Paw-sitive vibes only: National Take Your Dog to Work Day gains momentum

More workplaces are making room for furry companions, bringing in paw-sitive vibes only. National Take Your Dog to Work Day gains momentum as 85% of employees in pet-friendly workplaces say they rarely miss work for recovery, compared to 77% in offices without pets. Support for the event continues to grow as more companies embrace dogs as part of a healthier work culture.

Companies are leaning into the holiday with bold, creative ideas that energize their teams. Creative in-office celebrations and pet-friendly activities show how far they are willing to go to make the celebration stand out.

The rise of pet-friendly workplaces

National Take Your Dog to Work Day, observed every June 20, reflects a broader trend in how companies approach wellness and workplace culture. Employees in pet-friendly offices report stronger relationships across the board. Fifty-three percent say they have strong bonds with coworkers, and 52% with supervisors. That drops to just 19% and 14% in non-pet-friendly workplaces. These numbers reflect how dogs at work help people connect, trust each other and work better as a team.

Beyond team dynamics, dogs in the workplace help reduce stress and enhance communication. More companies are integrating pet policies as part of a thoughtful approach to workplace well-being. Some offer designated pet days, pet photo walls and storytelling boards to celebrate animals as part of company culture. Others go further with benefits like voluntary pet insurance, veterinary telehealth access, paid pet bereavement leave and company-supported volunteer programs with shelters. These efforts help build healthier, less burned-out teams by recognizing how pets enrich everyday life.

Benefits beyond the workplace

Bringing dogs to work delivers benefits that stretch beyond office walls. Dogs receive more mental stimulation and social interaction, avoiding long hours spent alone at home. Employees enjoy emotional support that can extend to better mental health habits outside work, including more physical activity and reduced anxiety.

Pet-friendly cultures can also strengthen community ties. Companies that celebrate National Take Your Dog to Work Day often use the opportunity to support local shelters, raise awareness for adoption and connect employees to volunteer opportunities. Some host on-site adoption events that lead to permanent homes for rescue dogs. These workplace actions build purpose-driven teams that make a difference beyond office hours.

Prepare for a successful day

A successful Take Your Dog to Work Day starts with the right prep. Employees should bring essentials like leashes, bowls, treats, toys and cleanup bags to keep dogs comfortable and office spaces clean. Well-socialized, vaccinated dogs help keep the environment safe for everyone.

Employers set the tone by establishing clear pet policies. This includes outlining dog-free zones, behavior expectations and health requirements to ensure safety and respect across the office. Alerting staff ahead of time allows those with allergies or concerns to prepare and feel considered.

Designating cleanup stations and posting signs about pet boundaries helps maintain order without adding friction. Clear communication and shared accountability make it easier for both pets and people to enjoy the day. With a little structure and forethought, the event becomes more of a natural fit in today’s evolving work culture.

Office ideas beyond the basics

Companies are putting their own spin on National Take Your Dog to Work Day, turning the celebration into a showcase of creativity and team spirit. Some organize dog fashion shows or agility courses in break rooms, while others hand out goodie bags packed with treats, toys and branded pet gear. Office-wide contests, like best dog trick or best dressed pup, add a playful layer that gets everyone involved.

Others are embracing the moment as a brand opportunity. Businesses host photo booths for social media campaigns or create pet-friendly lounges where employees and dogs can relax and recharge. A few even invite local shelters to bring adoptable dogs for casual meet-and-greets, giving the event a feel-good purpose that extends beyond the office. These imaginative touches turn a single-day event into something employees look forward to year after year.

A growing movement

Employee wellness now drives real change in how companies build culture, and dogs are part of that evolution. National Take Your Dog to Work Day helps turn that culture into action, reminding businesses that small, thoughtful choices can lead to lasting results. From paid pet leave to shelter partnerships, companies are building spaces where empathy and human connection matter just as much as performance. The result is a workplace that feels less transactional and more grounded in care.

Jennifer Allen, retired chef turned traveler, cookbook author and writer, shares her adventures and travel tips at All The Best Spots. Living at home with her family, and the cats that rule them all, her work has been featured in The Washington Post, Seattle Times, MSN and more.

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