HomeMy WebLinkAboutCONSENT Pet Policy JEFFERSON COUNTY
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
AGENDA REQUEST
TO: Board of Commissioners
FROM: Shawn Frederick,Central Services Director
DATE: December 23,2024
RE: Pet Policy Pilot Project
STATEMENT OF ISSUE:
On June 7, 1999 the Board of County Commissioners prohibited staff from bringing pets and
other animals into workplaces. This was based on complaints from the public. Exceptions were
made for working and services animals.
During the Pandemic, many public and private agencies made reasonable accommodations to
allow pets in the workplace under specific criteria. This eased pet care planning and supported
staff morale for those working in challenging environments. As a result,the general attitude
towards pets in the workplace has changed.
ANALYSIS:
A 6-month pilot project allowing pets in the workplace in limited settings will allow County
leadership the ability to assess the viability of a permanent policy revision.
FISCAL IMPACT:
N/A
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommend approval of a 6-month pet policy pilot project.
REVIEWED BY:
Mark McCauley, County Administrator Date
tL�oN 1820 Jefferson Street
/� P.O. Box 1220
Jefferson County, WA Port Townsend,WA98368
_. 360-385-9100
POLICY
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POLICY TITLE:
Pets in the Workplace PILOT PROGRAM
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SUBJECT:
Resources Provided to Support Employee Mental Health
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ORIGINATED DATE: REPLACES EFFECTIVE DATE: RENEWAL DUE Page: 1 of: 2
June 7, 1999 DATE:June 7, December 24, DATE:
1999 2024
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CREATED BY. APPROVED BY:
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I. PURPOSE
The Purpose of this Pilot Policy is to support a positive work experience by allowing pets to occasionally
visit the workplace under certain circumstances (Ex: Before/after an appointment, before/after an
unexpected event, something unexpected at home, in honor of a special national day,such as national
pet day). For the purpose of this policy, a pet is defined as a dog or a cat. This policy recognizes that
Service Animals, under the ADA, are accepted in all Jefferson County Buildings. Service Animals are
allowed to accompany people with disabilities in county facilities where the public is normally allowed to
go.
II. POLICY STATEMENT—COMMITMENT TO EMPLOYEE WELLNESS
Jefferson County is responsible for acting as the responsible steward for public funds and for ensuring the
health and safety of the public that visits County facilities as well as of all County employees. The
privilege of bringing a pet to work is subordinate to the health, safety and comfort of persons who may
encounter animals in the workplace.The County also recognizes the important role of pets in the lives of
some employees. In certain circumstances, pets can foster a friendlier and happier workplace.
III. SUPPORTING EMPLOYEE PETS IN THE WORKPLACE
Jefferson County strives to be an inclusive workplace committed to creating a productive and engaging
environment. In consideration for the general well-being, health and safety of the public and of all
employees working in Jefferson County buildings,the following lists detail areas where pets are allowed
and restricted areas.
a. Areas where pets are allowed.
• Individual private offices with walls and door.This includes the private office of the pet
owner as well as the private offices of colleagues of the pet owner,where advance
permission has been obtained from that person. For example, a pet owner may bring
his/her pet to a small meeting in a colleague's private office, provided that the colleague
has given permission to the pet owner to do so. (Note: see exceptions under
"Restricted" section.)
• Outdoors, on a leash, and accompanied by pet owner.
b. Areas where pets are not allowed.
Pets are not allowed in locations or situations other than those noted as allowed in the previous
section. Such areas of County facilities where pets are not allowed include:
Pets in the Workplace—12/23/24
• Areas that are open to the public and commonly used, such as foyers, bathrooms, copy
rooms, lounges, meeting and conference rooms, except as necessary to travel en route
to permitted locations.
• Dining and food preparation areas; kitchenettes; breakrooms.
• Health and medical facilities
• Private offices that are essentially public areas due to the frequency with which they are
visited by others and used for meetings.
• Computing and telecommunications machine rooms.
• Mechanical and Electrical rooms
• Any area or situation in which another person has raised a legitimate concern for health
or other reasons about the presence of a pet, except for designated guide or working
animals assisting employees with documented disabilities. Examples include:
• It causes any person to experience allergic reactions, fear or any other physical or
emotional discomfort
• It distracts any employee from their work or reduces an employees' productivity or
quality of work
c. Pet Owner Commitment
• Employees seeking support or accommodation for mental health related issues will be
treated with privacy and confidentiality in compliance with regulations.
• Employees are welcome to bring pets into the work environment in accordance with
this policy. Pets must be cared for in a responsible manner that ensures the safety of
those on county owned property, as well as the safety of the pet.The pet owner will be
asked to discontinue bringing their pet to campus, if the relevant policy is not upheld.
• Before Bringing a pet to work, the pet owner will check first with others in the work
environment to ensure that there are no concerns, such as allergies,fear, etc. In the
event of legitimate health concerns,the pet may not be brought to that area.
Otherwise, employees are encouraged to work together to find a reasonable
compromise that is acceptable to everyone.
d. Pet Owner Will
• Obtain and follow the pets in the workplace policy.
• Check with others in the work environment before bringing a pet to ensure that there
are no concerns, such as allergies. In the event of health concerns, the pet may not be
brought to that area unless it is required for disability accommodation.
