Tomorrow is Take Your Dog to Work Day! Read this before bringing your pooch to your place of work.
South Africa (25 June 2026) – It’s an exciting day, especially for workplaces that allow it! Take Your Dog to Work Day is a fun, joyful opportunity to celebrate the connections we have with our dogs, while showing off their cuteness to our colleagues.
Even so, pet owners are encouraged to approach it with care, kindness, and understanding. It is important to know that every dog is special and unique, like a snowflake, and not every four-legged friend will feel comfortable in a busy office environment.
Global animal welfare organisation, FOUR PAWS, has shared some advice and pointers on how to approach the big ‘bring your dog to work’ day!
“While many dogs enjoy new environments, not every dog will feel comfortable in an office setting. Owners must recognise their pet’s limits and prioritise their wellbeing above all else,” says Fiona Miles, Director at FOUR PAWS South Africa.
Above all, you need to understand your dog’s needs.
For one dog, an office visit might be the most exciting, enriching experience. Love, attention, and all the belly rubs are welcomed. For another, stranger danger and unfamiliar smells and sounds could feel overwhelming.
Knowing your dog’s temperament, past experiences, and overall health can help ensure that the experience is positive and not frightening for them.
If you are confident enough that it could be a positive day for your four-legged baby, it is still important that you keep a close eye on their behaviour and respond with patience and care.
If they appear restless or seek out quiet spaces, it might mean that your doggie needs a break, or prefers some peace and quiet.
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For offices that wish to participate in Take Your Dog to Work Day, FOUR PAWS leaves the following tips to create a comfortable and welcoming environment for every pooch.
- Bring only dogs that are well-socialised and comfortable around people
- Provide a quiet space where dogs can relax and rest
- Ensure access to fresh water, familiar bedding and routines
- Going outside regularly to stretch legs and have bio breaks
- Be mindful of colleagues who may have different comfort levels around animals
- Keep the day flexible, allowing dogs to return home if they seem unsettled
“By putting our animals’ needs first, we can make moments like this truly meaningful. It’s about creating positive experiences that strengthen the bond we share with them,” says Miles.
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