June 22, 2011
The HSUS Celebrates Pet Sitters International’s Take Your Dog to Work Day®
For The Humane Society of the United States, every day is Take Your Dog to Work Day®, and the organization hopes more workplaces will adopt dogs at work policies.
Take Your Dog to Work Day®, which is celebrated this year on Friday, June 24, was created by Pet Sitters International to encourage pet parents to bring their dogs with them to their workplaces. For employers like The HSUS and others profiled in the book “Dogs at Work: A Practical Guide to Creating Dog-Friendly Workplaces”, bringing your dog to work is an everyday occurrence. Dogs at work policies can be beneficial to employees and their canine companions as well as the company’s bottom line. Studies have shown that employees who bring their dogs to work tend to be more efficient, happier and healthier in the workplace.
In their book, authors Liz Palika and Jennifer Fearing present the tangible benefits of dog-friendly policies and provide step-by-step advice on obtaining management buy-in, setting fair procedures and protocols and dealing with any concerns about dog-friendly policies in the workplace. “Dogs at Work” also includes detailed advice about how to prepare dogs for the office environment, provides sample policies and handouts and provides two comprehensive case studies describing successful dog-friendly workplaces.
"It's not just smaller companies that can enjoy the benefits of dogs in the office," said Fearing, who is The HSUS’ California senior state director. "With some foresight, planning and attention to the concerns of those who may be less excited about having dogs around, even large companies can welcome dogs into the workplace while maintaining a professional—if more engaging—culture."
Liz Palika is an award-winning writer who specializes in the topics of dogs, cats and other pets. She is a Certified Dog Trainer and a Certified Behavioral Consultant living in California. Fearing has been cited as an expert on dog-friendly workplaces in the Christian Science Monitor, the Colorado Springs Gazette and the Washington Post.
The 202-page soft-cover book, “Dogs at Work”, lists for $21.95 and is available for purchase at humanesociety.org/hspress.
Facts:
- According to the American Pet Products Manufacturers Association, there are nearly 75 million dogs living in approximately 44 million American households.
- Studies show that dogs in the workplace have a positive effect on employee, business and organizational health.
- According to an Associated Press/Petside.com poll, a third of married women and nearly a fifth of married men consider their pet better listeners than their spouse. Having such a reliable companion in the workplace can greatly increase morale and efficiency.
About The HSUS Dogs in the Workplace Program
- The HSUS implemented a dogs at work program in 2007.
- Approximately 60 dogs come to work at The HSUS' two offices in the Washington, D.C. area.
- Dogs must be in good health, altered, up to date on shots and well-mannered.
- Dogs are kept behind baby gates in each employee's cubicle.
- Dog-free zones, such as meeting rooms, restrooms and kitchens are clearly marked.
- The program is a free, mission-based human resources benefit that has increased morale and generated recruitment and retention benefits for the organization.
- A committee oversees the operation of the program.
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The Humane Society of the United States is the nation's largest animal protection organization — backed by 11 million Americans, or one of every 28. For more than a half-century, The HSUS has been fighting for the protection of all animals through advocacy, education and hands-on programs. Celebrating animals and confronting cruelty — On the Web at humanesociety.org.