Paws in the Office - Dangers of Bring Your Dog to Work
January 2026
The policy of bringing your dog to work has proliferated in popularity, touted for boosting morale and reducing stress. However, dogs in the workplace come with a layer of risk. While many dogs are perfectly behaved, the office is an unpredictable environment. What seems like a harmless perk can turn into a liability nightmare in seconds.
Even the gentlest dog can act unexpectedly in a new and stressful environment. The triggers in the workplace to create stress can be plentiful. These triggers include sudden noises, new people, new smells or an encounter with another pet. The most severe risk that can occur is the dog bites a person or attacks another person. Dog bites can result in permanent scarring, nerve damage and severe emotional trauma. In additon, if multiple pets are introduced into a shared workspace it can lead to fights amongst the animals. These fights are dangerous as many have been injured trying to separate dogs that are fighting.
A dog can be a major distraction in the workplace. This distraction is not just for the owner but the entire work team. The distraction of a dog diverts attention and can be dangerous in a workplace where concentration is key. The distraction of a dog can lead to mistakes with equipment or a failure to notice other workplace hazards.
The best course is to leave your dog at home where they belong. If you have been injured by a dog at work, take the time to find experienced trial counsel. At Herrick & Hart, we have been on the side of the injured since 1951.