Take Your Dog To Work Day The best day at work. Ever! Ever wonder what your dog thinks about while they wait hours for you to return after a hard day's work? Well now you can show them exactly what you get up to, by taking them to work! Set up by Pet Sitters International in 1999, Take Your Dog to Work Day celebrates the joys of canine companionship and encourages those who don't own a pet (yet!) to consider adopting one who has been rescued from cruelty or neglect. Read on to find out: how to prepare for the big day some things to consider (for you, your dog, and your boss!) how to set it up at your workplace, and you can even set up a fundraising page to help homeless and abandoned animals all over WA. How to prepare your workplace for TYDTWDay TYDTWDay is a great opportunity for companies and businesses, large and small, to recognise the important role that pets play in their employees' lives. It also shows that they support the important cause of animal adoption, rehoming pets who need it most. Before you rock up to work with your pooch, it's best to get permission first, either from your boss, or the HR department. (Who knows, it could lead to a monthly or even weekly opportunity to bring your furry friend to the office). Things to consider before you take your dog to work: Check with your office to see if bringing your dog to work is appropriate and allowed. Some work environments may not be appropriate or safe for dogs. Check if anyone at your workplace is allergic to dogs, and discuss with them if bringing your dog to work would adversely impact their health. Consult with your workplace about associated policies and requirements. Ensure your dog is currently healthy so they don’t potentially spread any infections. Ensure your dog is identified (including by microchip and that your contact details are up to date on the microchip register) and up to date with their vaccinations. Only bring your dog if they are comfortable and safe around people and other dogs. Dogs should be trained using reward-based positive reinforcement. Ensure the office environment is safe for pets. Cables, cords and rubbish bins can be hazardous for pets, so ensure dogs in the office can’t access these. Supervise your dog and make sure they won’t be able to escape and get lost by accident. Find out tips on how to make bringing your dog to work an enjoyable experience for all here. Set up Take Your Dog to Work Day If you're thinking this is a great idea, you're not wrong! While your dog will be making a huge difference at work, by helping productivity, creativity and communication, you'll also be helping to share the plight of thousands of homeless and abandoned dogs waiting for their permanent loving homes in shelters all around WA! First, you have to get the boss over the line. If you're not sure about how to approach this directly, here's an email template you can send them which might help to start the conversation. Just cut, paste and edit before sending... Dear [Boss*], [*If your boss has a nickname – e.g., ‘Jonesy’ – now is the ideal time to use it.] You may be aware that Friday, 25 June is International Take Your Dog to Work Day. It has come to my attention that you have some reservations about allowing employees to bring their dogs to work, so I wanted to take this opportunity to share some furry important facts with you. Animals in the workplace can be an incredibly positive experience for all parties (animals included). They have been proven to: Boost employee morale and productivity. Animals are guaranteed to boost morale and increase productivity in the workplace. Plus, with man’s best friend close by, employees won’t want to leave work. Imagine that – a workplace where employees want to stay past 5.00pm. Revolutionary! Encourage healthy habits & creativity. Our sedentary lifestyles mean Australians don’t do nearly enough exercise. However, with [dog name] in the office, that means regular 'pee' breaks to get some fresh air.. resulting in fresh ideas too! Foster team bonding. Let’s be honest, in every office there are people who don’t see eye-to-eye… except when it comes to bonding over adorable pooches! Having dogs in the workplace will help employees put their differences aside and come together and also improve communication! Decrease ruff-day blues Scientific research indicates having dogs in the workplace will help employees de-stress when they’re having a ruff day. Just stroking a dog's fur lowers blood pressure; purring cats also have a similar effect! I look forward to your positive response in welcoming [dog name] into the office! Kind regards,[your email signature] PS: if we really can't bring our pets to work, perhaps the company could support the RSPCA with a donation to help the animals in their care looking for forever homes? Next, you'll want to let your colleagues know that it's on! Once you have the boss's buy-in, check who else is interested and work out who's dogs will be coming in. Then, you may want to get the whole office involved with some fundraising, to help all the homeless and abandoned animals in shelters around WA. Set up a fundraising page here, and send the link to everyone at work - put a price on extra pats and cubicle cuddles. Whack a premium on taking your pooch for a regular walk! Setting up your own fundraising page is really easy, and every dollar raised will go towards the rescue, rehabilitation and rehoming of animals in need in WA. Finally - don't forget to share pics from Take Your Dog to Work Day on your and your business's socials (tag us too #rspcawa) and show everyone just how much your canine companions mean to you!