You are in the middle of talking in a zoom meeting, then suddenly your furry best friend decides to jump up, unannounced into the screen with you. For many, the workplace new normal is providing bonding with our pets like never before.
Friday, June 26 is Take Your Dog to Work Day. This unofficial holiday, but founded and trademarked by Pet Sitters International (PSI), falls on the Friday following Father’s Day each year.
The week preceding the 26th (the 22nd – 26th) is Take Your Pet to Work Week, with the 22nd designated as Take Your Cat to Work Day, ahead of the dogs.
Take Your Dog to Work Day was created by PSI in 1999, with the thought that if people took their pets to work, that pet-less co-workers would find pleasure in meeting the animals and want to adopt a pet of their own.
Many pets world-wide are relishing the pleasure of having their pet parent(s) working from home with them daily and are becoming accustomed to this new routine.
Those pet owners that must eventually return to their places of employment may feel a sense of loss from the extended daily doses of pet therapy, and concerns are mounting that the animals themselves may experience some separation anxiety.
New York Times article, How to Prepare Your Dog to Be Left at Home Alone (Again), offers great information from Dr. Patricia B. McConnell, a certified applied animal behaviorist, and from dog trainer Sarah Wilson, and more.
Whether working from home or not, able to bring your pet to work with you or not, honor your pets on these special days, and every day.
Don’t have a pet, and interested in adopting? See our adoptable pets!
Currently unable to adopt, but do you love animals? Arlington Animal Services offers online volunteer and foster pet orientations. Learn more about volunteering.
News, Animal Services