Friday, June 23rd is this year's Take Your Dog to Work Day. If you are lucky enough to have a well-behaved pup that can come in, make sure you get approval from your employer before you bring your pet in. With many people still working from home, we also encourage you to bring your dog and any other pets to your online meetings (with permission first of course)!
What should I consider before taking my dog to the office?
It’s important to ensure this does not adversely impact on the health, welfare or working environment of employees, volunteers or visitors to office, or on the health and welfare of the animal or other animals in the office. For tips to make the experience run smoothly check out the RSPCA's Website.
So why bring pets into the office?
If you are an animal person, you are likely to already know that pets can boost your physical and mental health. There are some solid reasons for this.
- Pets help you to relax. Pets can promote relaxation and mindfulness. Research shows that just patting a pet can ease stress and reduce blood pressure.
- Pets provide company. They can be accepting, loyal, affectionate and even intuitive. Pets can also help feelings of loneliness.
- Pets help you to be social. Well trained pets can be a great way to meet and socialise with people. Pets can also help people who have anxiety around meeting new people and
are great icebreakers and confidence boosters. - Pets improve your general fitness. Try a walk and talk meeting or break up the day by getting some fresh air. Physical activity provides a natural mental health and wellbeing lift.
If you don’t own a pet, Take Your Dog to Work Day can be the perfect opportunity to gain these benefits.
Cover Photo by Samson Katt from Pexels