take your dog to work day
The A-to-Z of getting the office ready for Take Your Dog To Work Day
Pet Sitters International celebrated the first annual Take Your Dog to Work Day in 1999. The original goal was to create awareness of the bond between humans and dogs to encourage adoption. The yearly event has now also sparked global interest to welcome more furry friends to workplaces.
Studies have shown there are benefits in allowing dogs in the workplace like stress relief. However, a few things need to be in place to make the office comfortable for you, your dog, and your colleagues.
I for ID on collar
Circulate an e-mail beforehand with your cellphone number, the dog’s name as well as where you work in the building. This should be the same as the information on his collar or ID-tag.
J for Junk
It is a good time to clean the office out and get junk that might be dangerous to your K9 such as old boxes out of the way. Fasten electrical and computer cables to the wall.
K for Keep to a certain space
If you have a removable dog gate at home, install it at your own office door to keep your dog from roaming.
L for Lids of garbage bins
These should be tightly fitting to deter your furry friend from a sniffing inspection.
M for Meeting place
Agree beforehand with other colleagues bringing dogs where you can meet and introduce possible future friends.
N for Noise
Do a noise check in the office beforehand to curb dog noise anxiety.
O for Office protocols
Make yourself familiar with company policy for bringing animals to work.
P for Potty breaks & poop bags
Be sure to take your dog for walks at regular intervals. Make sure that you take poop bags and a poop scoop along to clean up behind your dog.
Q for Quarrels
To prevent conflict, socialise your dog beforehand at a doggy date with a friend’s dog.
R for Respect
Respect colleagues’ wishes who are afraid of dogs and maybe arrange just a visit to the office for an hour in an outside area.
S for Space
It is important to check with the company’s landlord that bringing a dog to the office is not against your lease and the office space you are in.
T for Toys
Squeaky sound toys are popular with dogs but might be unpopular at the office. Rather bring one that can be quietly chewed.
U for U-turn
Put a “Dog-in-the-office’ sign on your door for in case a colleague might prefer to make a U-turn at the door and rather phone you.
V for Vaccination
Check that your dog’s vaccinations are in place. Double check that your dog has been vaccinated against kennel cough.
W for Walkies
Plan a route for a neighbourhood walk-around which takes in plenty of open green space.
X for X-it
Agree on an exit plan beforehand for in case you and colleagues need to take the dogs outside in an emergency.
Y for Yapping
Make sure that you know how to calm your dog down should a yapping spurt happen in the office.
Z for Zone
Name a pet-free zone, like a meeting room, where colleagues would not be distracted by dogs