How to keep a dog-friendly workplace clean

How To Keep A Dog-Friendly Workplace Clean

A dog-friendly workplace can be a great set up for your workers, boosting morale and motivation. The furry friends often help to form bonds between colleagues, and so strengthen your team.

It is also proven that animals help to reduce stress, and so what better way to improve employee morale than by bringing their dogs in! But despite the cuteness, a dog-friendly business may struggle a bit more when trying to maintain a clean environment. 

 Smart Office Design

Before the first wagging tail steps through your office door, strategic planning is absolutely essential. This isn’t just about implementing rules; it’s about thoughtfully designing your space to naturally facilitate cleanliness. Begin by establishing comprehensive dog policies that clearly define expectations for owners. These should cover everything from requiring proof of vaccinations and consistent parasite prevention to strict guidelines on house training, the immediate clean-up of any accidents, and managing excessive barking or disruptive behaviour. A well-communicated policy truly and understanding why it’s important to clean your office thoroughly, sets the stage for a respectful and tidy environment.

Features of a Dog-Friendly Workplace:

• Specific dog-friendly areas- you should opt for durable, non-porous flooring like sealed concrete, commercial-grade vinyl, or tiles.
• Feeding stations.
• Potential play areas and outdoor space.
• Waste bins that are dog-proof and emptied frequently.

Daily Diligence: The Role of Owners and Staff

Maintaining a clean, paw-friendly workplace is very much a collective effort, with dog owners playing a primary role and the general staff contributing significantly to ongoing tidiness. The onus is squarely on dog owners to be vigilant and responsible. This means immediately addressing any accidents their pet might have, ensuring their dog is regularly groomed to minimise shedding and consistently taking their dog outside for frequent potty breaks. This responsible ownership is truly the first and most critical line of defence against office mess. Beyond this, routine office tidiness should be encouraged among all staff. This includes simple yet effective actions like wiping down communal surfaces, touch point cleaning, maintaining tidy eating areas, and ensuring common spaces remain free of pet food spills or stray hairs. Regular vacuuming, especially in carpeted areas, is also vital to manage pet hair and dander accumulation.

Luckily we have specialist equipment and guides on how to effectively clean any floor.

Tackling Odours and Allergens

A dog-friendly office needs deeper cleaning. Air fresheners only mask smells; you need enzymatic cleaners to truly eliminate odours from accidents. For stubborn smells embedded in carpets, professional deep cleaning is a must.

For colleagues with allergies, advanced allergen management is key. Use HEPA filters in your HVAC or standalone air purifiers to cut down on pet dander. Regular, thorough vacuuming with a HEPA-filtered pet vacuum also helps. Consider “allergy-friendly” zones if needed and don’t forget pest control! Dogs can bring in fleas or ticks, so work with a professional to create a safe, preventative plan.

Our services bring specialised  equipment and expertise to sanitise surfaces thoroughly, deep clean carpets and upholstery, and address areas often overlooked in daily routines, thereby ensuring a consistently hygienic and inviting space for all.

So to create a clean and welcoming office, where your human and canine teams both thrive then contact ServiceMaster Swansea today to ensure your dog-friendly workplace sparkles! Request your quote for dog-friendly cleaning today!