On June 26 thousands of companies will participate in Take Your Dog to Work Day, which Pet Sitters International (PSI) hopes will celebrate dogs and promote adoption of pets from animal shelters and breed rescue clubs.
“Last year, interest in Take Your Dog to Work Day was at an all-time high,” says Courtney Klein, a spokesperson with PSI. “It also was the first year the registration feature was available on our website. We had more than 1,000 companies registered. However, we know that the registrants only represent a small percentage of actual participants as the American Pet Products Association found that 1 in 5 businesses are currently pet-friendly. This statistic indicates that participation was likely much more widespread and accepted than it was a decade ago.”
Dog-Friendly Companies
At Definition 6, an Atlanta-based interactive marketing agency, every day is Take Your Dog to Work Day. Its 50-plus employees are allowed to bring their dogs into the office everyday. On any random day, visitors can be greeted by a variety of dogs ranging from Porkchop, the rat terrier with a camera attached to its collar to take pictures around the office, to Scooby, the sweet, pudgy boxer that hangs out in the lobby to welcome guests. Since Definition 6’s inception in 1997, the company has opened its doors to dogs to create a fun, family atmosphere.
“I work for a small boutique PR agency just outside of Boston that will be participating in Take Your Dog to Work Day,” says Karyn Martin, an account manager at Emerge PR. “We recognize this holiday every year, and every week. Half of our staff owns a dog and each week we take turns bringing in a pooch. Our agency’s president, Mara Stefan, participates as well and encourages us to bring in our dogs. It’s a great way to demonstrate to employees that the company cares about the things in their life that matter; our pets are like our kids.”
Special Events for Dogs
At Printing For Less, about 15 percent of their 160 workers bring their dogs to work on any given day. “Many of us bring our dogs to work like usual, but on Take Your Dog to Work Day we have a dog show with an array of different events for the dogs,” says Jessica Cooper, marketing manager at the Montana-based commercial color printing company. Dogs can win prizes for best costume and best tricks. The entry fees for the prizes are donated to the local animal shelter.
“Our dog-friendly policy helps staff morale, builds camaraderie among employees, aids in creating a more productive work environment, helps stimulate employee creativity, and offers a great social catalyst for relationship development between coworkers,” says Cooper.
Like Printing For Less, other companies are hosting special events on Take Your Dog to Work Day. Planet Dog, the Portland, ME, design and development company that makes innovative dog products, is hosting a parade on Take Your Dog to Work Day to encourage other employers to follow their lead and help spread the word about the importance of choosing adoption when bringing a pet into the family. “Dogs are a part of our families and it goes without saying that they are always invited into our workspace,” says Alex Fisher, Planet Dog's Founder. “For us, it’s a no-brainer. Our pack helps reduce stress and creates a very inspirational workplace. They make us laugh, help us bond as a team, and make great greeters for our guests."
Pet Adoptions are Encouraged
Co-workers without pets are able to witness the human-animal bond when dogs visit their offices on Friday, June 26, and may be encouraged to experience this joy firsthand by adopting a dog of their own. According to PSI president, Patti Moran, the campaign is carried out every year so that the association’s 8,000 members can give back to the communities they serve. This year the need for dog adoptions is hugely compounded by economic factors.
“Shelter’s everywhere are reporting increases in dog populations and our goal is to create as many new homes as possible," says Moran. “We are excited that Petfinder and Dog Fancy magazine are joining our efforts to spread the word that ‘secondhand dogs’ can offer first-rate love.”
Rules for Dogs at Work
Companies that allow dogs in the office have rules that pet owners and dogs have to follow. Unruly dogs can even be fired. Liz Palika and Jennifer Fearing of the Humane Society of the United States, co-wrote Dogs at Work: A Practical Guide to Creating Dog Friendly Workplaces. The book discusses Take Your Dog to Work Day, and provides suggestions on creating a dog-friendly workplace.
Michele Hollow - I have always loved animals. As a child, I took zoology classes at the Bronx Zoo. I enjoyed learning about animals and as a result of the ...
