Take your dog to work day

May 27, 11:04 PMBirmingham Dog Care ExaminerApril Mitchem

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Lilly is hoping to go to work on June 26.

Together with Petfinder and Pet Sitters International, you can promote humane and decent pet treatment as well as adoption of pets in need of a home by taking your dog to work on June 26.  Pet Sitters International has put together a packet to help you convince your boss and to put together an event at your place of business.  If you're an employer, think about the morale boost of your employees if they are allowed to bring their beloved canine to work with them!  While having lovable pups at work may be a distraction, many people will testify that having their dog with them or even another's dog to pet relieves stress and brings about an air of hominess and warmth to the workplace.

PSI suggests organizing this day to help a local shelter or rescue group by inviting them to have staff in a central place in the building to answer questions and tell people about their shelter or rescue, the importance of spay/neuter, regular veterinary visits, and general good dog care.  If your place of employment is suitable, the shelter or rescue could bring adoptable dogs to meet their potential new best friend.  Many people do not realize how wonderful shelter and rescue dogs are until they meet them in person.  You could also head up a fundraiser to help the shelter or rescue and ask everyone in the building to donate their lunch money for the day or even just their caffe late money.  Remember, if one person donates $5, it's just $5 but if 20 people donate $5, that's $100, enough to spay/neuter one shelter or rescue dog.

Of course, PSI recommends requesting the help of one or more professional pet sitters for the day.  The pet sitters, who generally care for your pets in your home while you are away, can help with potty breaks and general supervision while informing employees about the benefits of a professional pet sitter.

Last, for good PR for your company, register your event at takeyourdog.com.

Interestingly, PSI reports that 1/5 of US companies allows pets in the workplace.  After a successful day on June 26, lobby for a policy of allowing pets more often, perhaps the last friday of each month.  Did you know Google is a dog friendly workplace?  How about Dartmouth College?  If you're looking for a new job, check their dogs in the workplace policy as one of your considerations for a friendlier, happier, more productive work environment.

Certainly, common sense and safety rules should be followed when having pets in the workplace, especially animals who are unfamiliar with one another.  Keep pets on leash or confined and in your control.  Allow pets to interact only with your supervision.  If your dog seems stressed at any time or is a disruption to others in the workplace, take them home.  Bring plenty of fresh water for them and a familiar place to lie down, such as their bed.  Take potty breaks often.  Institute rules that the employee lunch or break room be pet free.  Have a fun and safe day.

Please email the author at aprilmitchem@gmail.com with any questions or comments.

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