• Care for the pet in a responsible way that ensures the safety of those in County
buildings, as well as the safety of the pet.
• Have the pet regularly checked by a veterinarian, with current vaccinations and
documentation.
• Keep the pet on a leash at all times, except when the pet is in a private office of the
employee and the door to the office is closed.
• Move the pet in and out of buildings using the most expeditious route, minimizing time
in areas where pets are not allowed.
• Clean any indoor and outdoor messes immediately. Call Facilities Management with any
questions about appropriate cleaning techniques.
• Provide a mat or small rug for the pet in the private office of the employee to protect
the carpet.
• Post a sign on the employee's door indicating that a pet is inside.
Page 2 of 4
Pets in the Workplace—12/23/24
• Perform periodic thorough cleaning of office to remove hair and smells associated with
the pet, including at the time pet owners transfers the office to another employee.
• Keep pets home if they are sick or if there is an infestation of fleas, ticks, or worms.
• Be responsible for any undue wear or damage to Jefferson County property that may be
caused by the pet.
• Not leave the pet unsupervised in a vehicle in a vehicle if it creates a health risk to the
animal.
e. Pets Will
• Be well socialized, housebroken, and in clean,groomed, healthy condition with no fleas.
• Up to date on all vaccinations.
• Be licensed according to applicable law, with current identification tags.
• Not interrupt the work of the employee or others by barking or otherwise causing a
disturbance.
• Have no history of aggressive behavior or biting.
• Be controllable and restrained while on County property.
f. Additional Information
• An employee who brings a pet to a County facility is completely and solely liable for any
injuries or any damage to personal property caused by the pet.
• Any repair or cleaning/maintenance costs incurred by the pet will be charged in full to
the owner.
• Loud, repetitive barking or noises will not be tolerated.
• The County may, at its discretion, require the pet owner to maintain a liability insurance
policy covering damage or injuries caused by the animal while at a County facility.The
County may specify minimum coverage amounts under such a policy and may require
the owner to pay for such coverage.
• The County shall not be liable for loss of, or injury to,any pet brought to a County
facility.
• A release form for each pet must be completed, signed and submitted to the HR
Director, along with the supporting current veterinary records, at least five (S) business
days prior to a visit.
• There may be times when we will restrict pets being on site. We expect employees to
comply with those instructions. In cases when the number of pets in the office becomes
excessive, we will restrict them to set a schedule.
IV. Complaint Process
• Talk to the pet's owner in case they can resolve the problem immediately.
• Reach out to their supervisor explaining their issues.
• Consult with HR Department, if they don't get a satisfactory response.
• If the complainant has a medical or personal issue (e.g. allergy, phobia),the pet owner
will be asked to discontinue bringing the pet to work.
V. REFERENCES
Washington Industrial Safety and Health Act(WISHA)-The County has a general duty to create a safe and
healthful working environment for employees.
Page 3 of 4
Pets in the Workplace—12/23/24
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) -The County must provide reasonable accommodations for
employees and students with documented disabilities as defined by law.This policy recognizes that
Service Animals, under the ADA, are accepted in Jefferson County buildings. Service Animals are defined
as dogs that are individually trained to do work or perform tasks for people with disabilities. Service
Animals are not defined as "pets."The work or task a dog has been trained to provide must be directly
related to the person's disability. Dogs or animals whose sole function is to provide comfort or emotional
support do not qualify as service animals under the ADA. Service Animals must be harnessed, leashed, or
tethered, unless these devices interfere with the service animal's work or the individual's disability
prevents using these devices. In that case,the individual must maintain control of the animal through
voice, signal, or other effective controls. Service Animals are allowed to accompany people with
disabilities in all areas County Buildings where the public is normally allowed to go.
Page 4 of 4
p�C'oSS 1820 Jefferson Street
ON c� ,�► P.O. Box 1220
Port Townsend, WA 98368
Dan Harpole,District 1 Glen Hunungford,District 2 Richard Wojt,District 3
`s�ING�
MEMORANDUM
TO: All Departments
FROM: Board of Commissioners
DATE: June 7, 1999
SUBJECT: POLICY, Pets or other animals in public workplaces of Jefferson County
We have received a number of complaints from the public concerning pets or other animals in public
workplaces. The Board of Commissioners is charged with the care of County property and the health and
safety of employees and the public. We have determined that it is not appropriate to bring pets or other
animals into public workplaces. The exceptions to this policy are service animals(le. Seeing Eye dogs)
that are required to accommodate a bonafide employee disability,dogs used to investigate bomb threats,
and the Jefferson County Animal Shelter.
Effective June 21, 1999 no employee pets or other animals are allowed in the public workplaces of
Jefferson County, except service animals required to accommodate a bonafide employee disability. The
public is also prohibited from bringing animals into public workplaces of Jefferson County, with the
exceptions noted above.
For those employees who have brought a pet to work, the effective date of this policy is June 21, 1999 to
provide sufficient time to make other arrangements for pet care.
We thank you for your cooperation with this policy.
Dan Harpole, ChaiWhan len Hunti gford, er and Woit, mber
Phone (360)385-9100 / 1-800-831-2678 Fax (360)385-9382 jeffboccKdco.jefferson.wa.us