Dog in the office? Court is made clear decision for arcade operators

Dog in the office? Court is made clear decision for arcade operators

In the current case before the Lag Düsseldorf ensured that dogs took the workplace with the workplace. A arcade supervision had brought her dog, a bitch named Lori, to work despite the existing pet ban. This practice was initially tolerated by various superiors, but a new regional manager enforced the dog ban.

The case unfolds against the background of an increasing number of dog adoptions during corona apandemia. Many people sought society and friends in the form of pets, which also includes Anja H. She adopted her animal from foreign animal protection in 2019 and had regularly brought it to work until March 2025. Then the managing director informed you that bringing dogs would no longer be tolerated, which led to the legal discussion.

legal decisions and their consequences

In her concern, the employee requested an injunction in court. However, the Düsseldorf Labor Court dismissed this application and confirmed that the employment contract that prohibits bringing animals has priority.

The Lag Düsseldorf then decided that the employer could enforce the ban. The court pointed out that customers could possibly avoid the arcade from allergies or fear of dogs. In addition, the court emphasized that the dog's tolerance to the workplace is not a legal basis for a change in the employment contract.

The applicant's personal circumstances, such as financial burdens or emotional ties to your pet, are not legally relevant in this context. Employers have the right of management, which they are also entitled to in relation to animals, in accordance with § 106 GewO.

comparison and future regulations

Although the plaintiff's court gave little hope of the success of her appointment, the parties agreed on a comparison: Anja H. may bring her dog to work as usual by May 31, 2025, after which this is only possible with the express approval of the management. This decision illustrates the need for clear regulations for taking pets in labor law.

A similar case of the LAG Düsseldorf already referred to the bitch Kaya, in which a general legal claim to the take -away of animals was also denied. Employers should therefore define explicit regulations to take animals in the employment contract or internal operating regulations in order to avoid misunderstandings. Employees are well advised to obtain written permits for bringing their animals with them, since even years of toleration is not legally binding.

Overall, this case shows how important it is to create clear guidelines for taking pets in the workplace in order to prevent legal conflicts in advance and to maintain the interests of everyone involved.