Bringing your dog (or cat) to the office abroad is a growing trend, where companies are increasingly pet-friendly. Even in Italy, some employers have launched initiatives that allow employees to bring a four-legged friend to the office.
But is it really possible to bring a pet to the office? Do Italian regulations allow this? Let’s find out what rules must be followed.
Can dogs be brought into the office?
There is one in Italy specific legislation regarding the access of dogs to public placesi.e Veterinary Police Regulations Presidential Decree No. 320 of 1954. This rule requires a muzzle for dogs not on a leash, and a muzzle and leash for those on a lead in public places and in vehicles.
Then the Ministry of Health adopted decisions that you should carry a leash and muzzle no longer than 1.5 meters with you.
This is the legislation that regulates public places. Otherwise, There are no specific laws regarding dogs entering the workplace, whether they are indoors or open to the outside public. It ban or access may be defined by company policyin the absence of a specific law.
Therefore, the decision is up to the employersin accordance with the general rules of safety and health at work. Therefore, it is important to know these general rules before starting the experiment.
What to pay attention to?
Bringing your dog to the office is a solution that offers advantages, but also includes disadvantages responsibility general that refer to security and animal healthsociety and workers. In general, It is important to ensure that the animal is under control at all times, preferably on a leashand that he has a private space where he can feel at ease without disturbing his colleagues.
Moreover, It is important to respect common senseand the needs of those who may be afraid of dogs or have allergies.
Finally, it is necessary to provide breaks for the dog to do his work and play routines to distract him.
How to keep your dog in the office
There are some steps you need to follow to bring your dog to the office basic rules. Here’s what you need to know and what to include in your basic kit:
- keep him in touch in public places;
- equip him with a muzzle if required by company rules;
- clean it, clean it and make sure it is in good health;
- make sure that he is aware of the mandatory vaccinations and is registered in the dog registry (bring documents and health documents with him);
- reserve a special space for him in the office or in special rooms for animals;
- avoid proximity to other dogs to prevent tension;
- arrange breaks to allow him to relieve himself;
- respect colleagues who may not like the dog’s presence.
- bring games with you to distract him;
- arm yourself with water and food supplies;
- Don’t forget your favorite snacks to reward him.
- Provide yourself with a blanket or kennel to make him feel at home, hygiene bags to collect his needs and a first aid kit with medicine for any emergencies.
Because animals are good for work too
The presence of animals in the office can bring many benefits, which are supported by various continuously updated scientific researches. According to the analyzed data, a dog in the workplace will contribute.
- improve camaraderie and collaboration among colleaguesreducing work-related stress;
- increase and improve employee productivityA Mars study found that 90% of employees at American companies with dogs in the office feel more productive and more committed to the company’s mission;
- improve general mood.
