Animals in the workplace

Are you allowed to take your dog to the office?

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In our new legal tip video, attorney Johannes Hense provides valuable insights into the topicof "pets in the workplace". The question of whether you can take your pet into the office is not only exciting for animal lovers, but also raises interesting aspects in terms of labor law.

Are there any legal or collective regulations for bringing animals to the office?

There is neither a legal prohibition nor a legal right to bring animals to the office. In rare cases, this may be addressed in the employment contract. Collective regulations such as company agreements, collective agreements or house rules may contain provisions, whereby the bringing of animals is usually based on tacit tolerance by the employer.

Can such tacit permission be revoked?

Even if an employer allows a pet to be brought to work over a long period of time, this does not create a permanent right. Employers can revoke this decision at any time, especially in the event of disturbances or complaints.

Do service dogs have a right to accompany their owners?

For service dogs, such as guide dogs for the blind or diabetic alert dogs, special labor considerations exist. The employee's interest usually prevails, but case-by-case decisions are possible.

What are the risks of non-compliance?

Anyone who brings an animal despite being prohibited from doing so risks disciplinary action – from a written warning to dismissal for misconduct in the event of repeated violations.

Our tip:

Clear agreements with your employer are crucial to avoid conflicts. Aspects such as liability issues and consideration for colleagues should always be taken into account.

The statements represent initial information that was current for the law applicable in Germany at the time of initial publication. The legal situation may have changed since then. Furthermore, the information provided cannot replace individual advice on a specific matter. Please contact us for this purpose.