Take Your Dog to Work Day
Take Your Dog to Work Day is observed every year on the Friday after Father's Day. The idea for this day was conceived by Pet Sitters International (a pet-sitting organization). Their aim was to help strengthen the bonds between dogs and owners, as well as the relationships with coworkers, as having dogs in the office brightens up anyone's workday.
The day has somewhat evolved through the years, and it became Bring Your Pet to Work Day. This means that those who don't have a dog can bring their cats or other pets into the office with them.
Take Your Dog to Work Day Background
Take Your Dog to Work Day was first celebrated in 1999. The main purpose behind this holiday was to encourage adoption. Pet Sitters International believed that pet owners bringing their dogs to work would encourage those without pets to get a companion of their own, after witnessing the joy and love that their co-workers' dogs bring them.
Workplaces that allow their employees to bring their dogs to work, often get involved with local shelters to help with community outreach, and hopefully, get new homes for the dogs that live in shelters.
It is also a way to ensure that dogs who spend most of their days alone at home, while their owners go to work, get a whole day receiving special attention. Moreover, it will not just be from their best friends, but also from new people who will surely be excited to meet them. It can also be a great way for co-workers to interact with each other and improve teamwork.
Since its first celebration in 1999, where 300 businesses held their own Take Your Dog to Work Day, this observance has grown exponentially in popularity. In fact, many offices are now pet friendly, which means that people can bring their companion along to work with them any day of the year.
Take Your Dog to Work Day Dos and Don'ts'
If you want to give your best friend a different day and bring them to work with you, there are a few things you should consider.
Dos
- You should obviously make sure that your employer is okay with pets being brought into the office. However, it is also equally important to ask your coworkers if they don't mind you bringing your dog in, as many people are scared of dogs or may just not be comfortable having one in their workplace.
- Pack a bag with important things that your dog might need throughout the day. This includes his water bowl, toys, a bed or a blanket that they can lay on, and doggie bags.
- Make sure your workspace is safe for your dog. Also, make sure to hide any cords, and put away the trash bin, and any snacks or plants that may be harmful to them.
Don't's
- Do not bring your dog to work if they get too anxious or too over-excited to see new people. It is not pleasant to work with a dog who is barking or jumping up at everyone. And definitely do not bring a dog who is not properly house-trained.
- It is not good to let your dog wander around the office by themselves, as they can easily get up to mischief or disturb other people. If you think your dog can get easily distracted and get away from you, have him on a leash or bring some kind of barrier to work.
- Not everyone is a dog person, so don't go around forcing your dog on colleagues. If people want to meet your dog they will come to you.
Benefits of bringing your dog to work
- It is a proven fact that dogs help to reduce stress. Petting a dog releases a hormone called oxytocin which is effective in reducing stress.
- Bringing your dog to the workplace would also encourage more frequent breaks. While it may seem like a bad idea at first, taking regular breaks is necessary to perform to your full potential.
- Since Dogs help in relieving stress, bringing them to work would also help in employee retention. This is because it would motivate the employees and provide a more comfortable and relaxed work environment.
Important Fact: As per the statistical report by the Humane Society, around 40% of all dogs are adopted from animal shelters in the United States, and close to 670,000 dogs are euthanized every year.
You might like to read about National Dog Day celebrated on August 26 every year.
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