Requirements

A clear dog policy is written down and accessible to staff before the question of bringing a dog arises, stating the terms on which dogs are kept at work.

Dogs are admitted as a normal part of the workplace, not a personal favour; decisions follow published criteria that are reasonable and applied consistently.

A dog is judged on its individual behaviour, not excluded by a blanket breed, size or weight rule; a genuine legal, insurance or lease restriction must be real and disclosed.

Any decision on whether a dog may be brought to work is made within a stated, reasonable timeframe, and any refusal is given in writing with reasons.

The employer's description of itself as dog friendly matches its actual terms and practice; terms are honoured and changed openly, not imposed retrospectively.

Clean drinking water is available through the working day, and the dog has a defined space to rest and settle rather than being confined at a desk for hours.

The areas a dog uses are free of foreseeable hazards, with attention to flooring, temperature, toxic substances, and trip and crowding risks.

Owners have practical access during the working day to a suitable place for a dog to relieve itself and stretch its legs.

The working pattern allows a dog regular breaks away from the desk, and the workplace permits rather than penalises an owner stepping away to meet the dog's needs.

Conditions known to distress a dog in a busy shared space are reasonably mitigated, a quiet retreat is available, and a dog in acute stress is removed from the floor.

A dog that behaves dangerously towards people or other dogs is removed from the workplace and may not remain on the owner's wish alone.

Before dogs are admitted, the employer runs a confidential check that lets any member of staff object without identifying themselves or disclosing a condition to a manager.

A genuine medical or comparable objection keeps a shared space dog-free; one objection is enough, for companion dogs only, never overriding a legally accommodated animal.

Areas where dogs do not belong are defined and kept genuinely separate: food areas, first-aid and medical rooms, quiet and prayer rooms, and spaces opted-out colleagues need.

Staff have a standing route to raise a concern about dogs after the policy is in place, not just at launch, and the employer acts on what it hears.