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Take Your Dog To Work Friday

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Finally – an office romance that works!

Friday, June 26, 2009 is Pet Sitters International Take Your Dog to Work Day®. In fact, it’s the 10th Annual TYDTWDay. You can learn all about it at TakeYourDog.com.

Since most owners would jump at the chance to take Fido along for the daily commute, I’ll toss out some statistics for employers.

Did You Know?

According to a recent survey conducted by The American Pet Products Manufacturers Association (APPMA), nearly one in five companies in the United States allow pets in the workplace. The survey, which polled working Americans 18 years of age and over, showed some strikingly positive opinions towards pets in the workplace:

According to the survey:

  • 55 million Americans believe having pets in the workplace leads to a more creative environment
  • 53 million believe having pets in the workplace decreases absenteeism
  • 50 million believe having pets in the workplace helps co-workers get along better
  • 38 million believe having pets in the workplace creates a more productive work environment
  • 32 million believe having pets in the workplace decreases smoking in the workplace
  • 37 million believe having pets in the workplace helps improve the relationship between managers and their employees
  • And, 46 million people who bring their pets to the workplace work longer hours

Ever heard of Replacements, Ltd?

Lots of dog-lovers have! You wouldn’t think that a 415,000 square foot warehouse full of 13 million pieces of breakable china, stoneware, crystal, glassware, and other collectibles would be the best place to take your dog to work. But founder Bob Page, who was already bringing his Dachshund, Ernie, and encouraging his employees to do the same, co-sponsored the first ever Take Your Dog To Work Day back in 1999.

“I have found bringing your dog to work with you can be soothing and relaxing and I encourage my 640 employees to do the same,” said Bob Page, Owner of Replacements, Ltd.

And it’s gotten the company some great recognition, including a featured page in this year’s PSI Business Action Pack. http://www.takeyourdog.com/downloads/09-Business-Action-Pack.pdf

Get Involved

Visit TakeYourDog.com to learn how you can get involved.

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About Author

Devoted pet owner and now, devoted pet editor, Judi worked in traditional offices, keeping the books and the day-to-day operations organized. Taking her dog to work every day for over a decade never seemed odd. Neither did having an office cat. She knows what it's like to train a new puppy and she's experienced the heartache of losing beloved companions. Retired, she currently lives with her spoiled dog and four chickens (who are, interestingly enough, also spoiled).

4 Comments

  1. From my personal side I do believe pets add to the workplace. It increases positive interaction between employees and brings the calming effect to work that they create at home.

    As a manager though I look at the other side too in that unruly pets do create distractions and the work environment must be conducive to having pets. Industrial sites are not conducive to having pets at work.

    Basically what it means is that good judgment must be exercised to make it a positive effect and not distractive to the work environment.

  2. I’m all for taking your dogs to work. When I worked as a CNA for a nursing home, I took my puppy, who is now an adult dog, to work with me a few times. Not only did it cheer up my co-workers and make their day better, but it brought the residents lots of joy as well. So, if someone works in a nursing home, this is a wonderful establishment to take your dog. Hospitals, especially hospitals for children, is another great place to take dogs on Take Your Dog to Work Day®.

  3. yeah i completely agree since i work in a high traffic area of new york as a part of the food industry. i can’t bring my pets there since it is a health violation if the health department comes for their yearly inspection.

    but say i was a preschool teacher or a day care worker, then i think that a pet (cat/dog/ small animal) would be a great addition to the work place to help the children learn more about animals.

  4. Having your dog with you during the day is such a great feeling. Mine is sleeping besides me right now! For somecrazy reason dealing with the daily stress at work is a bit easier when a dog is around – they help us realise how to keep things in prespective! Everyone should bring there dog to work.

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This post contains affiliate links, which means we earn a commission for sales referred from links on our site. We're also Amazon Associates, so we may earn from those qualifying purchases, too. Learn more!