It is hard work being a dog, you have your owner’s happiness front of mind, where the next walk will be and oh, was that hadeda? Tomorrow is Bring Your Dog to Work Day, where dogs finally help earn their paychecks.
South Africa (19 June 2025) – How often do you ask your beloved pup when they are going to lift a paw and help towards paying the bills? In our home, it’s a regular conversation, especially when vet bills, food bills and extended use of the heater that ramp up the Eskom bill, start adding up. Times are tough, so this Friday, take your dog to work and have them earn their keep!
Take Your Dog to Work Day is celebrated annually on the Friday after Father’s Day and encourages pet owners to bring their furry companions into the office, all in the name of boosting morale, reducing stress, and sharing a few belly rubs between deadlines.
Research from the Human Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI) confirms what many pet lovers already know: dogs make everything better, including the workplace. More than 70% of employees say that pets help reduce stress at work, and many companies have noticed an improvement in morale, creativity and team connection when four-legged companions are invited into the fold.
Experts are weighing in so if you need to still convince your boss to make this happen, send them our article because every company needs a “Chief Cuddles Officer”. Marycke Ackhurst, Pet Behaviour Expert at Hill’s Pet Nutrition shares that:
“Dogs are wired for connection,”, “Being close to their pet parents helps reduce stress and strengthens the pet-parent bond. They’re also natural conversation starters, which can spark interactions with colleagues you may not otherwise connect with.”
While most dogs can’t exactly assist with filing or fix the office Wi-Fi, they bring their own kind of magic to the workday: comfort, calm, and often a very good reason to take a fresh-air break, because “wee-wee time”.
Planning to bring your pup? Here’s how to make it a success:
1. Prep their space
Like us, dogs need a calm environment to feel secure. Set up a cosy spot near your desk or crate where they can nap, recharge, and enjoy their bed.
2. Mind your manners
Be sure to check that everyone’s comfortable with dogs in the space and that your pup isn’t a distraction. Long leads, crates or gates can help define boundaries and create a predictable routine. Also, don’t forget the poop bags, what goes in, must come out.
3. Mealtime matters
If multiple dogs are in the office, always feed separately to avoid tension. Wet food is perfect for an office setup, easy to carry, easy to serve, and a hit with hungry hounds.
4. Safety before snuggles
Steer clear of high-risk areas like kitchens, warehouses, or places with harmful substances. Regular bathroom breaks are essential for both the pup and the human. Those quick walkies may be just what your brain needs too.
5. Celebrating remotely?
Home office dwellers aren’t left out. Organise a ‘bring your dog to Zoom’ day or share a virtual pet parade with colleagues. It’s a simple way to connect and share the joy of your loyal sidekick, even from afar.
For those inspired by the day’s success, consider advocating for longer-term pet-friendly policies at work, even something small like a designated dog day once a month can make a big difference to employee wellbeing.
But perhaps the most important message behind Take Your Dog to Work Day is one of compassion. Thousands of dogs across South Africa are still waiting in shelters for someone to love. Apps like Pet Matchmaker make it easier to adopt a dog that suits your lifestyle and home, a reminder that the best co-worker you’ve never met might just be waiting for you.
As for the hero paws that work every day to save lives, keep special needs monitored, offer guidance to their owners and sniff out the bad guys, we salute you too!
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