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All Articles/Should Every Company Allow Dogs in the Office? The Pros, Cons & What the Data Says
Advice
12 min read
Should Every Company Allow Dogs in the Office? The Pros, Cons & What the Data Says
Find out why dog-friendly offices are trending. Explore the benefits for employees and employers, plus the best places to work with your dog in the UK.
A growing number of employees expect dog-friendly policies in the workplace.
Having dogs at work can boost morale and reduce stress.
Companies need clear pet policies to ensure a harmonious office environment.
Dogs in the office aren’t a quirky perk anymore — they’re becoming an expectation. With an estimated 13.5 million pet dogs in the UK and around 36% of households owning one, more employees are asking whether their workplaces will accommodate their four-legged friends.
Research shows that 37% of dog owners would turn down a job if they couldn’t bring their dog to work, and almost half (47%) now expect dog-friendly policies as standard. Clearly, this is more than a passing trend.
But it's not as simple as opening the doors to your furry friends.
There are practical considerations, risk assessments, and company policies to think about before making your office dog-friendly.
So, should every company allow dogs in the office? Let’s explore the pros, the challenges, and what the latest data says about dog-friendly workplaces in the UK — along with how to make your office more dog-friendly.
Are dogs allowed in the workplace in the UK?
There’s no legal requirement for employers to allow dogs in the workplace. It’s up to each company, and sometimes even the landlord, to decide. In many leased or managed offices, pets are only permitted if written into the contract. Assistance dogs are the main exception, as they are protected under equality law.
That said, dog-friendly offices are increasingly common in London and other major UK cities, especially in coworking and serviced offices. London is often cited as the UK’s “pet-capital”, with some studies showing the city has among the highest percentages of homes (46%) owning dogs. It’s no surprise, then, that operators such as Work.Life, Runway East, Fora, Huckletree, WeWork, and The Boutique Workplace Company all advertise dog-friendly policies at many of their locations.
Some offices even require owners to pre-register their dogs, show vaccination records, and agree to a behaviour policy, making it easier to balance employee wellbeing with health and safety.
Should offices allow dogs?
The debate about dogs at work is nuanced. On the one hand, research consistently shows that having dogs in the workplace reduces stress, boosts morale, and encourages social interaction. On the other, employers need to balance these benefits with practical considerations such as allergies, hygiene, and liability.
It’s also worth noting the wider context. Dog ownership in the UK rose sharply during the COVID-19 pandemic, with many households welcoming pets while spending more time at home. Post-pandemic, ownership levels have remained historically high, even if some regions show a slight plateau. With so many employees now dog owners, it’s no surprise that expectations around dog-friendly workplaces have grown.
But ultimately, allowing dogs into the office is dependent on the employer — and their are pros and cons either way:
Advantages
Wellbeing boost: Office dogs are proven stress-busters. They help lift mood, ease anxiety, and generally make the workday feel a little lighter.
Stronger team bonds: Dogs have a way of sparking conversation and breaking the ice. They encourage more natural interaction, which can improve morale and even fuel creativity.
A hiring edge: A dog-friendly office is a big tick for many jobseekers. It shows you care about your team’s lives outside of work and can give you an edge when it comes to both recruitment and retention.
Better balance for owners: Being able to bring your dog in means less guilt about leaving them home alone, and less stress about juggling walks with a busy schedule.
Challenges
Allergies and phobias: Not everyone feels comfortable around dogs. Clear plans for dog-free zones or alternatives help everyone feel included.
Keeping things clean: Accidents happen. Offices need a plan for cleaning, as well as basic hygiene measures to keep the space safe and welcoming.
Behaviour and safety: Office dogs should be calm, socialised, and up to date with vaccinations. A clear policy makes sure everyone knows what’s expected, from acceptable behaviour to what happens in an emergency.
Space and setup: Not every office is built with pets in mind. Having the right facilities — from outside access to water bowls — makes all the difference, but can mean extra planning and cost.
Why employees care about dogs in the office
It’s not just about having a cute office mascot. For many employees, dogs in the office are about balance, wellbeing, and feeling supported by their employer. And the data shows this isn’t a niche request — it’s a real trend shaping the modern workplace.
Pet-friendly policies are on the rise:More UK companies are recognising the benefits of allowing dogs at work, from reduced stress to better morale. What started as a perk in creative industries is now spreading across sectors.
Coworking leads the way: Flexible and shared office spaces in London are especially tuned into this demand. Many now advertise “dog-friendly” memberships or even specific “pet days,” making them an attractive choice for businesses looking to keep employees (and their pets) happy.
Marketed as a perk: Workspace providers are beginning to highlight pet policies in the same way they do roof terraces or gyms. In competitive areas of London, being able to say you offer a dog-friendly office is a powerful differentiator.
For employees, this shift means they no longer have to choose between a job they love and the dog they love. It’s about creating workplaces that reflect real life — and right now, dogs are very much part of it.
How do I make my office dog-friendly?
Creating a dog-friendly office isn’t just about inviting pets in.
It requires thoughtful planning to make the environment safe and comfortable for both people and dogs. Here’s how to do it:
Set clear guidelines: Establish rules for dog behaviour, vaccination requirements, and cleanliness. Dogs should be house-trained, socialised, and comfortable around strangers and other pets. Setting up a pet policy helps manage expectations and ensures a harmonious office vibe.
Create designated dog areas: Provide specific zones for dogs to rest, play, and relieve themselves. This keeps the office clean and ensures non-dog-lovers have pet-free zones.
Pet-proof the workspace: Keep electrical cables and sensitive equipment out of reach. Secure bins and food areas to avoid accidents or messy situations.
