If you’ve always wanted to bring your dog to work, it’s your chance to do on Bring Your Dog To Work Day this Friday, June 21! Aside from a whole lot of fun for dogs and their parents, this event is dedicated to raising money to help several animal charities.
Also known as Take Your Dog To Work Day, the annual holiday allows pet-owners to bring their dog with them to the office – that is, if their company allows it. So don’t get too excited, okay? Make sure that bringing your pooch to work is legal and boss-approved!
This year marks the 21st year that the holiday is celebrated in the US and the 4th year in the UK. The event occurs annually on the first Friday after US Father’s Day and aims to support dog lovers and their pets through fundraising.
In the US, the holiday was commenced by Pet Sitters International in 1999. PSI is a database for professional pet sitters and dog walkers where people can search for available pet sitters. Their objective for starting BYDTWD was for people without dogs to see the bond that their co-workers have with theirs, so as to encourage them to adopt one of their own.
The charity initiative supports the well-being of dogs without homes and the welfare of dogs around the world.
In the UK, several animal charities benefit from the funds raised such as All Dogs Matter, an organization that rescues and finds homes for more than 400 dogs in London every year. Another is Animal Asia, an international charity that aims to stop the practice of bear bile farming, as well as the improvement of the welfare of dogs in China and Vietnam.
In the US, participants are called to donate animal charities of their choice.
Aside from helping animals, bringing your dog with you to work is scientifically proved to be good for you too. According to studies, the presence of pets in the workplace can help reduce a person’s stress level.
Employees who take their pooch with them to work reported increased levels of job satisfaction and had a more positive perception of their employer.
“Not only are there proven benefits to having pets at work, like lowered blood pressure, lessened anxiety and increased physical activity, but it also helps attract and retain employees, especially among millennial workers,” said Chanda Leary-Coutu, director of consumer experience for Wellness Natural Pet Food.
If your company does participate in the holiday, there are a few key things to remember. First, confirm that your workplace is a dog-friendly space – meaning, there should be no exposed wires or any dangerous appliances that they can chew on.
Remember to bring a water bowl, snacks, toys, and any other necessities for your dog to ensure that his office experience will be comfortable. Be mindful as well of your pup’s bathroom needs – you wouldn’t want to stink up the whole office, wouldn’t you?
To commemorate the event, make sure to take photos of your new “co-workers” this Friday! If you are from the UK, you may even win a dog-themed gift from event sponsors if you donate and upload a picture of your dog at work to the Dog with a Job Hall of Fame.