National Take Your Dog To Work Day

Joyful office scene with dogs of various breeds, wagging tails, and happy employees in casual clothing.. — National take your dog to work day illustration

Ever thought how incredibly more fun, and a tad chaotic, your work day might be if your beloved pooch was sitting by your side? Well, folks, get ready for a whole lot of wagging tails and furry cuddles because we're talking about National Take Your Dog to Work Day! A day that celebrates those four-legged office assistants that bring their unique flavor of joy to our typically tedious workdays.

When is Take Your Dog To Work Day?

It's national take your dog to work day on the 26th June.

A Paws-itively Fun Day

Ever since 1999, National Take Your Dog to Work Day has been celebrated on the Friday following Father's Day. This spoofy yet endearing holiday phenomenon was started by Pet Sitters International as a way of highlighting the unique bond between dogs and their human companions and to encourage dog adoptions from various organizations and shelters.

The Internet Bark

Where else can such an adorable and heartwarming day be better promoted than on the internet? This fuzzy and pawsome day has seen an influx of digital cheers and barks online. Our data shows about 6984 online mentions. A peak in these digital 'woofs', to the tune of the most mentions, was seen on June 26, 2015.

The Day at the Office

Imagine stacks of paperwork with a dash of fetching, conference calls accompanied by the patter of little paws, and office breaks spent doling out belly rubs and treats. This national day encourages not just the fostering of a fun and friendly workplace environment, but also brings to light the joy and companionship that pet dogs can bring into our lives. So while you're crunching numbers or strategizing business moves, don't be surprised if you find your furry friend snoozing by your feet or offering you their favorite toy for a fun fetch break.

History behind the term 'Take Your Dog To Work'

1999

Take Your Dog to Work Day is born

Take Your Dog to Work Day was created by Pet Sitters International (PSI), a prominent educational association for professional pet sitters, in 1999. This special day was established to celebrate the companionship and benefits of having dogs in the workplace. Take Your Dog to Work Day aims to raise awareness about pet adoption and encourage employers to consider allowing dogs in the office.

2003

Expansion beyond a single day

Due to the overwhelming success and positive response of Take Your Dog to Work Day, it gradually expanded beyond a single day celebration. Many companies and organizations realized the potential benefits of having dogs in the workplace for employee morale, stress reduction, and improved well-being. They decided to incorporate this idea into their everyday office culture.

2008

Official recognition by Congress

In 2008, Take Your Dog to Work Day received official recognition by the United States Congress. The goal of this recognition was to promote the importance of pet-friendly workplaces and to encourage employers to consider adopting dog-friendly policies. The event gained more credibility and attention, leading to further acceptance of dogs in various work environments.

2011

Growing popularity and international participation

As Take Your Dog to Work Day gained traction and media coverage, its popularity grew not only within the United States but also internationally. Many countries across the globe began adopting this event, recognizing the positive impact dogs can have on workplace dynamics. With participation from diverse cultures, the celebration became a symbol of the universal love for dogs and a way to promote positive work environments.

Present

Continued annual observance and evolution

Today, Take Your Dog to Work Day is observed annually on the Friday following Father's Day in the United States. The event has evolved into more than just a fun day at work; it serves as a platform to raise awareness about responsible pet ownership, animal welfare, and the benefits of dogs in the workplace. Various organizations organize contests, charitable fundraisers, and pet-friendly events to make the day enjoyable for both employees and their furry companions.

Did you know?

Not only emotional stress-relievers, a study by Virginia Commonwealth University indicated employees who brought their dogs to work had lower stress levels throughout the day compared to those who didn't!