If you love your pup more than words can say and you would love to reward his loyalty in a special way, why not take part in Take Your Dog to Work Day on Friday, June 21? Every year, on the first Friday after Father’s Day, countries across the globe – including the U.S., U.K., and New Zealand, show their love for dogs by welcoming them into offices. If you would love to take part in this event, you still have over a month to do so. Tell your managers a bit about what Take Your Dog to Work Day involves, help them prepare for it, and decide how to make the day extra special for needy dogs around the world too!
Why was Take Your Dog to Work Day started?
June 21, 2019 will actually mark the 21st anniversary of Take Your Dog to Work Day. It was established in 1999 by Pet Sitters International for two main reasons: to highlight the value of our canine pets, and to promote dog adoptions. Many managers don’t allow well behaved pets to come to work with their owners simply because they are unaware of the many benefits that pets at work can have. One study published in the International Journal of Workplace Health Management showed that having dogs at offices reduces stress levels, boosts work satisfaction and enhances commitment to one’s company. The appeal of pets is such that 42% of people aged 18 to 34 would love to work in a dog-friendly office – according to research carried out by Purina.
How is Take Your Dog to Work Day celebrated around the world?
Each office is free to celebrate this special day the way they choose though what all countries have in common is that employees are invited to bring well behaved pets along for the entire day. For instance, only house-trained, non-aggressive or non-destructive pets should be welcome. In the UK, there is an official Bring Your Dog to Work Day website, which encourages offices to actually sign up and donate an amount from as low as £5 to help a chosen charity. This year, the charities of choice are All Dogs Matter (a rescue and rehoming association) and Animals Asia (which aims to put an end to cruel practices like bear bile farming).
How can you ensure Take Your Dog to Work a Day is a success?
For this day to be truly stress relieving for everyone at work, be sure to establish an etiquette list. For instance, some areas should be declared pet-free, all dogs should be vaccinated and free of any contagious condition, pets should be kept close to each desk, etc. You and your colleagues can create a short but useful list that can serve as a guide. This should includes essentials that owners should bring for their pets. Of course, if any pet is anxious or displays anti-social or aggressive behavior, it should be taken home. Finally, take your cue from the British and see if there is a way that you can do more than simply bring your dog to the office. For instance, can you and your colleagues set up a lunchtime fundraising walk? How does an auction or raffle for abandoned pets sound? If you have a social media presence, why not educate others on the health benefits dogs bring to workspaces?
Take Your Dog to Work Day is a wonderful way in which to celebrate the humane-canine bond. However, rules need to be established so that all is smooth sailing. In the weeks leading up to the big day, you and your colleagues might also want to brainstorm to think of ways to support chosen pet charities. Dogs do so much for us so why not make June 21, 2019 the day you give something back?
