It’s a zoo out there! Animals in the workplace is now one of the most legally complicated—and reported on—issue affecting employers. A maze of legal obligations, urban myths about the right to bring an animal to work, and frequently assertive employees have converted “adorable pets” into true workplace management nightmares. Employers who want to stay out of the dog house need to know the legal landscape, have proper policies and exercise some common sense.

Granting or denying an employee’s request to bring their furry friend into the office implicates workplace accommodation issues under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) or applicable state laws, and exposes companies to potential discrimination claims. Animals at work are also incredibly powerful recruiting tools. As a result, businesses must think twice before telling Fido to stay home.

Where Did This Workplace Zoo Suddenly Come From?