One of my professional Pet Sitters groups PSI (Pet Sitters International) is having it’s 10th annual Take Your Dog to Work event June 26th. This event is to help spread the word of responsible pet ownership and to raise awareness about homeless dogs.
My dogs Puck and Mr. Echo get to hang out with me at work everyday (since my office is in my home) so I already understand how a dog’s presence can make one’s work day a little brighter. : ) When I heard about this PSI event I thought many of my clients would also benefit from having their furrr babies with them at work.
But before you take your furrr kid to work there are a few things to do…
~Do an office check- Check with management and co-workers to see if anyone is allergic, afraid of or opposed to you bringing your dog to work for this one special day.
~Puppy-proof your work space.- Remove poisonous plants, hide electrical cords and wires and secure toxic items such as correction fluid, permanent markers, etc. Any office items in question should be placed out of your dog’s reach.
~Ask your boss or Human Resource dept for permission to bring Fido to work on June 26th- It’s a great idea to get the bosses permission before bringing your 100lb lab to hang out with you in your cubicle.
~Give your dog a good walk or play time before getting to the office.- Your dog is already going to be excited about the whole experience of meeting new people and being with you all day so make sure to drain all that extra energy before getting to work.
~Bathe and groom your dog before its office debut- No-one likes a stinky dog! So be sure to make him look his best for the office
~Prepare a doggie bag- Include food, treats, bowls, toys, leash, paper towels, clean-up bags and pet-safe disinfectant (just in case). If you are routinely in and out of your work space, consider bringing a portable kennel for your dog’s comfort and your peace of mind.
~Plan your pet’s feeding times carefully- Be sure to choose an appropriate area for your dog to relieve himself afterward.
~Avoid forcing co-workers to interact with your dog- Dog lovers will make themselves known. To avoid pet accidents, monitor the amount of treats your pet is being given. Remember that chocolate, candy and other people food should not be shared with dogs.
~Have an exit strategy- Although most dogs enjoy TYDTWDay, your pet may not. Should your dog become overly boisterous, agitated or withdrawn, consider taking him or her home. Most companies allow for this on TYDTWDay. Never, under any circumstance, leave your pet alone in a vehicle while you work.
Take Your Dog will be a fun experience for you and your dog and this is your chance to make a difference in the lives of shelter dogs in your community. Use the information and free downloads from http://www.takeyourdog.com to make your Take Your Dog To Work Day event perfectly Paws-a-tive!
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