Take Your Dog to Work instead of leaving them home alone, and reconsider the important bond between man and his best friend, that shouldn’t end on workdays.
Dogs have been man’s best friend far back into pre-history when they became domesticated by choosing to live and work alongside mankind. From the very beginning, they worked alongside us, hunting and tracking and even keeping us safe at night by growling and barking when danger reared its ugly head.
In modern day, this relationship has been forgotten, and the poor pooch is now left to sit at home while we go about our daily business. Take Your Dog To Work Day is set to change this old policy back again, and bring the happy puppy back into our daily work lives.
Bring Your Dog to Work Day is the perfect opportunity for dog owners to show off their furry friends at the office. Celebrated annually on the Friday after Father’s Day this fun holiday falls on June 24th in 2022.
As a dog lover and pet owner myself, I’m excited to share everything you need to know to make the most of Bring Your Dog to Work Day this year. From the history of the holiday to tips for getting permission and suggestions for celebrating with your pooch, this is your ultimate guide to the paw-some event!
A Brief History of Bring Your Dog to Work Day
Bring Your Dog to Work Day was created in 1999 by Pet Sitters International (PSI) as a way to celebrate the human-animal bond. The inaugural event saw around 300 businesses participate across the United States.
The holiday quickly gained popularity, with over 500 companies taking part in 2000. Participation continued to grow each year, with over 6,000 companies registered for Bring Your Dog to Work Day by 2005.
The goal of the day is two-fold. First, it aims to promote pet adoption by showcasing the relationships people have with their dogs in the workplace. Second, it encourages businesses to be more pet-friendly in their policies year-round.
With over 90 million pet dogs across America today, Bring Your Dog to Work Day has certainly helped highlight the special role dogs play in our lives. And who doesn’t love an excuse to spend more time with their furry BFF?
Getting Permission to Participate
Before bringing your pooch to work it’s important to get permission from your employer. Many companies already have pet-friendly policies in place, but some may require extra convincing.
Here are some tips for getting your workplace on board:
-
Check office policies. Some companies may have Bring Your Dog to Work Day guidelines already established Review any employee handbooks or ask HR about pet rules
-
Highlight benefits. Emphasize the perks of having dogs in the office, like reduced stress, increased morale and better collaboration. Studies show pets at work can make employees happier and more productive.
-
Start small. Offer to bring just your dog first as a trial run. This shows you’re willing to take steps to ensure the day goes smoothly.
-
Compromise if needed. If your boss is hesitant, suggest just a half day or propose ways to limit disruptions, like keeping dogs in certain areas.
-
Get co-workers involved. Show support from colleagues who would also like to participate. Peer encouragement can help sway hesitant managers.
With some positive persuasion, you can convince your workplace to get on board with Bring Your Dog to Work Day!
How to Prepare for the Big Day
Once you’ve got the green light, it’s time to start planning to make Bring Your Dog to Work Day a success from start to finish. Here are some tips:
-
Update vaccinations. Vet visits ensure your dog is healthy and up-to-date on shots before mingling with new friends.
-
Consider temperament. Make sure your dog’s personality is office-friendly. Shy or anxious pups may become overwhelmed.
-
Crate train. Practice having your dog settle calmly in a crate with a favorite toy or treat. This provides a quiet space if needed.
-
Childproof the area. Pick up any loose items your curious canine could grab like pens, paperclips or cords.
-
Pack supplies. Bring food, treats, medication, cleanup bags, a leash and any other items your pooch will need during their big day.
-
Set up a place to relax. Have a pet bed, blanket or mat ready so your dog has a designated spot to lounge.
-
Introduce slowly. Take things slow, allowing your dog to meet coworkers gradually and get used to new sounds.
-
Watch for signs of stress. Note any unusual behaviors like whining, trembling or hiding that could indicate anxiety.
Proper preparation helps ensure Bring Your Dog to Work Day is fun for pets, owners and coworkers alike!
10 Ideas for Celebrating with Your Pooch
Once the workday arrives, it’s time to let the doggone fun begin! Here are 10 great ways to celebrate Bring Your Dog to Work Day with your furry BFF:
-
Host a puppy party. Throw a festive bash during lunch with treats, toys and pet-friendly cake.
-
Have a doggie costume contest. Let coworkers vote on creative outfits for dressed-up dogs. Hand out prizes for categories like “Best Work Attire” or “Funniest Costume”.
-
Set up a photo booth. Capture cute moments with fun props and backgrounds. Share pics using hashtags like #bringyourdogtoworkday.
