Take Your Dog to Work Day

The last two dogs I’ve had the privilege to live with were resolutely bonded to me, probably because we spent so much time together. At work, I could always count on feeling their soft muzzles resting on my feet when I sat at my desk. Their daily presence there was comforting, a bridge between work and home.

Veterinarians and their staffs are used to having their own pets with them at work, and on June 26 you’ll have a chance to allow your best friend to accompany you to the office:  It’s Take Your Dog to Work Day.

The event was started in 1999 by Pet Sitters International (PSI) to celebrate the companionship of dogs and to encourage animal adoption. The idea is that when non-pet owners see the loving connection between dogs and their people, it will inspire them to adopt a friend of their own.

Unless you work in a place where dogs are allowed, you’ll need to do some organizing, and the PSI web site provides comprehensive materials to assist you.

 

First, you’ll need to convince your boss or HR department that this is a worthy cause. The PSI Action Pack will prepare you to address the concerns management might have. You’ll probably need to either volunteer to be the event coordinator or to assign one.

Then you’ll want to decide how to celebrate:  You could simply allow dogs to come to work or host a more elaborate event with contests, games, and prizes. You could even select a local shelter to derive benefit from your event. The PSI web site provides posters, press releases, and signup sheets for your convenience.

Although one of the goals of Take Your Dog to Work Day is to entice non-dog owners to adopt a shelter dog, a rude, unruly pooch could turn a dogless person into a dog hater. If you’re considering taking Fido to your office on June 26, here are a few guidelines to help you make sure he is a welcome guest and a good dog ambassador. 

1. Have your dog clean and groomed. If she rolls in raccoon scat that morning, game over!
2. Does the dog get car sick? Check that he’s feeling okay before you go inside. You don’t want him vomiting on the office carpet.
3. Make sure the dog is reliably housebroken. (You know why.)
4. At work, keep your dog on a leash or behind a doggie gate. Don’t let her run amok and disturb other employees.
5. Make sure the dog has been treated with a flea and tick preventive. The last thing you want is an office infestation that will require bringing in a pest control company.
6. If the dog defecates outside, pick it up and throw it out. (But not in the break room wastebasket.)  
7. Some familiar toys can help your dog feel comfortable in an unfamiliar place, but don’t bring loud, squeaky ones.
8. Bring along whatever food or water your dog will need throughout the day. You don’t want him drinking from the water fountain or stealing someone’s lunch!
9. If your dog is fearful or aggressive, better to leave her at home. Ditto if she’s a barker or a chewer. 

For more advice and guidelines, print a Dogs at Work Policy to distribute to fellow dog lovers at the office who plan to participate.  If June 26 doesn’t work out for your place of business, pick another date; the entire week of June 22-26 is Take Your Pet To Work Week™.

Prepare for this special day, but don’t expect your friend to “work like a dog”; resting her head on your lap is all she needs to do.