Friday is…

National Take Your Dog to Work Day

Would you enjoy your work more if you could take your dog to work with you? If you said “yes,” you’re not alone. According to a poll conducted by the American Pet Products Manufacturers Association (APPA), millions of employees believe that pets in the workplace also lead to a more creative environment, decreased absenteeism, improved productivity and increased camaraderie amongst co-workers. Forty-six million of those polled admitted to believing that people who bring their pets to the office will work longer hours.

Willing employers will get the chance to see those numbers in action this Friday on National Take Your Dog to Work Day.

Moreover, the APPA says that employers are surprisingly supportive of the idea, with approximately one in five employers welcoming pets in the workplace on a daily basis. Be sure to make no assumptions, though. You must have your employer’s permission before you make your plans to take your pup to work on Friday.

Take Your Dog to Work Day was launched in 1999 by Pet Sitters International, which partnered with Dog Fancy Magazine and the Association of Pet Dog Trainers to celebrate the human canine bond and promote local pet adoption.
If the idea of taking your dog to your workplace seems a little relaxed for your workplace, consider a recent article published in the Washington Post focusing on members of Congress who bring their beloved puppy pals to work with them.

According to the article in the Post, up to two dozen dogs can be seen roaming the halls on Capitol Hill each day.

“Congress has a long history of lawmakers bringing their dogs to work, says Senate historian Donald Ritchie. In the 19th century, John Randolph of Virginia often strode into the Senate chamber with his hunting hounds at his heels. The late Sen. Edward M. Kennedy (D-Mass.) was known for walking his Portuguese water dogs, Sunny and Splash, in the grassy area next to the Russell Senate Office Building,” the article explained.

Go on! Get the OK from your boss and take YOUR dog to work this Friday