Learn more fun facts on the National Take Your Dog to Work Day Video Page.
National Take Your Dog to Work Day, observed annually on the Friday following Father’s Day, celebrates the joy and companionship our canine friends bring to our lives. This day encourages workplaces to open their doors to furry colleagues, fostering a unique environment. Plan ahead with your employer, ensure your dog is well-behaved, and prepare for a day of wagging tails and smiles.
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Expected National Take Your Dog to Work Day Deals
While official 2027 promotions are still under wraps, history shows that pet-friendly brands and retailers often roll out special offers for National Take Your Dog to Work Day. Look for discounts on pet supplies from retailers like PetSmart and Petco, or special treats and toys from online stores such as Chewy. Local pet boutiques might host in-store events or offer free samples. Keep an eye on brands like BarkBox for themed subscription boxes or Frontline for essential pet care products. We will update this page with confirmed live deals as June approaches.
Platform Guide for National Take Your Dog to Work Day
Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #TakeYourDogToWorkDay. Share photos and videos of your furry coworker in action, from napping under the desk to greeting colleagues.
TikTok
Tag @www.nationaltoday.com and use #TakeYourDogToWorkDay. Create short, fun videos showcasing your dog’s ‘job’ or funny office antics.
Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #TakeYourDogToWorkDay. Share stories and tips for a successful dog-friendly workday, inviting others to post their experiences.
National Take Your Dog to Work Day Hero
Patti J. Moran
History of National Take Your Dog to Work Day
Recognized for the first time in 1999, National Take Your Dog to Work Day celebrates our immense love for dogs. But our adoration of man’s best friend wasn’t the only reason PSI suggested the holiday. National Take Your Dog to Work Day is also intended to cleverly promote pet adoptions. Through these work events, non-pet owners witness the special bond their co-workers have with their pets and, hopefully, find themselves swayed to adopt a new best friend of their own.
Cue the local animal shelters and rescue groups. With almost 4 million dogs entering shelters across the US every year, animal rescue has become an important cause among Americans. Companies care about what their employees care about and, it’s clear, we care about dogs. So, companies benefit by getting involved from a community outreach perspective and from an enhanced employee engagement point of view.
Around 300 businesses hosted a National Take Your Dog to Work Day event in 1999 and the popularity of the holiday has grown steadily since. Twenty years later, over 63 million US households own at least one dog and the pet industry is estimated to have brought in over $70 billion in 2019. Our dogs (and cats) are family and we spoil them as much as any other child. In response, we now see companies who are dog-friendly, not limiting the number of days an employee can bring Buddy to work to just one.
So, raise the WOOF and get ready to host a National Take Your Dog to Work Day event where you work with these great ideas and resources.
National Take Your Dog to Work Day timeline
The domestication of dogs is believed to have started over 15,000 years ago through the critical relationships between dogs and hunters.
The first reference to the saying “man’s best friend” was supposedly made by Frederick, King of Prussia in the mid-1700s while he was speaking of one of his Italian Greyhounds.
Pet Sitter’s International introduces National Take Your Dog to Work Day.
Today, there are over 2 million insured pets in the US with 15% of American companies offering pet insurance as a benefit to their employees.
How Businesses Can Celebrate National Take Your Dog to Work Day
Local businesses can embrace National Take Your Dog to Work Day by creating a welcoming and safe environment for furry visitors. Consider designating pet-friendly zones, providing water bowls and waste stations, and communicating clear guidelines to employees. Businesses can also partner with local animal shelters for an on-site adoption event, or offer special discounts for employees who bring their dogs to work. Highlighting pet-friendly features on social media can also attract new customers.
National Take Your Dog to Work Day FAQs
When is National Take Your Dog to Work Day?
In 2026, National Take Your Dog to Work Day falls on Friday, June 26. This unique observance encourages workplaces to welcome canine companions for a day of shared office fun.
How many households in the U.S. own a dog?
According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), approximately 48 million U.S. households own at least one dog, making them the most popular pet in the country. This widespread companionship highlights the significance of days like Take Your Dog to Work Day.
What are the benefits of taking your dog to work?
Bringing your dog to work can offer several benefits, including reduced employee stress, increased social interaction, and improved morale. Studies suggest that pets in the workplace can create a more relaxed and productive environment for many.
Is National Take Your Dog to Work Day only for dogs?
While the original holiday focuses on dogs, its success inspired similar observances like National Take Your Cat to Work Day and National Take Your Pet to Work Week. Many companies now embrace a broader ‘Take Your Pet to Work’ approach.
National Take Your Dog to Work Day Activities
Support a local shelter
A key aspect of the holiday is the philanthropic efforts to support local animal shelters and rescue dogs through adoption. Ask employees to “pay” to bring their dog to work with money or donated items. Invite a representative from a local shelter to participate in your event to showcase their mission, share success stories and provide details of dogs available for adoption.
Find a New Job
So, your employer isn’t dog-friendly? It may be time to move on to greener dog parks. Well, if not now, definitely the next time you happen to look. These companies were considered dog-friendliest in 2019 where everyday is National Take Your Dog to Work Day!
Learn Over Lunch
If your employer nixes the idea of dogs at work, convince them to participate through animal education. Take Your Cat to Work Day is Monday of this same week (also known as Take Your Pet to Work Week) so all animal lovers would appreciate an engaging discussion about pet care or pet trends over lunch.
5 Ways To Make Your National Take Your Dog To Work Day Event Fabulous
Puppy-proof the office
Put away things dogs may chew or eat that could be harmful to them or damaging to the office (chocolate, poisonous plants, electrical wires or equipment)
Get the “all clear”
Nine percent of the population suffers from cynophobia – the irrational fear of dogs; acknowledge people who are allergic to or afraid of dogs and explain how the day can be fun even for them.
Pack doggie bags
No party is complete without a giveaway; give every pup a doggie bag of treats and small toys
Vote for the top dog
Give out fun prizes for best outfit, coolest dog trick, smallest dog, tallest dog and other fun categories.
Strut Your Mutt
Plan time during your National Take Your Dog to Work Day for a pet parade; a great way for everyone to mingle and strut their mutt.
Why We Love National Take Your Dog to Work Day
Dogs set a paws-itive mood
Many people love their dog more than they love other humans. Dogs provide unconditional love and companionship. They not only brighten our day but lower our blood pressure at the end of a stressful one. Get a head start on reigning in that work stress by taking them to work.
We love having fun at work
People who have fun at work are more likely to stay at work longer, be more devoted to their employer and give their best consistently to their work. This holiday is a win-win!
Dogs enjoy working too
Our relationship with dogs began out of a work relationship - they helped the hunter. Their resume is pretty impressive – herder, protector, guide, service provider, sniff detector. Maybe they should be paid for going into work with you!
Social Media Tips for National Take Your Dog to Work Day
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