Take Your Dog To Work Day Is Friday
Published: Jun 16, 2007
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You may notice some drooling around the office Friday. That's because it is the ninth annual Take Your Dog to Work Day.
The event was created by Pet Sitters International to celebrate canine companionship and to demonstrate to dogless co-workers the joy pets can bring to their lives.
Pet Sitters International is a professional association supporting the petsitting industry. It believes that by allowing dogs in the workplace, co-workers who have never experienced the love and companionship of a dog or have forgotten the joy that a pet can bring to their lives, will be motivated to adopt dogs from local shelters, humane societies or rescue groups.
The timing is good; in summer, overcrowded animal shelters offer the best selection of healthy, adoptable pets to families.
More than 10,000 companies from around the world will celebrate the day, according to the group.
Some local businesses plan to be among them.
"We wish we could do this all the time," says Jennifer Perez, a law clerk at the Tampa law firm of Mindi Lasley P.A, which will participate.
Perez, a volunteer for No More Homeless Pets of Hillsborough County, has one dog and is in the process of rescuing another one.
"They're like our kids. It'll be nice to share our day with them at work, rather than leaving them home for those long hours," she says.
Some companies don't need a designated day to welcome dogs. Every day is bring your dog to work day at Invisible Fence of Tampa-St. Petersburg, which has its headquarters in Tampa.
"It's been very successful for us," president Michael Gibbs says. "I think it improves the performance and attitude of my staff."
Employees are allowed to bring their dogs to work provided they are housebroken, well-behaved and get along with other dogs in the office. There's even a yard just outside, which makes potty or exercise breaks a breeze.
"Having the dogs here is a great stress reliever for everyone," Gibbs says. "A lot of times we're really busy with phones and customers; it helps to take a break to pet a dog."
He adds another bonus: Customers always get a kick out of seeing the dogs.
Gibbs brings his black labra-doodle, Charlie, to work. "Everyone here loves him like he's their own."
Charlie also gets lots of treats and attention from the employees.
Studies have proven time and time again that the human-animal bond results in many physical benefits to people. Petting or simply speaking to a pet reduces stress, heart rate and blood pressure levels in humans.
"I think it's harder to hit those high stress levels when your pet is there," Perez says. "They're inevitably going to do something cute or silly to make you laugh."
Dogs also are a great social catalyst for relationships between co-workers, people who otherwise might not take the time to converse.
Nearly one in five U.S. companies allow pets at work, according to a 2006 survey conducted by the American Pet Products Manufacturers Association. Those polled cited stress relief and improved relationships with co-workers as primary benefits of having pets at work - creating a happier work environment.
"More and more we are starting to see the benefits of pets as they transcend the role they play at home into other nontraditional areas such as places of work," association president Bob Vetere says.
"This survey solidifies what most of us already know: Americans can't seem to get enough of their pets."
If you want to coordinate your own woof-friendly workday on Friday, go to www .petsit.com for information to help you develop a plan.
Be sure to get permission from the company's top dog before bringing your canines to work.
Write to Kristen Levine at Fetching Communications, P.O. Box 222, Tarpon Springs FL 34688, e-mail Kristen@fetching
SNIFF OUT TAKE DOG TO WORK STRATEGY
•Tell co-workers in advance that the company will be celebrating Take Your Dog to Work Day so employees won't be surprised and will have a chance to air any concerns.
•Dog-proof the office, especially if there will be puppies there. Cover garbage cans and exposed wires, and remove any toxic materials - such as ink, toner and other office chemicals - that are within reach of a dog's snout.
•Create and post guidelines for the day and canine etiquette rules for staff to follow.
•Before bringing their pet to work, dog owners should consider if the pet has the right temperament to come to the office. If the pet is overly shy or aggressive, it's not a good idea.
•Practice obedience training with your dog to polish its manners.
•Bring a leash in case your dog is apt to wander from your work area.
•Bring plenty of toys and treats to reward for good behavior.
•Make sure you have enough food and water for your pet.
•Coordinate your breaks to take your pooch out to do his "business."
•Have cleanup supplies ready.
•Be considerate of other workers: Do what it takes to minimize your dog's barking or panting.
•Be on the lookout for signs of stress (panting, licking, whining).
•Have a backup plan in case things don't work out for your dog at the office.
Source: Pet Sitters International
communications.com; or fax to (727) 934-6451.
