Pet Sitters International offers tips for a successful Take Your Dog To Work Day®

KING, N.C. (April 21, 2017) — Pet Sitters International’s 19^th annual Take Your Dog To Work Day^® is Friday, June 23, and businesses around the globe will open their doors to employees’ canines to celebrate the great companions dogs make and to promote pet adoptions.

To ensure a peaceful, productive day of human and canine camaraderie, Pet Sitters International (PSI), the creator of the annual event, offers a free 2017 Take Your Dog To Work Day Toolkit on the event website, www.takeyourdog.com.

PSI also provides pet owners these seven tips to ensure a successful office visit:

1. Do an office check.  No one will mind your dog being in the office, right? Well, maybe. Check with management and co-workers to see if anyone has pet-related allergies, phobias or other concerns about you bringing your dog to work on this special day. Be respectful of those you work with and plan an alternate celebration, if necessary.

2. Puppy-proof your work space. If you plan on working with your dog, make sure your office environment is safe. Remove poisonous plants and pesticides, hide electrical cords and wires and secure toxic items such as permanent markers. Any office items in question should be placed out of paw’s reach.

3. Make sure Fido is fit for work. Even dogs don’t get a second chance to make a first impression. Be sure your dog’s shots are current. Make plans to have your dog bathed and groomed before accompanying you to work. Be mindful of your dog’s “work readiness.” You know your dog’s demeanor, so if he is aggressive or overly shy, it’s best to leave him at home. Consider how your dog has behaved in the past around strangers before making the decision to bring him. If your dog has shown fear, irritability or aggression, or if your dog has never met strangers, the workplace is not the best place for him.

4.  Prepare a doggie bag. Include food, treats, bowls, toys, a leash, paper towels, clean-up bags and pet-safe disinfectant. If you are routinely in and out of your work space, consider bringing a baby gate for your doorway or a portable kennel for your dog’s comfort and your peace of mind.

5. Plan your pet’s feeding times carefully. During an important sales call is probably not the best time for a puppy potty break. Plan your dog’s feeding time around your work schedule and be sure to choose an appropriate area for your dog to relieve himself afterward. Always pick up after your dog and follow your company’s policies regarding waste disposal.

6. Avoid forcing co-workers to interact with your dog. Dog lovers will make themselves known. Sally from accounting and Joe in human resources may not want to play fetch or offer belly rubs, so be mindful of fellow employees’ time and space. To avoid pet accidents, monitor the amount of treats your pet is being given from your co-workers. Remember that chocolate, candy and other people food should not be shared with dogs and that not all non-dog owners will be aware that these items can be very toxic to your pooch.

7. 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 home or plan in advance for your professional pet sitter to offer a midday check-in visit and dog walk. Never, under any circumstance, leave your pet alone in a vehicle while you work.

Created by PSI in 1999, Take Your Dog To Work Day has reached tens of thousands with its unique message of celebrating dogs at work to promote pet adoptions over the last 19 years. This year PSI is also using its annual event to raise awareness and funds for Pets for Patriots.

For more information on planning a successful TYDTWDay event, download the free event toolkit at www.takeyourdog.com. To find a professional pet sitter to offer midday walks for participating dogs, visit the PSI’s Pet Sitter Locator at www.petsit.com/locate.

 

###

About Pet Sitters International

Founded in 1994 by Patti J. Moran, author of Pet Sitting for Profit, Pet Sitters International (PSI) is the world’s largest educational association for professional pet sitters, with member pet-sitting businesses in the United States, Canada and more than 20 other countries. PSI created Take Your Dog To Work Day^® in 1999 as a unique way to give back to the pet community.  The annual TYDTWDay^® event encourages employers to experience the joy of dogs in the workplace for one fun summer Friday to celebrate the great companions dogs make and promote their adoptions.  To learn more about the event, visit www.takeyourdog.com. To learn more about PSI, pet sitting as a career or to locate professional pet sitters by ZIP/postal code, visit www.petsit.com.