Boost Company Morale with Take Your Dog to Work Day

Dog owners everywhere won’t have to leave their furry friends at home or take them to doggy daycare this coming Friday, June 24. That’s because National Take Your Dog to Work Day, a day for honoring great companions and encouraging pet adoption, is celebrating its 18^th year as an event.

If your company will allow it, taking your dog to work can make for a fun event to boost morale among all employees. Both pets and people can appreciate the day, as long as you respect boundaries and keep the canines in control. Here are some tips for making Take Your Dog to Work Day enjoyable for all:

Warn employees ahead of time

Be sure to warn your employees that there will be dogs in the building. Send emails and post flyers describing how you plan to celebrate the day. If there is someone with a pet allergy, give them the option of working from home or moving to another area of the office. Establish rules about what dog owners can do while their dog is in the office. Each pet owner should come prepared to take care of any accidents or shedding.

Have a backup plan

Not every dog will be warm to the workplace environment and some might become anxious or nervous around other dogs and people. Make sure there is a backup plan or exit strategy in place in case an employee and their dog need to sneak out the back door. Allow for flexible hours in case someone needs to drop their pet off at home midday.

Partner with or sponsor a local adoption shelter

Get into the spirit of the day by supporting a local adoption organization or shelter. Reach out to your local humane society or local rescue groups and promote volunteer or giving opportunities around your office.

Parade dogs around the office

Choose a slower time during the day when everyone can gather outside the office for a dog parade. Even if some employees aren’t able to bring a dog or don’t have one, they can enjoy a fun walk while getting to know the pups of the office.

Take photos and have fun

Take Your Dog to Work Day wouldn’t be complete without plenty of dog treats and photos. Grab your camera and capture some memories from this fun day to include in your company newsletter or post about on your blog.

Actively celebrating Take Your Dog to Work Day will boost employee spirits and become a fun story to share with your current and potential customers. Follow these tips to make sure the day runs smoothly.