Take Your Dog to Work Day: What You Must Know

Some days, you may feel that you work like a dog at your job. But imagine getting to work with your dog in your cubicle, your office or business.

In 1999, Patti Moran, founder of Pet Sitters International, created the annual event Take Your Dog to Work Day. This year, it is being celebrated on June 23, and it has now expanded to Take Your Pet to Work Week and, yes, even Take Your Cat to Work Day.

“I wanted to find a way for PSI to give back to the pet community from which our members earn their living and find a unique way to celebrate dogs and promote their adoptions,” Patti says. “Since that time, the event has grown by leaps and bounds.”

Take your dog to work every day at these dog-friendly offices

Tito’s Handmade Vodka, headquarted in Texas, embraces Take Your Dog to Work Day every day. “Since the founding of Tito’s Handmade Vodka in 1995, stray dogs have always found their way to the distillery in rural Austin, where the Tito’s team would feed them, take care of them and sometimes adopt them,” says Beth Bellanti, manager of Tito’s Vodka for Dog People program. “By allowing humans to bring their furry companions to work, we have seen reduced stress and anxiety levels, and improved work-life balance throughout our workforce.”

Well-mannered dogs are also welcomed at dog product supplier Chewy locations. And that makes Gabrielle Miller, senior pet team operations member, break out into a smile. “I love being able to bring my dogs, Tuffy and Maddie, to work with me,” Gabrielle says. “When I take breaks, I take them for walks, and I like to see them modeling and working on the set with other pet wranglers. It is also nice to work at a company with people who are knowledgeable about dog training and behavior.”

During a tour inside the Dallas distribution center, you’ll spot dogs snoozing on comfy beds next to their person’s workstation. One enforced rule: Dogs cannot be tethered and left unsupervised, even for a few minutes for their pet parents to grab a coffee or go to the bathroom. Another co-worker must stay with the dog until the pet parent returns.

Get your office dog ready for work

Teoti Anderson, past president of the Association of Professional Dog Trainers and co-owner of Pawsitive Results in South Carolina, encourages a candid assessment of your canine.

Before bringing your dog to your work, ask yourself:

• Does my dog have good manners?
• Will he jump on people?
• Does he drag me down the hallway?
• Does he like people but not other dogs?
• Is he house trained?
• Is he up to date on his vaccinations and on flea and tick preventives?
• Will he enjoy coming to work with me or become stressed?

“Having a well-behaved dog will make it easier to take him to work,” says Teoti, who is also the author of the Ultimate Guide to Dog Training. “Brush up on his training, and he could be employee of the month!”

Tips to prep your dog for a day at the office

Having your dog do a trial run can help you gauge how he likes or does not like being at work, says Cara Armour, a professional dog trainer and agility instructor from Massachusetts.

“See if you can bring him on a day off or on a quiet workday so that you can pay attention to your dog’s behavior at the office,” says Cara, who is also president of Cara Armour Consulting. “Do pet proof the area where your dog will be each time he comes to work with you. Pay attention to anything on the floor. What if a coworker dropped an Advil and your dog found it on the floor? Make sure your dog is not allowed to roam freely and rummage in trash cans of your coworkers.”

How do you stay focused with your four-legger as your work buddy?

“It’s important to teach your dog to self-soothe,” Teoti says. “Have a ready-made supply of frozen, food-stuffed, rubber toys available that you can pull out to serve as doggie pacifiers during your meetings. Make sure you take him out to eliminate in the designated potty area before you participate in office meetings.”

Beth from Tito’s shares these three strategies for a successful day at work with your dog:

• Keep your pet’s needs in mind. Bring treats, chew toys, a water bowl and a comfy pet bed where your pet can relax while you are focused on work.
• “Set ‘ex-pet-tations’ beforehand,” she says. “Make sure there are office-wide guidelines and policies in place regarding pets that address roaming, leash restrictions, the number of pets allowed per person and anything else to ensure a peaceful environment for pets and humans alike.”
• Take quick breaks throughout the day to step outside to give your pet some air and a chance to play and get out some energy. “Quick breaks not only keep your pet happy, but they are good for employee wellness and stress management, too.”

How to start Take Your Dog to Work Day at your office

Before you participate in TYDTWD or introduce a pet-friendly policy at your workplace, follow these tips by PSI’s president Beth Stultz-Hairston:

• First, pitch the request to your boss and/or human resource director. “Be prepared to address possible concerns management may have, including safety protocols,” Beth says. These issues can include building codes, liability issues and employees’ allergies or phobias.”
• Respect co-workers’ views of pets at work. “Avoid forcing coworkers to interact with your dog,” she says. “Dog lovers will make themselves known!”
• Make your dog’s wishes your priority. “Although most dogs enjoy TYDTWD, your pet may not, so have an exit strategy, like calling your professional pet sitter, should your dog become overly boisterous, agitated or withdrawn while at your office.”

PSI also offers a free and downloadable TYDTWD toolkit and ideas on ways to celebrate at your workplace.