Experts are warning about the consequences of bringing dogs into workplace environments, with one saying it's not good ownership and another saying it's unfair on staff as well as the pet.
It comes after the Wellington Mayor's dog was banned from the mayoral office on Tuesday after breaching the council's tenancy agreement which states animals aren't allowed on the premises.
Tory Whanau's Staffordshire bull terrier, Teddy, spent most of his days in the office but the frequent visits caused the dog to be completely banned from the workplace.
Teddy will be sent to live out of town as Whanau figures out what to do with him.
Christchurch Etiquette Advisor, Marianne Cotter, believes bringing a dog into a workplace for long periods of time is unfair.
"If it's 1 to 2 days a week then that's reasonable but it shouldn't be every day, that's not good ownership," Cotter said.
According to Cotter, having a dog around all the time can cause issues for those in the workplace.
"Some people really won't enjoy having a dog at their work especially if they are allergic, scared, or have past trauma - especially if they've been bitten or attacked."
"Clear communication is compulsory to make sure staff are comfortable with having the dog around," she said.
Cotter stressed the importance of dog etiquette if it is to be in an office environment.
"Not only does the owner need to be responsible for the dog's well-being and comfort but it has to be properly trained," she said.
"The last thing you want is people coming into work and having anxiety about it, some people are terrified of dogs."
An Auckland dog trainer from The Dog Business, Louise Lumsden, spends almost every day with dogs and according to her it all comes down to what the dog feels comfortable with.
"Every dog is different, you'll get some dogs who love busy environments with people coming and going all the time and then you'll get others who hate it," Lumsden said.
According to Lumsden, the dog-sitting options are endless for single dog owners, and people like Whanau who work full-time.
"There's no reason to send a dog away just because you can't take it to work with you," she said.
"There are definitely other options like individual dog walkers, there are lots of groups that pick dogs up from the home and look after them for the day."
Lumsden believes for most dogs, the environment of an office isn't ideal for long periods of time.
"The dog's needs must be met throughout the day, they need to be exercised, played with, fed and served water."
"They also need frequent availability to go to the toilet and get fresh air," she said.
"In an office the AC [air conditioning] might be too high, so getting that temperature right is so important."
Kiwis have since taken to social media to share their thoughts on the matter, with divided opinions.
"The amount of people who feel you can just bring your dog into an office environment despite any lease terms or rules is quite astonishing," said one Reddit user.
"It would be really difficult if a new hire joined and didn't love him," a second person said.
"How do you go against your boss and every other member of staff without getting targeted as a buzzkill?" they added.
