Member Article

Take Your Dog to Work Day

To an animal lover, it is no secret that taking care of a dog equates to sheer joy and happiness. However, not all people are aware of the benefits of welcoming a dog in their household. This explains why many of our canine pals are in shelters. Fortunately, a lot of organizations are exerting an extra effort to encourage dog adoption.

Launched in the year 1999, Take Your Dog to Work Day, also known as TYDTWD, is geared towards motivating dog adoption by raising awareness on its advantages. Initiated by Pet Sitters International, it enables people to discover how taking care of a dog can completely transform their lives. Also, it helps them determine whether or not adopting a dog can fit their lifestyle and personality.

Facts about TYDTWD

TYDTWD positively impacts not only people who are aware of the importance of adopting a dog, but it also empowers those who are behind the initiative. It unites each of its team members, and it changes lives one day at a time.

First launched in the USA in the year 1999, TYDTWD was founded by Pet Sitters International as a way to celebrate the contributions of their canine pals to their lives. It started with around 300 participating companies. TYDTWD is celebrated every Friday after Father’s Day. Following TYDTWD’s success, “Take Your Pet to Work Week” was launched in respect to those who have other pets. It is celebrated right after TYDTWD. Approximately 17% of businesses in the US allow pets in the workplace. According to a study conducted by APPA in the year 2006, many Americans feel that bringing their pets to work is a positive experience. Below are the results of the study:

55 million agreed that bringing a pet to their workplace boosts creativity. 50 million agreed that bringing a pet to their workplace increases camaraderie amongst colleagues. 37 million agreed that bringing a pet to their workplace increases camaraderie between employees and managers.

TYDTWD: Positive Impact to Individuals and Businesses

Initiated for a great cause, TYDTWD has a positive impact not only on individuals, but on businesses as well. Basically, companies that participate in this event are given the chance to learn more about the conditions of animals in shelters and discover the rare joy they can experience if they decide to adopt a dog.

Firstly, studies reveal that bringing a dog to the workplace increases interaction amongst employees. This, in turn, heightens camaraderie, which leads to a more positive working environment. Not to mention, people who are allowed to bring their pets at work are said to be happier and more efficient.

In addition to that, businesses that participate in TYDTWD also gain undeniable advantages. Basically, those that are involved in this project have the chance to increase presence within their community since they can start building relationships with participants and sponsors.

More importantly, by building a pet-friendly working environment through TYDTWD, businesses can show their staff that they value life. This does not only help them become more inspiring, but this also enables them to grab media attention in a positive way.

Creating a Business Plan for TYDTWD

Indeed, TYDTWD offers a lot of benefits to businesses. It doesn’t only increase their presence, but it also helps them make a positive impression. However, there are still other factors that businesses need to consider, especially since they need to make adjustments for operational success.

As a guide, below are the things you might want to consider before you participate with TYDTWD:

Get Professional Help

For one, since employees would be encouraged to bring their dog in the workplace, it can be extremely challenging to make sure that nothing will go wrong in terms of business operation. This is especially true if there is no one to supervise or oversee the event. Since this is the case, it is best for businesses to make sure that there is a dedicated coordinator within the event.

In the like manner, businesses can also hire a professional pet sitter to support their on-the-day coordinator. By getting professional help, employees don’t need to make pet-related duties as they perform their job. This can then result in an increased level of efficiency.

Planning the Day

While other businesses continue their operations during TYDTWD, others plan a dog-friendly event that involves all employees, sponsors and participants. This basically depends on the business’ degree of involvement, so it is always best to meticulously plan ahead.

Businesses that would cease operations during TYDTWD can organize a dog show where pets are dressed up to showcase their unique features and skills. This is helpful in promoting camaraderie amongst participants, and it can also attract positive media attention. More importantly, it can open doors for future partnerships with respected individuals within the industry.

However, when planning a fair or an event, businesses need to highly consider logistics. Also, running an event can be laborious, so it really needs time and resources.

Charities

Sharing is always a rewarding experience. Businesses that plan to put up an event may choose a shelter or a charity that can benefit from TYDTWD. This is especially true since shelters that are run by public funds and donations are more vulnerable to experiencing financial constraints.

Shelters do not only provide a home for stray pets, but for abused and neglected ones as well. By donating to shelters, you can offer a big helping hand and potentially save lives. The donations can also come from fundraising events that participating businesses can set up during TYDTWD.

Companies that will continue operation, on the other hand, can ask for donations from employees who will bring their pets into the office.

Prepare Members of the Company

Lastly, it is important for businesses to understand that challenges can always arise during TYDTWD. Since working with animals can be difficult, it is important for business owners to prepare their employees and make sure that everybody is willing to participate in the event. This can help turn TYDTWD into a positive experience for every member of the team.

TYDTWD offers employees and business owners the opportunity to bond, interact and discover the joy dogs can bring into their lives. If planned carefully, this initiative can help save dogs from a life filled with loneliness and despair.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by JohnH .