Tips to Keep Tails Wagging During ‘Take Your Dog to Work’ Day

PETA Offers Valuable Advice for Keeping Canine Companions Safe, Coworkers Happy, and More Dog Days a-Comin’

For Immediate Release:
June 20, 2016

Contact:
Sophia Charchuk 202-483-7382

“Take Your Dog to Work” Day is almost here (June 24), so PETA—where dog day is every day—has compiled some useful tips for making sure that dogs have a fun and safe experience in the workplace and are invited back to relieve more clock-watching boredom:

• Keep things cordial. Caution coworkers not to force themselves on your dog, and don’t force your dog on your coworkers. Make sure that your cubicle-mate isn’t allergic to dogs before you take Fido in. Be sure to supervise him, as he’ll be unfamiliar with the area, and don’t leave him unattended to wander around the office and get into trouble.
• Check your dog’s résumé. If your dog is very young, old, or frail—or not used to being around large groups of people—the workplace might not be the best place to visit. Also, let Fluffy stay home if she has an illness that could spread to other dogs, but reward her with extra playtime or walks for missing out.
• Be prepared. Make sure that your office has a dog-friendly policy and that your work area is safe and free of cables, cords, trash, enticing food, and other items that could get Spot into trouble. Come equipped with food, snacks, a bed, water, a blanket, and toys to keep him occupied; be ready to walk him at regular intervals (or have a surrogate walker lined up if you’re stuck in a meeting); and have a plan in place in case he becomes scared or aggressive or has an accident (bring cleaning supplies!).

“Every day is ‘Take Your Dog to Work’ Day at PETA’s offices,” says PETA President Ingrid Newkirk. “Having animals in the office decreases staff stress, improves morale, and provides dogs who otherwise might spend all day home alone with mental stimulation.”

PETA—whose motto reads, in part, that “animals are not ours to abuse in any way”—notes that dogs who must be left at home should have access to food and water, be visited by a dog walker, and never be locked up in a crate.

For even more tips, please visit PETA’s blog.