For many, bringing their dog to work is enticing. A pet can help improve your mood and the office’s general morale. For businesses, some of the possible benefits of allowing employees to bring their dogs to work include:
The exact statistics on dog bites occurring when employees bring their dogs to work may be somewhat limited, as not all instances of dog bites in the workplace are formally recorded or reported. However, there have been some studies conducted regarding pets in the workplace:
1. The American Pet Products Association (APPA) – According to their National Pet Owners Survey, approximately 17% of Americans bring their dogs to work.
2. Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) – A recent survey found that 11% of workplaces in the United States allowed employees to bring their pets to work, and this number is increasing.
While these statistics provide some insight, they don’t address the number of dog bites occurring in the workplace. It's worth mentioning that the prevalence of dog bites in the workplace can vary depending on factors such as industry, company culture, workplace policies regarding pets, and regional differences. But the real question is, are there consequences for an injury caused by an individual’s dog?
The simple answer is yes. If you take your dog to work and it causes injury to someone, you’re personally responsible and can be held accountable for damages caused by the dog. Coverage under your homeowners policy could be subject to a business exclusion which could limit or even exclude insurance coverage.
Most homeowners policies have a business exclusion. The exclusion can deny coverage for bodily injury or property damage "arising out of or in any way related to a 'business'" that employs a policyholder. While the injuries caused by the dog wouldn’t be said to arise out of the policyholder's business pursuits, they could be said to be "in any way related" to your employment that could trigger application of the exclusion.
So be sure to check with your homeowners insurance company to determine if a dog bite or dog mishap at your workplace is covered before you bring your furry friend into the office.
This article is intended for general educational and illustrative purposes only and should not be construed to communicate legal or professional advice. Further, this article is not an offer to sell insurance. Please consult with your licensed insurance agent for specific coverage details and your insurance eligibility. All policies are subject to the terms, conditions, limitations, definitions, and exclusions contained therein.