Take your Pet to Work Week

The entire week leading up to Take your Dog to Work Day on Friday, June 26 is Take your Pet to Work Week (June 22 - 26, 2020). Take your Cat to Work Day is celebrated on Monday, June 22.

The purpose of this week is to celebrate cats, dogs and other pets and encourage pet adoptions.

Recent studies have shown that employees are much happier in a pet-friendly environment.

Here are some of the improvements noted:

• employee morale (93 percent)

• reduced stress among employees (93 percent)

• work-life balance (91 percent)

• greater loyalty to the company (91 percent)

• reduced guilt among pet owners about leaving their pets at home (91 percent)

While bringing your dog to work does have great benefits, there needs to be awareness that not everyone is excited to see your dog at work. Some people may have allergies or might be fearful of dogs.

It is important to have some rules in place for the workplace such as:

• Only bring your pet if they are well socialized and well-behaved.

• Alert your co-workers that you are bringing your pet to work.

• Get written consent from Human Resources or your boss.

• Keep your dog leashed or contained so they are not wandering through the workplace.

• Get them out for regular walks during the day.

Some companies might also take the opportunity to use this week to contribute to local animal shelters or rescues by collecting donations or sponsoring fund raisers.

During Covid 19 restrictions - why not host a virtual celebration this year?

Some ideas could include:

• Invite employees’ pets to a virtual staff meeting. Seeing your canine, feline or ? co-workers on the screen during a virtual meeting will be a morale booster.

• Share photos of employees’ pets on the company’s blog and social media sites. Encourage employees to submit photos of their pets in their home office which can be shared on the company site.

• Hold a fun Contest! Post photos of employee’s pets and a list of employee names. Have contestants match the pet with the correct owner… This is sure to be a memorable activity.

• Invite a local animal shelter or pet rescue to virtually introduce adoptable pets to staff. You might just help a lonely animal find their forever loving home.

• Why not have your employees upload photos of their pet dressed up for a special occasion? Let the staff vote on the cutest pet photo each day. The Company could then donate $100. to the animal shelter or pet-rescue group of the winner’s choice.

Whether you are working on site or working from your home - there are lots of ways to celebrate “Take your Pet to Work Week”. Your pet will enjoy the extra attention and it is sure to bring smiles to your co-workers’ faces.