Pet Sitters International (PSI) started Take Your Dog to Work Day in 1999. Now in 2024, Take Your Dog to Work Day (TYDTWD) is celebrating 25 years. The goal is to raise funds and awareness to support animal rescue and shelter dog adoptions.
TYDTWD celebrates the “joys of pets in the workplace for one day to support their local pet communities.”
On Site Take Your Dog to Work Day
And PSI wants to help homeless animals find loving families and forever homes.
Events like TYDTWD help non-pet owners experience the special bond their co-workers share with their pets.
PSI estimated about 300 businesses participate in the annual TYDTWD celebration. And each year, TYDTWD is gaining in popularity.
Taking pets to work is good for business. Research confirmed what animals lovers already know: Bringing dogs to work relieves stress, helps people relax, and puts a smile on their face.
Here are a few more reasons to bring your dog to work:
- Pets encourage socializing at work and break the tension at meetings. Animals make people feel better.
- Your dog can show her best traits. Some people are afraid of dogs. But after meeting a wonderful dog, people can change how they feel about dogs.
- Dogs make the workplace fun. People can get excited and happy about bringing their animals to work. And the work day will go faster.
- Pets at work save employees money when you think about the cost of doggie day care.
- It’s a financial benefit for employees working long hours. And dogs at work is great for the company’s image.
- Dogs at work will force you to get away from your desk and get outside. Your pet will need bathroom breaks and a long walk around the block.
Maybe you’re lucky enough to work for a company that allows pets. Make sure your work place is safe for them.
Bring your dog’s favorite toys, water bowl, comfy bed, and food. Also be sure your pet is current on her vaccinations and is microchipped.
Let your doggy stay at your desk and let her greet your co-workers. Keep her safely tethered in your work space. Keep plenty of treats and fresh water on hand.
Virtual Take Your Dog to Work Day Tips
Many dog parents are still working from home. Here are some tips to celebrate time with your doggy:
- Dog Zoom backgrounds: Create a virtual background for your Zoom meetings. Invite remote workers to use their doggy photos as a background to celebrate the day.
- Doggy trivia: A wonderful team building activity is to ask employees about their dogs. Sample question can be: What breed? How many dogs to you have? What are their names? Tell us an amazing story about your dog.
- Puppy park date: Organize a dog park meet up for your staff. Send the invite and bring doggy snacks, water and swag. Take lots of pictures too!
- Canine care packages: Send a care package to employees’ dogs is a wonderful idea for a virtual Take Your Dog To Work Day. Your package can include doggy treats, chew toys, rope toys, pet picture frame and a gift card.
- Help a homeless dog: Employees who are dogless can also participate. Give them time off to volunteer at a local dog rescue or shelter. They can read stories, walk dogs and help socialize shelter dogs. Reminder folks to take lots of pictures or videos of their fun activities!
- Furry family photo album: Photo albums are an easy virtual Take Your Dog To Work Day idea. Use an online photo platform like Photobucket, smartphone cloud albums or a social media group. You can share your furry family photos with coworkers or to brighten up a cloudy day.
Celebrate Take Your Dog To Work Day and keep making memories for your furry friends!
Sources: Take Your Pet to Work Week
6 Reasons Why Allowing Your Dog to Come to Work Makes Perfect Business Sense
Take Your Dog to Work Day 2019
Cheers! 😎
Dr. Pet Mom
“To err is human—to forgive, canine.”
–Author Unknown