Want to Bring Your Dog to Work?

Live the dream: take your dog to work on Friday, June 21, this year’s official Take Your Dog To Work Day! Every day is Take Your Dog to Work Day here at Modern Dog magazine so we’ve definitely got the intel for making a success of your dog’s foray into the workforce!

Many businesses—even those not traditionally pet friendly—are opening their doors to employees’ dogs for this special day, making this a great opportunity to illustrate the well documented benefits of bringing your dog to work. (Think less stress and boosted employee moral.) Just how much of a draw is being able to bring your dog to work? A Modern Dog poll found a whopping 92% of respondents would accept a job with lesser pay if it meant they could bring their dogs to work with them. If employers want to make their employees happy, a dog-friendly workplace is definitely something to consider! But first things first: making that all-important first impression. Pet Sitters International, the mastermind behind this awesome annual event, shares their advice.

4 Ways to Ensure Your Dog Has a Successful Job Shadowing Experience

1. Dogs should be kept on a leash, unless in the employee’s office or cubicle. Even the best-behaved dogs may not understand that not everyone loves puppy kisses or a pouncing pooch. Respect co-worker’s space by keeping your dog leashed when outside of your office or cubicle. Co-workers who want to pet your dog will come to you.

2. Employees should use a baby gate to prevent dogs from leaving their office unsupervised. In the middle of an important sales call or during a visit from a business partner is not the best time for Fido to dash out of your office. Give your dog space to roam in your office while avoiding an unplanned escape by using a pet gate. Richell USA (richellusa.com) has a terrific selection or contain your small dog in a pet playpen by Carlson Pet Products (carlsonpetproducts.com)

3. Specific areas, such as bathrooms or employee dining halls, should be designated as dog-free. Even on Take Your Dog To Work Day, there will be limitations to where your dog can roam. Work with management and co-workers to decide which areas of the office will be dog free.

4. Have a back-up plan for taking your dog home if he is not comfortable in the work environment. While most dogs love spending a day at the office, it may be that your dog is not ready to enter the workforce. Have a back-up plan, such as a spouse, friend or professional pet sitter who can take care of your dog if he needs to leave the office.

Created in 1995, Take Your Dog to Work Day encourages employers to experience the joys of pets in the workplace for one special day to celebrate the great companions dogs make and promote adoptions from local shelters, rescue groups, and humane societies. Interested in participating? Download the free Take Your Dog To Work Day action pack at TakeYourDog.com!