your space allows him to visit, make sure you have a sign at the entrance and ensure you have a safe space for him to retreat to at any time.

Make it a point to remember his toys and treats, they can be not only sources of exercise and stimulation, but great distractions when needed. Also, make sure you have food and water for him and your schedule allows for frequent walks for him to do his business. Barking, eating, and relieving himself are all behaviors you need to account for whenever your office mate comes with his own crate!

Be well.