Bring Your Dog to Work: Tips and Advice

Preparation is key to ensure that your dog and fellow staff members feel comfortable on Bring Your Dog to Work Day

Created: 6/16/2017 Updated: 8/3/2021 - Shelley Audis-Riddell

Health & Wellbeing

Every June thousands of people will be taking their beloved dog to work for ‘Bring Your Dog to Work Day’. At OSCAR we can't wait! Shelley, OSCAR's Behaviourist, has some tips and advice on how to make the day an enjoyable experience for all involved...

Preperation before the day:

Empty all bins that are easily accessible to your dog. It may be better to lift them from the floor, so your dog doesn't develop a love for raiding the bin!

Dog proof the office! Check around the work place and make sure there are no dangerous items in reach of your dog or anything that may be easily damaged or chewed!

Make sure everyone knows who's coming to join the office for the day; send a photo of your dog to your colleagues. Let them know what breed your dog is, and tell them their name and age.

Check that other members of staff are comfortable around dogs.

Speak to everyone about not feeding your dog human food. It can be hard to resist those puppy-dog eyes at lunchtime, but many human foods are unsafe for dogs to eat. Offering food can also teach your dog to beg!

If there are other dogs coming into the office, make sure they are dog friendly.

Dog on orange lead

On the day:

  1. Exercise before work: Provide your dog with a dog good walk which meets its exercise needs. A well exercised dog is going to be more relaxed and settled at work. Check the weather before leaving the house and take towels to clean your dog down and spare clothing for yourself – you don't want to turn up to work with a muddy wet dog or owner!

  2. Arrive a little earlier than normal: This will give you time to bring your dog into the office and let them have a little look around before everyone gets in. New places can be stressful for some dogs. You can use praise and treats to build your dog's confidence around the office.

  3. Home comforts: Bring your dog's bed, favourite toys, water dish and water, treatsand chews. Bringing your dog's bed to work gives them something familiar to settle on that smells of home. Place your dog's bed in a quiet spot that won’t have too many people passing by.

  4. Treats and distractions: Kongs and chews are a great way to help your dog settle. Freezing your dog's breakfast in a Kong the night before or placing it in an activity toy will keep your dog happy and busy at work.

  5. Toilet trips: Take your dog out for regular toilet trips throughout the day. The excitement of being at work means your dog will need to drink and wee more than usual, and regular trips outside will give your dog the opportunity to get some fresh air and to stretch their legs.

  6. Meeting the office: Meeting new people can be a little overwhelming for some dogs. Allow your dog to settle in the office first and then people can come and say hello throughout the day. If there is somebody your dog seems unsure of, ask them to not stroke your dog and instead, give them a tasty treat to offer your dog to allow them to make friends.

Do you need further advice?

If you need any further advice, please contact the OSCAR Helpline Team on our freephone number 0800 195 8000 or email helpline@oscars.co.uk.