Having a pet in the office can really liven things up, they can be both a form of companionship and a way to take people’s minds off the stresses of the day. There is a rising trend of people either adopting a pet for the office or bringing their own pet in from home for a few days.
The one thing you have to consider in these circumstances however is office cleanliness and hygiene. Pets can be great to have around but they also need to be looked after and cleaned up after. So which animals make the best office pets and how much mess do they make in the office space?
Dogs (Canis Lupus Familiaris)
There is a reason dogs are meant to be man’s best friend, depending on the breed they can be the most loving, loyal and effervescent creatures. This is perfect for the office, helping to relieve stress and send out positive vibes.
Dogs in the office place aren’t uncommon, with many bringing in their dog to avoid leaving them unattended for too long. If your office has a dog then you’ll have noticed how much they shed. Most dogs shed, some at higher rates than others – this isn’t good for your office space, you need to ensure your carpets are vacuumed regularly and thoroughly. You’ll also probably want to keep their food and water bowl area in an easy-to-clean space as sometimes you mutt might be a messy eater!
Cats (Felis Catus)
Whilst not always as lively as dogs, cats can also be a perfect stress reliever, whether they’re purring in your lap as you work, or sleeping on your photocopier for warmth, their presence is usually soothing if they’re well socialised.
In a similar manner to dogs, some breeds of cat will shed heavily, but the shorthair breeds shouldn’t be as much of a problem. Regular vacuuming should be carried out as a precaution, but a bigger worry is the tendency for cats to knock items off your desk, ensure you keep a vigilant watch and try not to leave spillable or breakable items near the edge of any desk or table. If your office cat is to stay indoors you should also consider placing their litter tray somewhere out of the way, helping to avoid an unpleasant view in the main portion of your office.
Fish (Piscis Piscis)
Fish are not nearly as entertaining as a cat or a dog, but they take far less of your time to look after. The benefits of having an office fish bowl (or aquarium if you have space) is that they can be soothing to watch, you could also hold a competition to name them, making them feel part of the office family.
Cleaning out the fish tank is your only real worry here, after a certain amount of time the water will become murky and algae could form on the glass if left unattended. You need to freshen the tank up regularly if you’re going to give your office fish good quality of life.
These are just a few of the most popular office pets and the ways in which you need to factor in the cleaning in your office to accommodate them, but you might also consider getting a tortoise, a rabbit or maybe even a lizard, just ensure you know how to look after them properly.
If your office requires cleaning on a regular basis to keep it clean of pet hair and any other mess then simply contact us at Alban Cleaning on 01727 789 626 (or your local number) today or contact us online. We’ll be happy to arrange for a cleaning schedule to be put in place which suits the overall needs of your business.
