Considering allowing pets into your office? It’s a great idea, and one we’ve talked about at length in a previous blog post. It will make your employees livelier, and increase productivity overall. However, before you make the change, consider pet-proofing your office space for rent in NJ.
What exactly is pet-proofing, why do you need to do it, and how should you do it? This article will take you through everything you need to know.
Pet-proofing your office space for rent in NJ
What exactly does the term mean? It means properly securing the property so pets such as dogs and cats cannot hurt themselves or your property.
Animals can be destructive, especially if they aren’t familiar with an area. It’s important to pet-proof the area so they don’t end up causing a mess or ruining the furniture. This doubles as pet safety, as wires and sharp or heavy objects pose a threat to the well-being of pets.
You can pet-proof almost everything – from wires, walls and sockets, to wallpaper or carpets. Because pets such as rabbits may make a mess on the carpet, and/or claw at or eat wallpaper. Of course, you don’t have to do all of this – stick to a level of pet-proofing that seems reasonable to you.
Which pets to allow in your office?
As an employer, you’re in charge of making important decisions. So, let’s talk about which species to allow into the office.
Determine which type of pet will be allowed into your office space. For instance, would you be comfortable having a pet snake at your office? Chances are, the answer is no. So, list pets that you would consider allowing into the office.
Popular options include dogs, cats, rabbits, large birds, and even guinea pigs.
Pet-proofing your office space for rent in NJ
Now let’s get to the part you came here for! Here’s how to instruct your employees to pet-proof your office space so all those adorable pups and kitties don’t get themselves in trouble.
- Put away pens, markers and highlighters
You know your dog better than anyone, so you’ll know what kind of objects your dog is likely to chew on. Anything that fits the bill, or which can pose a choking hazard, needs to go. Put them away in drawers or cabinets, or safely tuck them away in a pen stand. Anything that you keep away from your pet at home, you need to hide from them at the workspace.
- Empty out garbage cans
This is especially true for small garbage cans. Pets are mischievous, and dogs in particular seem to enjoy raiding garbage cans that they can reach into. To prevent your office from becoming a messy land of shredded paper and food wrappers, you should keep all trash cans empty or out of reach.
- Bring a toy
This isn’t pet-proofing per se, but this tip will help you direct your pet’s energy and attention away from office supplies and towards something they can happily play with without consequences. Bring a ball, toy, or other chewable treat so your pet doesn’t feel the need to chew on office furniture and other objects. If you have a cat or bunny, consider bringing a scratching mat.
- Hide food that’s not safe for them
Often, offices and workspaces have food within reach. Hide any foods within reach. This is important so that your pet doesn’t eat your colleagues’ snacks, or something unhealthy. Many foods such as chocolate and fried foods are harmful (or unhealthy) for pups.
- Bring a bed and food
You may have to bring a lot of things to your office space for rent in NJ, but it’ll be worth it! Having your pet close and being with them as you work is worth the inconvenience of having to bring their bed with you. Also bring along some food, so your pet doesn’t have to go eight hours without eating anything. Consider bringing treats as well, to reward good behavior.
- Create a comfort zone
We all need a comfort zone, and your pet is no different. Create a space your own office or cubicle, so if your pet gets anxious and overwhelmed, you can shut the door for some peace and quiet. This is especially important for introverted pets, or animals that aren’t used to meeting a lot of new people. However, if your pet is unfriendly towards strangers – consider not bringing them to work.
- Have cleaning supplies on hand
Accidents can happen, even with a well-trained pet. Have cleaning supplies on hand so you can quickly. Dogs may feel the need to mark their territory when they’re in a new place, and that can spell disaster if you don’t have cleaning supplies on hand. Train your pet well, but have emergency supplies on hand just in case.
Follow these tips, and Take Your Pet to Work Day will be fun, rather than stressful. Your pet will love meeting all the new people – it will serve as a powerful enrichment experience. Your coworkers will appreciate having a fluffy face around. Be mentally prepared to spend your lunch break taking care of your pet. If your pet has separation anxiety, this little outing could mean the world to them!
Rules for pets at your office space for rent in NJ
Here are some rules you should consider imposing on employees when they bring a pet to work with them:
- Pets must be quiet – Proper training is a must so they do not growl, whine, bark, meow or otherwise make a noise in the office while the staff are working.
- Animals must be restrained – From foundanimals.org: “This can be done with a tether, closed doors, gates, pens or crates. Pets must also be leashed when entering or exiting the building and in common areas.”
- Consider your schedule – If employees have a busy day scheduled with meetings and appointments, they should consider not bringing their pet to work that particular day. An ignored pet may start to cry, thus creating a distraction for the staff.
- Animals must not be bothersome – Employees need to check in with their colleagues to make sure their cat or dog isn’t bothering them, and that they’re well-behaved when you leave to go to meetings or to the bathroom.
- Don’t assume – If you need to be away from your desk for a meeting or a trip to the bathroom, don’t assume that your coworkers will be happy to babysit your pet. Ask them politely, and never assume that they will answer in the affirmative.
- Zoning is important – Determine where pets are allowed to be. Typically lobbies or bathrooms are off-limits. Employees need to understand and respect these limitations.
- Take your dog on walks – This is important so your pets can relieve themselves and avoid accidents at the office.
You can create other rules as you deem necessary. A few that come to mind are good behavior around other pets, pets should be properly vaccinated, pets should be neutered and parasite/disease free, etc.
Finding the perfect office space for rent in NJ
The Blau & Berg Company’s real estate specialists collaborate, network and have market knowledge to service your New Jersey office space requirements.
From a 1,000 sq. ft. office facility to a Class A 100,000 sq. ft. space in Short Hills, NJ, the Blau & Berg platform is simple – focus on being in front of people. Partnering with clients to provide in-depth market support, realistic timeframes and budgetary guidelines is key.
The company’s affiliates allow them to target local markets with global reach. Through research, marketing and canvassing, the firm achieves the optimal results for every client. The office sales and leasing group offers comprehensive strategies that incorporate short and long-term needs to maximize overall business objectives.
Our services include market research and strategy, feasibility analysis, tenant relations, site selection, lease negotiation, trend analysis, and investment performance monitoring.
About Blau & Berg
Since its inception in 1932, The Blau & Berg Company has held a leading position in the New Jersey and Tri-State commercial real estate market. Headquartered in Short Hills, New Jersey, Blau & Berg is an independent, full- service commercial real estate brokerage firm providing services in the industrial, retail and office spaces, including: site selection, acquisitions, dispositions, leasing, tenant representation, portfolio sales, asset repositioning, and property & construction consulting.
