Take Your Dog to Work Day
The following article was written by Lauren Gordon, who is PETA’s celebrity marketing coordinator and also a certified holistic health counselor.
Does your favorite coworker have four legs and a tail? It’s a good possibility since more and more offices are opening their doors to employees’ canine companions! Companies such as Google, Amazon, Urban Decay, and PETA (of course!) allow dogs in the office, to the delight of staffers and their furry friends.
Dogs in the workplace have been reported to boost morale, increase productivity, and foster a greater sense of camaraderie among coworkers. According to a survey by the American Pet Products Association, companies that allow companion animals in the workplace see a lower rate of employee absenteeism and more willingness to work longer hours. Happier employees mean more productive employees—so having furry friends around is a win-win situation for both employees and employers!
One of the perks of working at PETA is that my canine companion, Penny, gets to accompany me to the office. She relishes all the attention and extra treats from other employees (who are equally excited to see her as she is them) and enjoys hanging out with the other canine staff members, Riley and Sophie. Penny loves being with me all day, and I can ensure that she isn’t lonely while I’m working.
This Friday, June 24, 2011, is “Take Your Dog to Work” Day, an annual event during which dog guardians are encouraged to bring their furry friends to work for the day. Started in 1999, “Take Your Dog to Work” Day celebrates the human-canine bond and promotes animal adoption by celebrating the wonderful companions that dogs make. The “Take Your Dog to Work” Day website offers a ton of tips and handy downloadable guides to help ensure that bringing your dog to work will be a safe and positive experience for your dog and your coworkers. Check them out, and consider asking your employer if your office can participate.
Are you planning on participating in “Take Your Dog to Work” Day this year? Does your workplace allow dogs year round? Let us know below about your experiences with companion animals in the workplace!
