Bring Your Dog To Work Day

One of the hardest parts of being a dog owner is having to say goodbye to those puppy dog eyes as you leave for work. On the 25th of June, 2021 it’s your dog’s lucky day as we celebrate
Bring Your Dog to Work Day!

Bring Your Dog to Work Day is an annual, nationwide event established in 2014 by HOWND – an ethical pet product brand. The day is all about raising money for dog welfare charities and not forgetting, bringing your dog to work with you!

At OM, we bring our dogs into the office every day! Bella and Stevie love it in the office as there is constantly someone around to give them belly rubs and play a bit of fetch!

It is entirely up to your boss if they let you bring your dog to work so please ask them first! There are a few things you need to consider before bringing your dog to work with you but there are also huge health benefits if you are able to take them to work frequently.

Bella hard at work

What do you need to consider?

Whilst you may know your dog is harmless, some people may feel uncomfortable around dogs or are allergic so it is important to double-check with everyone you work with before bringing them in.

Having a dog in the workplace can be a very exciting prospect but if they are causing too much of a distraction to yourself or your work colleagues you may need to think about leaving them at home more often.

If your job is customer service based, you may need to make your customers aware there is a dog on your premises in case they are nervous around dogs or allergic.

If your workplace is taking part in Bring Your Dog to Work Day, make sure they are aware that you are bringing your dog. If there are multiple people taking part, having some basic rules in place may make it run a bit smoother for both yourself and the dogs. Things to consider are, making sure all the dogs are likely to get along with each other, that they are all toilet trained and have up to date flea and working treatment, and are well behaved so they don’t start biting or chewing any cables or belongings.

Why you should bring your dog to work

Whether it’s your own dog or a colleague’s dog, it will instantly help to relieve stress and make you happy! Watching a dog roll over at your feet waiting for some belly rubs or come charging at you with a big grin on their face is enough to make anyone’s day 10 times better.

As well as your own happiness, it will make the dog happy too by being with their companion all day long. If your hours are long, your dog may suffer from separation anxiety which can turn your house into an unwanted mess when you walk through the door. By being with you the whole day, you can constantly keep an eye on them and give them all the attention they want.
Having your dog with you means you will spend more time in the fresh air on your lunch break than you might be used to. Getting some fresh air can also help with productivity and clear the mind ready to get back to work.

Tips for taking your dog to work

Dogs are usually allowed on all public transport but it is best to double-check before you set off to work in the morning. Some dogs begin to get stressed or anxious in busy situations and public transport may be one of these so if you can, it may be best to take your dog in the car. Otherwise, make sure they have a smooth journey.

Bring something cosy for them to sleep on. If taken from home, this will act as their safe spot, especially if it is next to you and away from all the madness. Under your desk is usually a perfect spot for them to have a nap.

You can never have enough treats, toys and chews to keep them busy and occupied whilst you’re hard at work. Be careful not to annoy yourself and your work colleagues with a squeaky toy though!

Make sure water is always available to them and they know where to find it. Having a water bowl next to their basket under your desk may seem like a great idea until you or the dog knocks it over… Keep it in the kitchen or away from wires and electricals.

Be prepared to take them outside frequently to avoid any accidents.

For more information and to donate to one of the dog welfare charities head to https://www.bringyourdogtoworkday.co.uk/