How to Bring Your Dog to Work with You: 6 Pawsome Tips

Every year, pups all around the country look forward to one particular day in June when they don’t have to stay behind when their humans go to work. Take Your Dog to Work Day has been celebrated on the Friday following Father’s Day since 1999, giving canines everywhere a very good reason to wag their tails.

Taking place on June 25 this year, this puptastic event was created by Pet Sitters International to celebrate man’s best friend and promote more adoptions. It also allows employers to experience the fun of having four-legged “employees” in the workplace for one day and encourages them to support their local pet communities.

If your company is participating in Take Your Dog to Work Day, keep in mind that bringing your pooch to the office entails more than just showing up to work with your pup in tow. Some preparation is required, but don’t worry as Wag! has got you covered. Here are 6 tips to ensure that you, your furry pal, and your coworkers will all have a pawsitive experience on Take Your Dog to Work Day.

As much as we want to take our pups to work and show them off to our colleagues, we have to bear in mind that not every dog will fit into an office environment. If your pooch has shown aggression, territorialism, fear, or irritability in the past, then it may be better if they stayed at home. The same goes for canines who have never met strangers or tend to jump up to greet people, even if they have friendly intentions. You know your dog best, so you should be able to tell how they’ll potentially behave if they tag along to your workplace.

If you can see your four-legged friend fitting into your typical workday, prepare them for the big day by having them bathed and groomed, and ensuring that their vaccinations are up to date. In addition, keep training and socializing them ahead of time with people and other canines by taking them to dog parks or finding a dog meet-up group in your area. 

A well-trained and socialized dog makes for a model canine employee. This doesn’t mean that your pooch has to undergo advanced or extensive training; as long as they can follow basic commands and greet people and other dogs properly, they’re “fit to work” and should do well in an office environment. You can also book an in-home training session to brush up on all the essentials. 

Make sure there are no potential hazards lurking in your work area before you bring your furry friend in. Don’t leave small objects such as paper clips and staple wires out in the open. Store toxic items like permanent markers and correction fluid securely and properly. Keep important documents out of reach. Hide electrical cords, remove or move poisonous plants so that they are out of reach of pets, and cover the trash cans. Also don’t assume that your dog-free coworkers are going to puppy-proof their space, so bring a baby gate, carrier or enclosure if needed.

To keep your dog happy and comfortable throughout the workday, don't forget to bring food, treats, bowls, waste bags, cleaning supplies, and, as mentioned earlier, a baby gate, carrier or enclosure. Since it’s unlikely that you’ll be able to watch your pup all the time, setting up a baby gate or enclosure ensures that they’ll stay in their designated area while you’re busy working or in case you need to step away for a bit. Dogs are naturally curious creatures, and even a well-trained pooch might wander off and unintentionally disturb your coworkers. For small dogs, bringing their bed may also give them a safe place to relax and feel safe. 

For dogs who need some mental stimulation during the long workday, consider downloading some dog games on a tablet to keep them busy. And don't furget the chews and toys that'll help them focus that energy in pawsitive ways.

Schedule some time outside during the day to give your dog a chance to stretch their legs and relieve themselves. Don’t expect your pooch to go 8 hours without a break, so be sure to take them outside for about 15 minutes at least a couple of times throughout the workday. A quick walk around the block will leave both of you feeling more energized by the time you return to your desk. If possible, bring them along on your lunch break too. Finding a local dog-friendly restaurant is great for doggos who practice pawfect dining etiquette. 

It’s good to have an exit strategy in case your dog stops having fun at the office. Pay attention to their emotional and behavioral state throughout the day, and be prepared to take them home or have a friend or family member pick them up should they become agitated or withdrawn. Never force your dog to stick around if they’re clearly not enjoying being at work.

With a bit of planning and preparation, taking your dog to work with you can be a woofderful way to spend time with your canine BFF. And who knows, if they make a good impression on your boss and colleagues, every day just might become Take Your Dog to Work Day!

Don't have time for a dog walk during the busy work day? Whether your pup needs to work off some energy, or just take a break from the endless meetings, book a dog walker who can pick them up right at the office from your phone with the Wag! App! Plan ahead or book on demand as needed to make your dog's day at work furbulous!