A pooch hard at work (coutresy of iStock)
Pet Sitters International established *Take Your Dog to Work Day* back in 1999. According to the Web site, Take Your Dog to Work Day (TYDTWDay), was created to celebrate the great companions dogs make and to encourage their adoption from humane societies, animal shelters and breed rescue clubs.
This is a great reason to participate, right? Portland dog owners are lucky because there are a lot of pet friendly companies throughout the city and state.
However, if you work at a company that doesn’t normally allow four legged friends but you think they should consider participating in this *holiday*, visit the site: Take Your Dog To Work Day as there are tool kits for employers to consider if they want to roll this out to employees every year.
The Oregonian wrote about dog friendly companies back in May. Companies like the Portland Opera were cited as having policies allowing cats and dogs. What’s really interesting is that according to the American Pets Products Association, one-fifth of employers nationwide allow pets in the workplace! In this same survey conducted in 2006 –the following was uncovered:
- 55 million Americans believe having pets in the workplace leads to a more creative environment.
- 53 million believe having pets in the workplace decreases absenteeism.
- 50 million believe having pets in the workplace helps co-workers get along better.
- 38 million believe having pets in the workplace creates a more productive environment, and
- 46 million people who bring their pets to the workplace work longer hours.
So when happy hour starts on Friday, take your dog straight from the office to Lucky Lab another dog friendly institution. Take time to celebrate all the benefits of having dogs near you while you work. The health benefits alone are endless but you also may meet someone in your office you typically don’t talk to but you have one thing in common: A love of dogs.
Things to consider according to the TYDTWDay tool kit and *Rules for Success* if you partipate:
Good Planning + Good Dog = A Good Day
Do an office check: Check with management and co-workers to see if anyone is allergic, afraid of or opposed to you bringing your dog to work for this one special day.
Puppy-proof your work space: Remove poisonous plants, hide electrical cords and wires and secure toxic items such as correction fluid, permanent markers, etc. Any office items in question should be placed out of your dog’s reach.
Bathe and groom your dog before its office debut: Be sure its shots are up-to-date. If your dog appears sick, don’t bring it to the office. Dogs that are aggressive or overly shy should not accompany you to work. Instead, consider bringing a favorite picture of your pooch.
Prepare a doggie bag: Include food, treats, bowls, toys, leash, paper towels, clean-up bags and pet-safe disinfectant (just in case). If you are routinely in and out of your work space, consider bringing a portable kennel for your dog’s comfort and your peace of mind.
Plan your pet’s feeding times carefully: Be sure to choose an appropriate area for your dog to relieve himself afterward.
Avoid forcing co-workers to interact with your dog.
Dog lovers will make themselves known. To avoid pet accidents, monitor the amount of treats your pet is being given. Remember that chocolate, candy and other people food should not be shared with dogs.
Have an exit strategy: Although most dogs enjoy TYDTWDay, your pet may not. Should your dog become overly boisterous, agitated or withdrawn, consider taking him or her home. Most companies allow for this on TYDTWDay. Never, under any circumstance, leave your pet alone in a vehicle while you work.
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