Kit list
Kit list
Just like you pack your handbag, briefcase, or rucksack for work every day with all the essentials, your furry colleague will need some supplies to ensure they have a successful day at the office too! Our handy packing list provides the must-haves for your furry friend and those added extras you might want to consider too. When bringing your dog to work it’s important to be respectful of your colleagues. Your dog’s belongings should be stored safely and tidied up immediately when not in use.
Uniform
It’s a legal requirement when in a public place for all dogs to have at minimum a collar and ID tag, and that includes your place of work. They must also be under your control, and most workplaces will require dogs to always be on the lead, so a short lead for this purpose is vital.!
Collar
ID tag. This should have the owners name and address on it, but it is a good idea to also include your phone number. Details of the legalities surrounding dog ownership and what is required by law can be found in the responsible dog owner page.
Short lead
Harness. This may be required for travelling to work, lunchtime walkies if it is what your dog is most comfortable wearing, or for additional comfort to avoid attaching the lead directly to collar. Find out more about teaching your dog to wear a harness.
Coat. Some breeds of dogs, puppies, or older pooches may be more susceptible to cold and wet weather or air-conditioned offices. If your dog has a wardrobe of practical coats to keep them warm, it is a good idea to pack one just in case!
Food and water
Water bowl. Your dog needs to have access to fresh, clean water at all times.
Food bowl
Medication. If your dog requires routine medication during your working hours it’s vital you pack it and have the means to administer to your dog. All medication should be stored securely out of reach of other dogs.
Meals. If you will be at work for your dog's usual mealtimes, it’s a good idea to pre-portion their food so you can easily keep to their usual schedule. Safe dog food storage is the responsibility of the owner. It is not appropriate to keep dog food in the office kitchen where human food is stored.
Training treats. The likelihood of your dog meeting new people, encountering new sounds, and experiencing different things is high while in your workplace. Having some dog friendly treats on hand to reward positive interactions and reinforce desired behaviours is a good idea. After all, would you go to work if you weren’t getting paid?
Enrichment. Food based enrichment allows dogs to express natural behaviours such as foraging. Snuffle mats, puzzle feeders or DIY food enrichment will stimulate your furry friend and prevent boredom. You can learn more about enrichment here.
Soft furnishings
You wouldn’t want to lounge around on the hard office floor all day, and neither does your pooch! Not only does it provide practical comfort but bringing familiar items from your home will help your dog to settle in a new environment as it will already have their scent on it.
Bedding. Choose something size appropriate for your dog and your office so that it can be placed in a quiet area to help your dog feel safe and secure.
Blankets. Additional blankets may come in handy to make your dogs bed extra cosy, but also for creating a safe space under a desk if needed, or to cover a crate.
Crate. If your dog is crate trained, then this is an excellent way to transport their safe space directly to the office.
Heat pads. Especially in air-conditioned offices it’s important to keep your dogs warm, and you know your dog best but puppies, older dogs or those with ill health may need some more help staying warm.
Cooling mat. Some dogs are susceptible to overheating in the summer months which can be very dangerous, and even life threatening so make sure you have provisions to help them stay as cool as a cucumber. Keep an eye out for more warm weather advice in our monthly Dogs at Work webinars in the coming months!
Entertainment
Most dogs love to play in some form, but your workplace might not be ideal for super squeaky toys or high energy games of fetch. When you’re packing your dog’s favourites for a day at the office, keep in mind that it is a working environment. Think about calm and quiet entertainment that your canine colleague can engage with independently so that you can get on with your work without being distracted.
Soft toys
Chew toys
Tug toys
Enrichment. If your dog loves toys, then you can create great enrichment using toys instead of food! We’ve got you covered if you’re stuck for enrichment ideas!
Cleaning
Poo bags.
Towels. Unfortunately, our great British weather often leaves our pups with mucky paws and nobody wants that wet dog smell wafting around the workplace all day. Having adequate means to dry your dog and wipe their paws after lunchtime walkies is essential. If you need support in teaching your dog that wiping their paws, and more formal handling, doesn’t have to be worrying or scary check out our advice on how to handle your dog.
Flannels. If your pooch is partial to running through muddy puddles or rolling in eau de fox poo a damp towel or flannel in place of a full bath can help to remove the worst of any foul-smelling dirty doggy mess.
Dog Friendly Enzymatic cleaner. Even the best-trained dogs sometimes have accidents in a new environment. Using a dog friendly enzymatic cleaner will get rid of any traces of urine and help to prevent scent marking in the same spot repeatedly.
Additional cleaning materials. Whilst most workplaces should have blue roll, brooms, mops, and essential cleaning supplies you should be well equipped to clean up after your dog as they are your responsibility in the workplace. Your workplace may have designated equipment for cleaning up accidents, rather than using the mop that is for general use, for example.
Use the check list below to make sure you've packed everything your doggy needs for a successful day at work!
