COVID-19 and stay-at-home rules have resulted in an unprecedented increase in pet adoptions. When more individuals found themselves at home, many took advantage of the additional time by adopting and training a new pet. Several people are now scared to leave their dogs at home alone as they prepare to return to work in the coming months. Some firms may allow workers to bring dogs to work to help them adjust to their new surroundings. After all, having dogs in the office may increase morale and help workers adjust to the realities of a workplace that has altered as a consequence of the epidemic. Employers, though, may be put at danger by dogs. Before you create a pet policy in your workplace,
here’s what you should know about risk and responsibility.
What you’ll discover:
Do workplace pets offer a COVID-19 risk?
In light of the COVID-19 limits, what pet policies should be revised?
How can you create a successful workplace pet policy?
What happens if one of the employees’ dogs bites?
Will my company need additional insurance if its workers bring their dogs to work?
Do workplace pets offer a COVID-19 risk?
Whilst some news reports claim that pets may get infected with COVID-19, the CDC claims that this only happens when the pets are in close contact with sick people. The virus can pass from humans to animals, although the likelihood of it moving from humans to animals is quite low.
Dogs in the workplace do not seem to constitute a COVID-19 danger to your employees at this time. You should nevertheless advise your workers who bring pets to work to restrict their animal’s interaction with others in the workplace.
In light of the COVID-19 limits, what pet policies should be revised?
If you decide to allow dogs in the office, make sure your rules reflect that choice. Nevertheless, if the dogs are extremely outgoing, they may make it more difficult to maintain social distance standards in the workplace.
If you currently accept pets, you may want to revise your policy to require the pet owner to sign a liability release and indemnity agreement for any concerns created by their pet. This might give protection if the pet is exposed to the virus or another more common occurrence. Pet rules, in general, may not need to be amended in light of COVID-19 limits since such policies do not normally apply to pets, and pets represent little risk, if any, when pet regulations are followed.
How can you create a successful workplace pet policy?
If you wish to allow pets in the workplace, make your pet policy clear. Consider adding the following rules:
Pets must be properly trained before being admitted to the workplace.
Demand evidence of pet insurance and contact information for the pet’s veterinarian.
Proof of parasite treatment and immunization is required.
If the pet causes difficulties for other staff or customers, require its removal.
Demand a liability release and indemnity agreement so that the owner, not the company, bears responsibility for the pet’s conduct.
These rules may be included in your Employee Handbook so that everyone is aware of them.
What happens if one of the employees’ dogs bites?
You have a duty as a company owner to offer a safe environment for your customers and staff. Working with dogs in the workplace might make achieving this obligation difficult. Dog bite liability is governed by state law, and the rules differ from one state to the next.
Dog owners are often held accountable for injuries caused by dog bites, even if the bites occur at work. But, if the victim can demonstrate that the dog is being used to benefit the employer, they may be entitled to sue the company.
Workers who are bitten by a dog may be able to file a claim for worker’s compensation as a workplace injury in several cases. Consumers may be able to hold the employer accountable if the dog is there to directly assist the company. This is uncommon, and an indemnity agreement and a responsibility waiver may protect you. In most places, the dog’s owner or caregiver is the principal person liable for the dog’s activities.
If a dog at work attacks another dog, the owner is nearly usually held liable. But, if the business owns the biting dog or in other restricted circumstances, the company might be held accountable.
Will my company need additional insurance if its workers bring their dogs to work?
Most business general liability insurance plans will cover the expenses of dog bites and other liabilities incurred as a result of bringing dogs to work. Businesses should, however, first review their insurance policies or an attorney since each commercial insurance coverage is unique.