On June 20, the annual Take Your Dog to Work Day will take place. Launched by Pet Sitters International in 1999, the initiative aims to promote the benefits of a dog-friendly office among employers, encourage people to support animal welfare communities, and inspire those without pets to consider adopting dogs from shelters.
Some global companies have long embraced dog-friendly office policies. At Amazon, more than 15,000 dogs are registered across over 129 offices throughout the U.S. Google has been welcoming dogs since 1999, with its Mountain View campus even featuring a dedicated dog park called “The Doogleplex.” Since 2012, the offices of Kormotech Group of Companies — a top-50 global pet food manufacturer — have also been pet-friendly.
For over a decade, Kormotech has been promoting Take Your Dog to Work Day in its home market of Ukraine — each year, more than 500 companies across the country join the initiative. To help businesses adopt a long-term dog-friendly approach, Kormotech has developed a step-by-step guide, which has already benefited more than 200 companies.
In celebration of Take Your Dog to Work Day, Kormotech is sharing practical tips for setting up a dog-friendly office and advice for pet parents who want to bring their furry companions to work.
The Benefits of a Dog-Friendly Office Policy
Some employers assume that having pets in the office will lead to distractions and chaos. However, studies have shown that office pets can actually improve focus and boost employees’ mental well-being. Here are some additional positive effects noted by both employees and employers:
- Pets help foster informal communication in the office and bring colleagues closer together.
- Even brief interactions with animals can restore emotional balance and reduce stress and anxiety.
- Lower stress levels also help prevent burnout, resulting in fewer cases of unpaid leave.
- Employee loyalty and engagement increase, as people feel more cared for and supported by their company.
How to Make Your Office Dog-Friendly: Kormotech’s Practical Tips
- Start by assessing safety requirements and the specific nature of your workplace. Pets should not be allowed in environments involving food production, complex technologies, hazardous equipment, or sectors that involve working with children.
- Get approval from your landlord. If you’re renting office space, make sure that allowing pets doesn’t violate the terms of your lease and that the property owner is on board.
- Discuss the topic with all colleagues. Some employees may have allergies or fears of animals. In such cases, create a pet-free workspace for them.
- Create clear guidelines for pet parents, their furry companions, and other colleagues. This will help maintain a friendly atmosphere and ensure everyone’s comfort. Make sure to share these rules with everyone and keep a copy on file for future employees.
- Ensure pet safety. Before bringing a dog to the office, ensure it is vaccinated, healthy, and non-aggressive.
- Prepare the environment. Ensure that the workspace is free of any potential hazards for pets, such as exposed wires or hazardous items. Keep personal belongings off the floor and make sure the kitchen is free of food scraps.
- Designate areas for pets. Provide accessible water at all times and a dedicated food bowl for each pet. Place a bed or blanket near the owner’s desk for the pet to rest. Create quiet areas where pets can be separated if needed.
- Stock essential pet care supplies. Ensure the office is equipped with a pet first-aid kit, waste bags, wipes for cleaning paws after walks, and cleaning supplies for any messes.
Tips for Pet Parents Who Want to Bring Their Dog to Work
- Observe how your dog behaves in new environments. Check if your dog eats and drinks comfortably in unfamiliar places. Knowing this in advance will help you avoid difficulties later.
- Prepare your dog ahead of time. Take several practice trips on public transport or walks toward the office. This helps your dog get used to the route and reduces stress on the actual day.
- Introduce your dog to the office gradually. Visit on a day off so your dog can explore the space. Show them your workspace, their bowl, toys, and resting area. Walk around the office on a leash, allowing your dog to sniff and get familiar at their own pace.
- Inform your colleagues. Let the team know a day before your dog arrives. Ask them not to approach the dog immediately but to wait until the dog comes to them.
- Avoid letting your dog run around too actively right away. This can cause chaos. Praise your dog for calm behavior instead.
Despite all the benefits of a dog-friendly culture, not every dog will feel comfortable in an office setting. If your pet is scared of unfamiliar environments, overly reactive to outside stimuli, or shows aggression toward other animals, it’s best to take things slowly.
A dog-friendly office is more than just a trend — it’s about caring for the emotional well-being of the team and advancing corporate culture to a new level. A responsible approach to implementing a dog-friendly policy will help create a safe and comfortable environment for everyone — both animals and people.
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Kormotech is an international family-owned company with Ukrainian roots that has been producing high-quality pet food since 2003. The company manufactures products under the brands Optimeal, Delickcious, Club 4 Paws, Hav!, Miau!, and My Love. Kormotech operates production facilities in Ukraine and the EU, offering a portfolio of over 650 products. As the market leader in Ukraine, Kormotech ranks among the top 50 global pet food manufacturers and is recognized as one of the top 21 fastest-growing pet food companies worldwide. The company’s products are available in 51 countries under its own brands and through private label partnerships.
Images courtesy of Kormotech.
