The 13th annual Take Your Dog To Work Day is June 24, 2011 so groom your furry friends up and get ready to introduce your four-legged “best friend” to co-workers.
Pet Sitters International created the event to show that dogs are great companions and encourage adoption from local shelters or rescue organizations. PSI feels that when co-workers see the human-animal bond they may be encouraged to adopt a dog.
So go ahead and get your boss warmed up to the idea of getting on the band wagon. Tell them how dogs at work help boost morale, reduce stress, increase productivity and reduce absenteeism. Maybe you can be so convincing that they will consider a “dogs at work” policy year round. Your K-9 buddy may not be happy to go to work at first but will soon adjust and enjoy the company.
If you are so lucky that your company will allow dogs for the annual event make sure that you and your dog are good ambassadors for the cause. Keep in mind the purpose of Take Your Dog to Work Day is to encourage dog adoption. Here are a few suggestions to make the day the best that it can be.
Consider your co-workers
Check with your co-workers to make sure no one is allergic or deathly afraid of dogs. Who can resist a cute little puppy? But a 150-pound rottweiler just might be a bit intimidating to the manliest man who works beside you. There may be co-workers that are allergic to dogs, and dogs do produce allergens that can make someone really sick. Check with other workers to see if anyone else plans on bringing in their dog. If there are a dog or two that have issues with other dogs work out a plan where some will be there in the morning and the others after lunch.
Consider your dogs condition and temperament
Make sure your dogs vaccines are current just in case she gets scared and decides to bite someone. It may be she has never bitten anyone but new and strange environments cause stress.
Give her a “spa” treatment the night before. A bath with good smelling shampoo will make her and everyone around her happier. Take the time to give her a good brushing to remove the maximum amount of fur. If she is used to it, go ahead and brush her teeth and if that is not an option, bring some treats that reduce bad breath. To avoid her scratching someone clip her toenails and go ahead with the polish. Or take the easy way out and schedule an appointment with the groomer.
It would be best if your dog does have manners! The basic commands of come, sit, stay are an absolute necessity before you consider a day at the office. An unruly dog would not be a good reason for a co-worker to adopt one.
Are you sure your dog will handle the unusual noise and excitement of your work place considering there may be other dogs? Will the phones ringing send her into a howling frenzy? If clients or customers arrive, how does she react to strangers? Make sure you know how she will react in a positive way, if not it would be best to leave her home. You can always get busy and get her ready for next year.
Be Prepared
Start with dog-proofing your office. Empty all the trash cans just in case “Sophi” decides to see what’s at the bottom. The computer age has brought about the need for many power cords. Make sure they are either hidden or tucked behind something to avoid a major accident. Plants that are poisonous should be put well out of reach.
The excitement may lead to a mishap or two. Bring along some paper towels, carpet cleaner, poop bags and spray air freshener for clean-up. Schedule frequent potty breaks to lower the risk of the “oops” moment.
Most dogs sleep all day when you are gone so once the commotion settles down have a place where she can lay down comfortably with a favorite toy.
Don’t forget a leash or a crate to control your dog if the need arises.
Make sure you will be allowed to take a break to take your dog home if it just isn’t working.
We wish you all good luck with getting your boss on board with Take Your Dog to Work Day. Visit Get-Involved to register your company for the event. It would be a very successful if some of your co-workers decide it’s time for them to adopt a companion of their own!
Let us know if your company is involved with TYDTWD and send us some pictures of your dog on the job.
8 Comments
I would love to bring my dog Kylie to the office on Friday. Too bad our company doesn’t allow pets in our office. However, I might suggest your TYDTWD or Take Your Dog to Work Day! Thanks for this great info!
That is awesome, too bad I’ve just recently started my new job and it’ll be nice to bring my little puppy in. I sure will keep a lookout for dogs in the office on the 24th. I’ve never heard companies announce it, it would be nice if it was announced more. If I were to ask, would I have to check with Human Resource first? Thanks!
I don’t think they let dogs on ambulances, otherwise this might be a great way to get the dog out from under my feet for a day and off with my husband!
whoa… bringing our pets in the office sounds really awesome… by doing so, we can spread the word and encourage other co-workers to adopt their own pets.
I love take your pet to work day. In my industry, this already happens occasional as well as treating animals, as well as having office pets. Consequently, take your pet to work day ends up as zoo for a day where I work :).
This is a great idea!! The emotional impact dogs have on humans is more than words can express. I think this is a great method to show others that dogs can, and should, be a major part of their life… in a positive way. I hope that the number of dogs adopted within the next coming months increasing exponentially. For those of us who have the ability to let our dogs join us at the office, may we submit photos of the cute “hard at work” pooches?
We would more than welcome photo’s of your cute “hard at work” pooches! They will be great for our Wordless Wednesday or next years “Take Your Dog to Work Day” post.
Tremendous job! The information delivered was invaluable. Lets hope that you maintain the excellent job executed.