(Petplan Press Release) — To help the rest of us keep work pets safe (and compensation claims to a minimum), Petplan lists some common mistakes employers make that can put office pets in peril.

• Keep trash cans within reach covered. Pets have a penchant for digging in garbage and eating what they find there (whether it’s food or not). GI upset is the most common insurance claim at Petplan — and not cheap to treat (average cost $850*). To prevent tummy troubles, workers should be sure to keep cans covered. Or better yet: do away with individual trash cans for the day.
• Clear foreign objects from the floor. Pens, pen caps, pushpins and other office staples (like staples!) are commonly found on floors, and can become serious and expensive hazards if they get stuck in a pet’s digestive tract. And don’t forget wires and cables that can give pets a shocking experience. Make sure the cleaning crew does a thorough sweep the night before — or at least have employees sniff around for any stray items before pets arrive, and tuck wires safely away to avoid temptation.
• Erratic traffic patterns. Rolling office chairs can be a danger to tails, and injuries can steamroll a pet parent’s budget. While getting rid of chairs may not be possible, employees should be extra careful and always check under desks before sitting down.
• Too much food. Coffee and leftover birthday cake, and snacks, such as certain types of nuts or granola with raisins, are all poisonous to pets. Dispose of or safely secure all food items before little scavengers come calling.
• No rules in place. No matter how friendly the pet, a new environment can create stress. It’s a good idea for Human Resources to send a memo in advance detailing dog and cat etiquette — and establishing a zero tolerance policy for aggression.

For more on ensuring all have a good time when pets visit the office, below is a guide to sharing the office with pets from PetPlan.