-
Organize games. Plan pet-friendly activities like “bobbing” for treats in water bowls or hide-and-seek with favorite toys.
-
Bake doggie treats. Make homemade goodies for pups to enjoy. Check ingredients to ensure they’re safe for canine coworkers.
-
Visit dog-friendly vendors. Many establishments welcome pets, so head to a café, ice cream shop or store at lunchtime.
-
Do a charity drive. Collect pet food, toys or other donations for a local shelter or rescue organization.
-
Tour dog parks. If your office allows, take walk breaks to let pups play and socialize.
-
Host adoption showcases. Work with shelters or rescues to showcase adoptable dogs needing homes.
-
Have awards. Hand out “Paw-fessional of the Year” and “Top Dog” awards for pets who excel at spreading office cheer.
Get creative and let your dog-loving spirit shine on this fun day!
Tips for Pet Parents
As the pet owner, make sure Fido’s big day goes smoothly by keeping these tips in mind:
-
Watch your dog. Keep a close eye on their interactions and don’t let them roam unsupervised. Carry a leash to maintain control.
-
Schedule breaks. Take periodic trips outside for bathroom walks, water breaks or just fresh air.
-
Limit interactions. Avoid overwhelming your dog by letting them approach new people gradually. Keep greetings brief.
-
Bring clean-up supplies. Have paper towels, wipes and garbage bags handy just in case of any accidents.
-
Offer a quiet space. If your dog seems overstimulated or stressed, guide them to their crate or a relaxed area.
-
Prep dog-friendly meals. Bring meals and snacks made with pet-safe ingredients in case you need to feed your dog there.
-
Brush up on manners. Dogs should be on their best behavior in an office environment. Refresher training helps reinforce good conduct.
Staying attentive ensures Bring Your Dog to Work Day is a pawsitive experience for everyone!
Frequently Asked Questions
For first-timers celebrating Bring Your Dog to Work Day, you may have some questions. Here are answers to some FAQs:
Who started Bring Your Dog to Work Day?
Bring Your Dog to Work Day was launched in 1999 by Pet Sitters International to highlight the human-animal bond.
When is Bring Your Dog to Work Day celebrated?
It’s always on the Friday after Father’s Day, which falls on June 24th in 2022.
Can I be required to bring my dog to work?
No, participating is voluntary. Employers can’t mandate you bring your dog if you don’t want to.
What if my office says no dogs allowed?
Look for other ways to celebrate, like organizing a dog park outing after work or donating to a local shelter.
What should I do if my dog misbehaves?
Redirect any bad behavior calmly and leave if they don’t settle down. Bringing a well-trained dog minimizes issues.
What if my coworkers are allergic to dogs?
Discuss solutions like keeping your dog in certain areas and bringing HEPA air filters. If that’s not possible, opt not to participate.
Do I have to stay with my dog all day?
You should keep your dog with you or in a secured crate when unattended. Ask coworkers to watch them only for brief periods.
Let the Dog Days Begin
As you can see, Bring Your Dog to Work Day offers a paw-some chance for pet owners and dog lovers to celebrate our furry friends. With some preparation and planning, you can make sure the event is fun and safe for pets, owners and employees alike.
So start getting permission, mark your calendars and let the countdown begin. June 24th will be here before you know it, so get ready to unleash the hounds on this howling good holiday! Let your coworkers join in the fun and help your office become pet-friendly year round.
Can I take my dog to work?
Whether you can take your dog to work depends on what the workplace is like and who the employer is. But the best chance of getting permission is on Take Your Dog to Work Day![4]
Reference the company’s policy
It’s management’s job to cross the T’s and dot the I’s, so there’s a chance a policy regarding pets in the workplace already exists. With that in mind, flick through the terms and conditions and see what you can find.
It may say that pets are allowed in the workplace because the company is pet-friendly, in which case, you’re ready to rock and roll.
Nothing annoys bosses more than workers who decide they’re going to do what they want. Therefore, anybody considering flouting the rules probably will be met with swift resistance. The solution – talk to the top brass in advance. There are nearly a billion owners of cats and dogs around the world, so there’s a good chance they understand the plight of animal-lovers.
Leave it to them and let them get around the red tape and bureaucracy. After all, they created it!
Not to rock the boat or anything, but it’s important to show the desire for Take Your Dog To Work Day. A handful of colleagues’ signatures will act as undeniable proof that people merely want to show off in front of their pooch’s.
Yes, it’s a tad overzealous, yet this holiday means a lot, and The Man needs to know!
