Can You Bring Your Dog to the Office?
Dogs at the Office: What Are the Legal Limits?
More and more companies are embracing pet-friendly policies by allowing dogs at the office. Many believe that having dogs in the workplace improves morale and reduces stress. But what happens when not everyone is on board, especially if a colleague has allergies or a fear of dogs?
No legal right to bring a dog to work
There is no legal right for employees to bring their pets to work. It’s entirely up to the employer to allow or forbid this. However, employers have a duty of care: the workplace must be safe and healthy for everyone. This means an employer must take employee health complaints seriously, including allergies or phobias related to animals.
This principle was tested in a recent case before the Rotterdam District Court.
Allergy complaints caused by an office dog
An assistant accountant had been working at her firm for a year when the director began bringing his husky to work. The employee informed her employer she was allergic to dogs and soon started experiencing health issues.
The company doctor investigated and confirmed that the dog was indeed the cause. The advice was clear: either the dog had to stay home or the employee would have to work from home to avoid further health risks.
Employer chose the dog, court ruled otherwise
Despite clear medical advice and further confirmation from the Dutch Employee Insurance Agency (UWV), the employer insisted on continuing to bring his dog. The employee eventually had no choice but to file for termination with compensation.
The court sided with the employee. It ruled that the employer had failed in his duty of care by prioritizing the dog over the employee’s well-being. This violated the Working Conditions Act and good employer practices. As a result, the court awarded the employee €4,000 in severance.
Finding the balance between office fun and legal responsibility
While an office dog might boost morale, it cannot come at the cost of another employee’s health. Employers must carefully weigh all interests and maintain open communication. Allergies and phobias should never be dismissed. A healthy working environment always takes precedence.
This blog was written by Mr. Stijn Blom
Employment law attorney at expatlawyer.nl B.V. Stijn has extensive experience in employment law and supports entrepreneurs on a daily basis with a wide range of employment law issues. From dismissal cases to drafting watertight agreements and regulations – with his practical and personal approach, he helps employers and employees move forward. Want to know more? Visit Stijn’s page.
Expatlawyer.nl is happy to think along with you if you have questions about the topic of good employment practices? Feel free to get in touch.
June 2025
