From: Clara Young, Director of Finance & Administration
Date: November 21, 2022
Re: Household Pets in the Workplace
Tikinagan is responsible for assuring the health and safety of all employees. In keeping with this objective, Tikinagan does not permit employees to bring their household pets into the office for a full day.
• For health & safety reason, pets can spur allergic reactions among co-workers and clients • Work is disrupted because of the need to take pets outside • Some employees have a genuine fear of dogs, cats, etc which needs to be respected • There are concerns of liability for an organization should an employee be bitten or injured by a pet brought to work
However, this does not mean we do not enjoy having household pet visits on occasion for a short period of time. As per Customer Service Standard of Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 the use of guide dog or other service animal for persons with disability will be permitted at the workplace unless the animal is otherwise excluded by law from the premises. Appropriate documentation from health care professional would be required for permitting the use of guide dog or service animal.
