We’ve been bringing our dogs to work for 10 years!

Every year, thousands of Americans take their dogs into the office as part of National Take Your Dog to Work Day, created by Pet Sitters International ten years ago!

TYDTWD is an annual event designed to celebrate dogs as companions, encourage employers to experience the value of pets in their workplace, and encourage pet adoptions from shelters, humane societies and rescue groups.

According to the Pet Sitters website, a  2006 APPMA [American Pet Products Manufacturers Association] Survey showed that millions of employees feel that pets in the workplace can lead to a more creative environment, decreased absenteeism, improved productivity and can help co-workers get along better, yet only about one in five companies allow pets in the workplace. 

Somebody we know (identities hidden to protect the innocent) works for a company that doesn’t allow pets in the workplace but does allow service animals. While therapy dogs are not included in the definition of service animal (don’t get us started), she is currently taking advantage of a grey area in the company’s policy to bring her registered therapy dog into the office. She tells us that people regularly drop by her office to confide in her dog, cry on his shoulder, or simply pet him – and that every one of her visitors reports feeling more calm, centered, happy and able to go get on with their work after a bit of doggy lovin’…

Take our poll here and tell us if your company participates in Take Your Dog To Work Day!