CIC Dog Policy

For 245 Main Street, Cambridge, MA

The presence of dogs at CIC is a valued part of our community, so long as the buildings that we operate in allow it! The ability of our clients to keep dogs in their offices can add significant value to their work and personal lives. Keeping dogs in the workplace, however, must be considered a privilege and, as such, requires complete responsibility on the part of the dog owners. Dog owners are expected to recognize that not all other members of the community or visitors like dogs, and in some cases people with allergies cannot tolerate being in close proximity to animals.

CIC has adopted the following guidelines to enable CIC community members who are dog owners the ability to bring their dogs to work when appropriate, while ensuring that all CIC community members feel safe and secure in their workplaces.

• All dog owners must apply using the “Bringing Your Dog to CIC – Application and Agreement” and must be notified by CIC in writing of acceptance BEFORE bringing a dog on CIC premises. Appropriate exceptions for service animals are permitted to provide accessibility for persons with disabilities.
• Every dog must be housetrained and be walked to relieve it of bodily functions OUTSIDE the premises, away from the side of the building and flower beds. The dog owner is responsible for cleaning up any refuse produced by their dog inside or outside of the premises. If a dog has more than one indoor “accident” it will have to be removed from the premises and may not be allowed to return
• Every dog must be properly licensed and vaccinated. The owner must keep documentation of all required shots and immunizations on the premises. Rabies tags must be worn at all times.
• Every dog must be supervised and cannot be left on CIC premises overnight or while the owner is not present. A dog must stay with its owner or designated watcher at all times and should be kept in the client’s office when the owner is working there. Any dog left alone in an office for any period of time must be in its carrier/crate or securely leashed; any violations during evening cleaning time will result in that office not receiving trash pickup or cleaning services for the day.
• Dogs are not allowed in bathrooms, break areas, kitchens, conference rooms, event spaces, laboratories, fitness centers or lactation areas.
• For the safety and convenience of other CIC clients, other dogs on the premises and other building tenants, all dogs must be leashed in common areas and when being transported within, into or out of CIC premises and the building. Dogs must enter and exit CIC using the designated dog entrance (the 245 Main Street entrance for CIC@245 Main).
• Any behavior which interferes with another employee’s or client’s ability to work will be cause for a dog to be taken home. Employees or clients with allergic reactions to dogs may ask the owner to refrain from bringing the dog to the workplace and/or common areas if the dog’s presence makes it difficult for the allergic employee to work. Aggressive or disruptive behavior, such as growling, barking, chasing, or biting, is unacceptable and the dog will have to be taken home on the first complaint. The owner shall be solely and fully responsible if their dog bites or acts aggressively toward another dog or person in the workplace.
• Parasite control must be done on a routine basis and each dog must be free of ticks and fleas. Dogs with evidence of fleas will be asked to go home until the problem has been alleviated.
• Owners are financially responsible for any damage or injury caused by their dogs. Owners also are responsible for all costs (including labor) of cleaning, flea treatment or repair of workspaces and common areas that may be required by the presence of their dogs on the premises.
• Owners are solely responsible for loss of, or injuries to, their dogs.
• CIC may reject or dis-allow a dog on CIC premises at any time with no prior notice required.
• CIC may amend this policy at any time without notice.
• Violations of this policy may result in privileges being revoked.