The Do's and Don't's of Take Your Dog To Work Day

Take Your Dog To Work Day falls each year on the Friday following Father’s Day. It’s part of Take Your Pet to Work Week, which kicks off with the lesser known, Take Your Cat to Work Day! But we’ll save that for another article. The celebration started in the UK in 1996 and then again in 1999 by Pet Sitters International in the United States. Either way, it’s very apparent that we love our pets and want to take them with us everywhere. And, let’s face it, dogs are eager companions, ready to go on a moment’s notice. So, why not indulge Fido in a day at the office?

Everything You Need to Know about Take Your Dog to Work Day

The Benefits

Of course, there are benefits in taking your dog to work. The most significant is that pets in the workplace have been shown to reduce stress and increase productivity for most employees. Dogs can be a real morale boost for the entire office.

Some companies have gone so far as to include dogs in the office as regular attendees. They feature paw wash stations and dog parks. They tout that they have better employee retention with a positive impact on people’s mental and physical health.

Consider Amazon, a huge company known for allowing dogs to accompany their owners to the workplace. Today, about 10,000 dogs are registered to come to work at over 100 Amazon offices across the U.S. and Australia. Providing flexibility in the daily work schedule, making connections with other team members and increased productivity are just a few of the perks of pets in the workplace.

Another win-win is that employees and their dogs tend to get more physical activity and social interaction around the office. Most people cannot resist the opportunity to interact with an adorable fluffy pup.

Considerations

Before you clock-in with your furry co-worker, however, make sure that your company has a policy of allowing pets at the workplace and has approved a Take Your Dog To Work Day. Additionally, “just because you can, doesn’t always mean you should.” There are some considerations that should be made before embarking on this nationally celebrated day. Read on for some do's and don'ts when taking your dog to work.

The Do's

Do remember that some people have a very real fear of dogs. While others might be allergic to them. Be mindful. Keep your dog on a leash at all times unless they are confined to your space.

Do make sure that you have everything you need for a day at the office; food, water, dishes, toys, treats, a dog bed and poop bags.

Do give them a bath before bringing them into the office so they smell nice and clean.

Do dog-proof your workspace by putting away anything that might be hazardous for your dog. Electrical cords, trash cans and anything else that they might be interested in should be kept out of reach.

Do be considerate of others at work and take your dog outside if he is becoming a nuisance.

The Don't's

Don’t bring your dog to work if they have bad manners. A dog who jumps up on people, isn’t house trained, barks constantly or bites should never come to the workplace.

Don’t bring your dog into work if he is sick or not up to date on his vaccinations. Other dogs in the workplace could catch something.

Don’t let your dog wander around unaccompanied. Your dog should be under your control at all times.

Don’t pressure others to meet your dog or take offense if someone doesn’t like your dog. There are many reasons why other people may not share your love of dogs, and that is okay.

What are you waiting for?

Take Your Dog To Work Day can be beneficial for companies and their employees, creating a more relaxed atmosphere, providing companionship and increasing productivity. It is important to remember, however, that everyone needs to follow the simple do’s and don’ts of the day. Doing so will ensure that it is safe and comfortable for everyone in the workplace, including those with fur!

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Photo courtesy Pixabay/thuanvo