Comfortable spaces for dogs: Provide water bowls, dog beds, and toys to keep dogs comfortable and entertained. This reduces anxiety and helps dogs settle more easily.
Communication and consideration: Make sure all team members are on board. Communicate clearly about rules, schedules, and how to interact with the dogs to avoid misunderstandings or allergies.
Writing a pet policy for your office
Allowing dogs in the office can do wonders for wellbeing and team morale, but it only works if there are clear rules in place. A pet policy helps you get the best of both worlds — happy pet owners and a safe, comfortable environment for everyone else.
Here are the essentials to include:
Eligibility: Only vaccinated, healthy, and well-behaved pets should be allowed in. Ask owners to provide up-to-date vet records, including vaccinations and parasite prevention. This protects the pets, their humans, and everyone else in the office.
Trial periods and behaviour standards: Not every dog is an office dog. Set expectations for good behaviour (no aggression, excessive barking, or accidents) and consider a trial period for new pets to make sure they’re a good fit. Some companies also require pet insurance — it’s a smart way to manage liability.
Registration: Owners should formally register their pets with HR or office management. This could include signing an agreement that sets out their responsibilities, from clean-up duties to covering any damage.
Boundaries and pet-free zones: Not everyone loves dogs, and allergies or phobias are very real. Designating pet-free zones means colleagues can choose the workspace that suits them best. In open-plan spaces, it also helps to set rules about where dogs can (and can’t) roam.
Hygiene and cleanliness: Accidents will happen, and that’s fine — but there needs to be a plan. Owners should take full responsibility for cleaning up after their dog. Provide bins, wipes, and sanitiser stations to make it easy to keep the office fresh and professional.
Complaint process: Not everyone will feel comfortable raising concerns face-to-face. Build in a simple, confidential process for staff to share feedback or flag issues. That way, you can quickly address any problems without creating tension in the team.
Which companies are dog-friendly?
A recent Rover survey found that 26% of workplaces became dog-friendly in the past two years alone, and many employees say it has improved morale and reduced stress. In London, often dubbed the “pet capital”, coworking and serviced offices now regularly promote themselves as dog-friendly to attract tenants.
Here are some of the companies in the UK that jobs platform Flexa considers the best for their pet friendly policies:
For smaller businesses, especially in creative or tech sectors, being a dog-friendly office can be a key part of employer branding.
Our top dog-friendly offices in the UK
In serviced offices, it’s now pretty standard to find pet-friendly options. Managed and leased spaces can be trickier — you’ll need to make sure pets are included in the lease, and often only assistance or therapy dogs are allowed.
If you’re renting from a commercial landlord, always double-check the building rules around pets. It’s the easiest way to avoid any surprises (or breaking the terms of your lease).
Looking for a workspace where you can bring your furry friend along?
📍 Location: 222 Regent Street, Oxford Circus, London W1B 5TR
TOG Liberty House combines luxury design with a pet-friendly policy.
Located near Oxford Circus, this workspace offers flexible terms, stunning interiors, and a welcoming community vibe that makes dogs and their owners feel right at home.
Park House Leeds is a modern, pet-friendly workspace in the heart of Leeds.
Offering flexible office solutions with stylish interiors, it’s perfect for professionals who want a dog-friendly environment without compromising on productivity or location.
Known for its creative energy and lively social scene, it’s a dog-friendly haven where work and play blend seamlessly.
With access to a private bar, gym, and even a cinema room, it’s perfect for those who want a dynamic office experience — plus, your dog will love the vibrant atmosphere as much as you do.
📍 Location: 100 Bollo Lane, Chiswick, London W4 5LX
Chiswick Works offers a relaxed, stylish setting with plenty of room for dogs to explore.
This pet-friendly space is designed with comfort and productivity in mind, featuring open-plan areas, private offices, and beautiful outdoor spaces for walk breaks.
It’s a great choice for dog owners looking for flexibility in a laid-back West London location.
📍 Location: 14 The Broadway, Barking, London IG11 7LS
Naturally, we had to include a dog-friendly office in Barking!
MAKE IT Barking is a creative, dog-friendly workspace that encourages collaboration and community.
With vibrant interiors and flexible studios, it’s a perfect choice for freelancers, startups, and small businesses looking for an inspiring place to work.
Dogs are welcome to join the creative buzz, adding to the relaxed, friendly vibe.
📍 Location: 1-45 Durham Street, Vauxhall, London SE11 5JH
Vox Studios is designed for innovation and creativity, with a dog-friendly policy that fits seamlessly into its vibrant community.
With flexible memberships, contemporary office spaces, and inspiring breakout areas, it’s an ideal spot for professionals looking to bring their pets to work while staying productive.
Whether you’re an employer wondering if you should allow dogs, or an employee weighing up a new role, the evidence is clear: dog-friendly offices can improve wellbeing, morale, and retention when managed properly.
Not every office will be suitable, and not every dog will be office-ready. But with thoughtful policies, designated spaces, and clear communication, the rise of office dogs looks set to continue.
For many, working with dogs nearby isn’t just a perk — it’s becoming part of modern workplace culture.
👉 Looking for a dog-friendly office in London or beyond? At Tally Workspace, we can help you find a space that suits your team (and your pets). From serviced offices to flexible coworking hubs, we’ll match you with a workspace that ticks all the right boxes.
Written by Tassia O'Callaghan
Workspace Content Lead, Tally Workspace
Tassia O'Callaghan (she/her) has spent the last 7 years thriving in the start-up space, helping smaller brands grow.
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