Pets at Work Policy

Scope

CERT Property Ltd own and operate a number of commercial buildings which are occupied by retail operators, larger corporate companies and small and medium enterprises.

We welcome pets into our buildings, however in buildings which are occupied by more than one customer the following policy applies to those customers who wish to bring their pets into work.

1.0 Dogs

Dogs

Dogs are permitted into our buildings. 

This policy outlines our rules for bringing, caring for and supervising dogs in your office.

Dogs will not be considered for inclusion until they are, at least 1 year old and adequately trained. All dogs should be kept on a lead in the owner’s workspace. The owner is responsible for informing other employees in their office of their dog’s presence. If your dog is unwell, they are not permitted into the office.

Owner Responsibility

• Dogs must be supervised at all times in the workplace.

• Owners are solely accountable and responsible for their dog’s behaviour.

• Dogs must be walked only in permitted outdoor areas.

• Owners should clean up after their dog with dog mess cleaned up and removed from site, dog mess MUST NOT be placed in the office Bin.

• Owners must make sure their dog does not wander into restricted areas (as below).

• Make sure their dog does not endanger themselves or others.

• Make sure their dog does not damage company or employee property

• Make sure their dog does not distract the team (e.g. barking constantly, climbing on desks, dog play)

If any of these occur, it falls to the Asset Managers discretion to determine the seriousness of the pet’s actions. As a general rule, if the pet misbehaves

three times or becomes overly aggressive, their owner may be prohibited from bringing the pet into the building. Owners will also be responsible for any expenses and cleaning resulting from their pet’s behaviour.

We operate a three-strike warning policy for the following incidents: excessive barking, toileting within the premises, and entering restricted areas listed below.

Should the dog get three strikes, or bite someone in the office, the dog will be required to leave immediately and will no longer be accepted in the office.

Company Responsibility

• Provide a happy and healthy dog friendly working environment

• We will ensure all team members and visitors feel safe in the workplace

• We will take team member’s concerns seriously and investigate as soon as complaints are received

• We have the right to review and make reasonable adjustments to the Dogs in the Workplace policy as and when required to ensure the safety and wellbeing of our Team Members.

Inclusivity

This policy does not apply to service/assistance animals. They are allowed to move freely with their owners. If any problem arises because of service animals, we will make appropriate accommodations to resolve it.

Restrictions

Please respect the below-restricted areas where dogs are not allowed:

• Meeting Rooms

• Training Rooms

• Kitchens

• Communal WC's

Liability Statement

In consideration of being permitted to bring a dog to the workplace, the dog owner does hereby unconditionally agree to take any and all liability, claims, demands, actions and causes of actions arising out of or related to any loss, damage or injury that may be sustained by any person, other dog or property in connection with or related to his/her dog in the workplace.

The occupier dog owner further hereby agrees to take full responsibility of the actions of their dog and protect and indemnify CERT Property Ltd from  any loss, damage, liability and expense, including legal fees, that may be incurred as a result of injuries to persons or other dogs or damage to property, directly or indirectly associated with the employee bringing his/her dog into any building managed by CERT Property Ltd.

By bringing their dog into any building managed by CERT Property Ltd, the dog owner expressly acknowledges and represents that he/she has carefully read the foregoing terms and conditions and the CERT Property Ltd Dogs in the Workplace Policy and understands the contents thereof.

2.0 Other Animals

Cats

Due to their highly independent and territorial nature, cats are not permitted into our buildings.

Small Caged Animals

Small caged animals  are not permitted into our buildings.  Examples include but are not limited to;

• Rats

• Animals from the rodent family such as mice

• Animals from the weasel family such as ferrets

Exotic Animals

Exotic animals are not permitted into our buildings.  Examples include but are not limited to;

• Amphibians such as frogs and salamanders

• Exotic pet birds such as parrots and cockatoos

• Exotic arachnids such as tarantulas

• Snakes of any kind

Caged Birds 

Caged birds are not permitted into our buildings.

Fish and Aquatic Animals

Small fish are permitted into our buildings.  Examples include but are not limited to Goldfish, Tetras and Guppies.  

• Fish must be kept in a suitable aquarium 

• Arrangements must be made for the appropriate care of fish and aquatic animals during any period of downtime such as at weekends or over the festive period

3.0 Permission and Withdrawal

Anyone wishing to bring their pet onto the premises must seek written permission from the Asset Manager and agree to this policy before doing so.

CERT Property Ltd reserves the right to refuse and/or withdraw permission to bring your pet onto the premises at any time and without notice.  This policy does not form part of the terms and conditions of your agreement with us and can be withdrawn or altered at any time and without notice.