Overview/Policy Statement
It is The Hartford's policy to provide a safe and healthy work environment for all employees and visitors. In accordance with this, animals are prohibited from all Hartford facilities and premises with the exception of approved service animals and working animals who have been authorized, as defined below.
"Facility" means any Hartford owned or leased facility, including the associated parking lots, grounds and common areas.
"Service Animals" refers to animals (primarily dogs) used to guide or provide assistance to persons with disabilities in the activities of independent living. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) defines service animals as any animal individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability. If an animal meets this broad definition, it is considered a service animal.
"Working Animals" refers to those animals engaged in authorized service to the corporation (e.g., guard dogs, pest control animals, police dogs).
Rationale
In addition to providing a professional and conducive work environment, this policy responds to concerns for the health and safety of employees and animals. Further, it limits potential distractions and disturbances in the workplace.
Scope
This policy shall apply to all employees, contractors and visitors of The Hartford. This policy shall cover all areas and businesses of The Hartford's domestic and international business operations.
Applying the Policy
This policy provides for the health and safety of employees and company facilities by restricting animals in the workplace as follows:
- Unauthorized animals are not permitted in any area within the workplace, including the parking lots and grounds.
- Employees and visitors are reminded that bringing a pet to work and leaving them in a car is neither appropriate, nor safe and is prohibited is some jurisdictions. It will be the responsibility of Corporate Security to report to the appropriate local authorities, any animal left in a vehicle or otherwise unattended. If the vehicle can be identified as belonging to a specific employee, Corporate Security will attempt to reach that person prior to contacting authorities.
- In order to accommodate individuals with disabilities, service animals are expressly permitted in all areas in the workplace.
- Employees who are in need of a service animal must obtain authorization through the ADA - Reasonable Accommodations Policy prior to bringing the animal to the worksite.
- In all cases, only clean, trained, well-behaved, non-aggressive animals are allowed, and they are to be leashed and kept under control at all times.
- It is the animal owner's responsibility to ensure that animals relieve themselves outside and owners should not call upon co-workers or facilities staff.
- Working animals are permitted under the direction of Corporate Security.
- Individuals are reminded not to touch, feed or pet a service or working animal when the animal is working as it distracts the animal from the task at hand.
Revised: 3/31/2020