Take Your Dog to Work Day

Celebrated on the Friday after Father's Day, and created by Pet Sitters International, Take Your Dog to Work Day celebrates the great companions dogs make and promotes their adoptions. It also encourages employers to experience the joys of pets in the workplace for a day and to support their local pet communities. Pet Sitters International believes that through the event those who don't own pets will see the special bond their coworkers have with them and be encouraged to adopt one of their own.

On the day, businesses allow employees to bring their dogs to work, and some also plan special events and activities. Pet Sitters International offers tips and ideas for ways to observe in its free toolkit. For companies with employees who work remotely, virtual celebrations are encouraged. This could include employees showing off their pets remotely, supporting animal shelters and rescue groups, and learning about professional pet care services.

Not to leave anyone out, the week leading up to the event is Take Your Pet to Work Week, and the Monday of the week is always Take Your Cat To Work Day. Take Your Dog to Work Day was first celebrated in 1999, with about 300 businesses participating during the first year. A holiday with the same name preceded it, started in 1996 in England by the Blue Cross, an animal welfare organization. That holiday continued to be observed after the creation of today's holiday but was observed less as the twenty-first century progressed.

How to Observe Take Your Dog to Work Day

• If you have a dog, take them to work! (Make sure to clear this with your workplace in advance.)
• Utilize the official toolkit to generate ideas on how you or your company can participate.
• Encourage your boss or human resources to allow your company to take part in the day.
• Host a fundraiser with the proceeds going to a local animal charity, rescue group, or shelter.
• Have a guest speaker. They could talk about local homeless pets, along with other related topics.
• Organize photo sessions for those participating and their pets. You could hold a photo contest, such as an owner & dog look-alike contest. Make sure to share the photos online.
• Organize a pet fair, where local pet professionals come in and talk about their businesses or host information sessions.
• Host a special meal or party. Make sure all the dogs get treats.
• Hold contests for the dogs, where awards are given out for "best trick" or "friendliest dog."
• Make sure your event is a success by reading over some tips for success.
• Follow the official Facebook, Instagram, and X pages to make sure you have the most up-to-date information about the holiday.
• Share how your day went with Pet Sitters International.

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