Take Your Dog to Work Day -- Is this for real?

WORKING LIKE A DOG
Friday June 26 is National Take Your Dog to Work Day; enjoy a true dog
day afternoon.

While images of a petting zoo, rambunctious animals, and barking dogs
may be dancing in the heads of bosses nationwide in anticipation of
Take Your Dog to Work Day, there are actually more benefits than not
in allowing pets in the workplace.

In fact, it's one of the biggest job perks at the Louisiana SPCA where
every day is Take Your Dog to Work Day. Whether bringing in owned
pups or visiting the adorable adoptable animals, the benefits of being
around animals are felt two fold.

Of course, with Friday, June 26 designated as Take Your Dog to Work
Day nationally, anyone can enjoy the perks and benefits of sharing the
day with man's best friend. Use these fascinating facts to convince
the big guy that the office is for the dogs...literally!

1. Having pets in the workplace reduces stress levels
2. Dedication to the job increased when pets were brought into
the office: 58% percent of the companies surveyed reported their
employees stayed late instead of rushing home to let their pet out!
3. Including pets in the office helps build positive employee
relations
4. Pets break down cubicle barriers increasing creativity and
peer relationships
5. Productivity increased in 73% of the reporting companies
including a decrease in absenteeism
6. Providing strict guidelines helps all employees embrace the
practice:
o Only pets that are up to date on vaccinations are allowed.
o All dogs should be kept on a leash or use a baby gate to
prevent unsupervised pups from roaming the office.
o Socialized dogs welcome! Any aggressive, unfriendly, or shy
pups need to stay home.
o Designate specific dog-free areas like the kitchen and bathroom.

"Pet owners already know the benefits to having a furry friend in
their home life; the Louisiana SPCA hopes their joy spreads when they
are allowed to bring their dog to work," says Ana Zorrilla, CEO of the
Louisiana SPCA.

The Louisiana SPCA specializes in matching companion animals with the
right owner. Visit today to become a hero for a rescue animal or go
online to preview who's available today at www.petfinder.com.

The Louisiana Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals is an
organization devoted to improving the lives of animals and eliminating
the homelessness, neglect and abuses that signal animal suffering.
Chartered in 1888, our history has been paved with an understanding
that only through an improved human-animal ethic can we better the
lives of companion animals and that of our community. Our programs and
services are infused with the highest standards of care and compassion.

From Petcentric

Book My Pet

These days you never have to go it alone when planning a trip with your pet, especially if you have a dog. There are plenty of pet travel web sites and resources to help you find pet-friendly lodging, restaurants, attractions and dog parks. If you already know where you want to go, it’s easy to search out the pet-friendly establishments in that area. Or, if you’re looking for a good place to vacation with your pet, you can seek out pet-friendly cities. We’ve selected some favorites in our story, Summer Travels.

One very popular and helpful pet travel resource is DogFriendly.com. They have a web site to help you plan ahead, and dog travel guide books to take with you on the road. This is an excellent site to help you find dog-friendly destinations, even if you’re not sure where you want to go. This site can help you narrow down your choices by what you want to do most. For example, if you know you want to hit the beaches with your dog, you can start by clicking Beach Guide for Dogs. This narrows it down to the states or Canadian provinces that have beaches. Select a state, and find the Dog-Friendly Beach Cities in it. Click a city, and voila – you get links to not only the beaches that allow your furry friend, but also the local hotels, restaurants, attractions, dog parks, events and emergency veterinary clinics.

If you really have no idea where you want to go, you can select the Dog-Friendly City Guides and find cities by state or province. Click a city and find everything doggie.

Another helpful site is PetTravel.com, which has guides for US, Canada and overseas travel. This is very useful if you do know exactly where you want to go. The site offers a lot of travel tips and airline information. You can book your hotel online from this site, and some hotels offered through PetTravel.com provide a Best Rate Guarantee. They also offer a 24-hour toll-free reservation line.

No matter where you go or how you get there, if you have a cell phone, Purina can help you find all the pet-friendly places in any city using go2pets™. With go2pets™, you can enter the city you’re visiting, and find pet-friendly lodging, restaurants, dog parks and more, then get the phone number and directions. (Works great even when you aren’t traveling!) To give it a try, text “pets” to 462411 (carrier charges may apply) or preview the service online at go2pets.com.

Keep in mind as you travel, many cities have pet-friendly hotels- the important thing is to find a city with pet-friendly things to do and see. Most hotels do not allow dogs to be left alone in the room, and pet sitting may not be available.

All pet travel sites offer the same advice – always call ahead to the pet-friendly establishment to make sure their pet friendliness hasn’t changed. Also note that “pet-friendly” means different things to different hotels. Some places merely “allow” pets, and have strict rules. You will have a much more enjoyable stay if the hotel “welcomes” pets, meaning they treat your dog like they are happy to have him as a guest.

When you travel with your dog, make sure you know your doggie Travel Etiquette so everyone has a good experience and you are welcome back the next time!
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