Take Your Dog to Work Day

Take Your Dog to Work Day (also known as TYDTWD) will take place on Friday 24th June 2016 in Australia and around the world.

This celebration was first started in 1996 in the United Kingdom and became popular in the United States in 1999. This day celebrates the companionship dogs provide and also encourages adoptions from local shelters and rescue groups.

Employers are asked to open their businesses to pet dogs to promote the benefits of pet ownership and encourage animal adoption. It is well documented that pets provide a number of physical and mental health benefits for people. Pet dogs in an office environment can be a very positive experience for both workers and the dogs however there are a few rules to follow.

Here are some tips from the RSPCA to help make this experience run smoothly in your workplace:

1. Before taking your dog to work

Check with your office to see if bringing your dog to work is appropriate and will not affect the health and welfare of your fellow co-workers. Some work environments may be unsuitable as they're not safe for dogs.

Ensure your dog is microchipped, wears an ID Tag and is up to date with vaccinations.
Your dogs should be well socialised with other dogs and people and should not display aggressive behaviours.

2. In the Workplace

Bring your dog’s favourite blanket, bed, food and water bowl and some toys so that he feels comfortable in this new environment. Having their favourite toy/s with them will also help keep them stay preoccupied while you’re working.

Dogs should remain at the desk of their owner, or the desk of another designated responsible person. For some dogs, this may mean tethering the dog. This is to ensure your dog doesn’t wander or get hurt. If appropriate, the dog may also accompany their owner to other areas in the office such as meeting rooms etc.

When you arrive in the morning, let your dog have some free time to meet any other dogs and say hello to your co-workers.

Set aside time for toilet breaks and to take your dog for a good walk or walks throughout the day. Walking your dog during your lunch break is not only great exercise for them, but a great opportunity to leave the office and get some fresh air.

Be ready to clean up after your dog. New environments can be exciting and confusing so accidents may occur. Frequent toilet breaks should minimise any risk of this occurring but if it happens, never punish your dog.

To help keep your co-workers happy, dogs should not have access to the kitchen area. If they accidentally do enter the kitchen area, call them towards you (using a food treat is helpful) and reward them when they come to you. Prevent access to the area by closing doors.