Erste Bank Opens Dog-Friendly Branches in Hungary

From now on, Erste Bank customers do not have to leave their four-legged pets at home when they go to the branch of the financial institution to do business. For the time being, dogs are expected in six branches, and Erste will decide on the dog-friendly concept based on the experience of a two-month trial period.

The bank is testing the dog-friendly concept for two months in four units in Budapest and two in rural areas (Kecskemét and Szolnok). Based on the experience of the pilot period, Erste will decide on its introduction in those members of the network (consisting of more than a hundred branches), where this is not prohibited by local legislation, shopping center policies or other similar regulations, Richárd Csáki, director of Erste Bank's Network and Premium segment said.

A sticker at the entrance of the dog-friendly bank branches indicates that the four-legged friend is welcomed in the given unit in addition to the owner. Customers can enter the branches with not only small but also large dogs, but a maximum of two dogs can stay in one unit at the same time. The dogs must be healthy, clean and groomed, have a rabies vaccination and a chip. Well-socialized dogs must be kept on a leash or in a carrier, and the owner must be able and able to control, restrain and handle the dog. It must be ensured that the dog does not disturb others, does not cause fear, and does not endanger the physical integrity of others.

The design of the dog-friendly units matches the new branch concept that adapts to changed banking habits. Erste Bank say it launched its branch transformation program four years ago: the new concept broke with the office style and layout elements that have remained almost unchanged for centuries, creating branches that create a friendly atmosphere and provide advice. Simpler matters can be dealt with quickly, even at the counters designed for this purpose, while larger, more complicated matters can be dealt with in separate meeting rooms, where those sitting next to us and those waiting will not inadvertently become eavesdroppers of the confidential financial conversation.