Get Ready for Take your Dog to Work Day

By Joan Nieman

This Friday (June 22) will be celebrated by pet lovers nationwide as “Take Your Dog to Work” Day and some area companies will permit pets to visit the workplace for this special occasion.

At our company headquarters here in Norwalk, every day is take your dog to work day. Our staff bring their dogs to the office regularly and on any given day, you'll find a dozen dogs of all shapes and sizes sharing offices and conference rooms with our employees. 

Yes, we are in the pet care business.  But having dogs in the office can be a positive experience for everyone. Here are some suggestions for making “take your dog to work” day a success at your office:

First, be realistic about your pet's temperament and training. You have to know that your dog will behave appropriately around other dogs. If your dog does well at the dog park or regularly attends doggy day camp and is comfortable in social settings, she should do well at the office. 

Second, talk to co-workers in advance about any concerns they may have.  Someone with severe allergies or an overwhelming fear of dogs won’t appreciate even the gentlest canine -- and that could spoil the day for everyone.

Third, bring along the necessary supplies to make the visit easier on both pets and co-workers.  This includes a pet or baby gate, so the dog can be restricted to one area; a water bowl, plus a plastic mat for under the bowl to prevent damage to office carpeting; and plastic bags for cleaning up after the pet’s “business” walks.

Above all, be respectful of your co-workers so everyone -- including your dogs -- have a great day.

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For more advice on successfully negotiating Take your Dog to Work Day, visit Nieman’s blog.