June 23rd is Take Your Dog to Work Day

Simple Tips to Make the Day a Success

Business goes to the dogs as workplaces across the country celebrate the annual Take Your Dog to Work Day. The temporary office canines won’t be barking out orders to employees or wagging approval after a presentation, although some might be helping the receptionist greet visitors. The day is an opportunity to celebrate dogs’ special abilities to reduce stress in the workplace and increase job satisfaction, skills confirmed in a study published in 2012 by Virginia Commonwealth University.

Take Your Dog to Work Day  was created by Pet Sitters International and first celebrated in 1999. PSI created the day to encourage businesses to allow dogs in the workplace for one Friday each year to celebrate the great companions dogs make and promote their adoptions from local shelters, rescue groups and humane societies. PSI believes that through the event dogless co-workers will be encouraged to adopt when they witness the human/animal bond. The week leading up to Take Your Dog To Work Day is Take Your Pet To Work Week.

But before you put a tie around his neck and print out an employee badge for Fido, take some common-sense steps to help the workday go smoothly for all involved.

Do:

1. Check in with your co-workers.

Even if Rover’s home base is your office or cubicle, be sure that everyone is looking forward to her presence.  Be sympathetic to fears and allergies.

2. Pack for the day.

Be sure that you have everything you need to make the day a happy one for your pals, both 2- and 4-legged.  Food and water dishes, toys, shareable treats, a comfy mat or towel, leash and poop bags for a start.  Homey things go a long way to the office experience.

3. A little grooming goes a long, long way

Admit it- even you don’t like a smelly dog.  Give him a bath and a good brushing.    Is he a kisser?  Brush his teeth so he has nice breath when he meets the boss.

4. Dog-proof your workspace.

So many new temptations!  Prep the area by lifting power cords, emptying the trash and removing little items like paper clips.  Make sure that there’s nothing on the floor or desk that Rover might find appealing.

5. Do a good deed for dogs.

Find out if your company will OK a raffle, a guest speaker from a local shelter, visits from dogs in need of rescue etc.  Even people who don’t bring in their pets enjoy the opportunity to interact with other people’s dogs and meet vendors.

Don’t:

1. Don’t bring Fido in if you can’t rely on his good manners and housetraining.
2. Don’t bring Fido if he’s sick.
3. Don’t let Fido wander around off leash.

The most important thing – Everyone should have a great time…Fido included!!