Take Your Dog to Work Day falls on the Friday after Father’s Day each June. Created by Pet Sitters International in 1999, this fun day encourages bosses to welcome dogs into the office. It celebrates pet dogs while helping shelter pets find homes. Bringing a well-behaved dog to work lifts workplace mood, lowers stress, and helps rescue dogs find loving families. Taking your dog to the office offers a wonderful way to connect with co-workers and share your daily routine with your pet.

What is Take Your Dog to Work Day?

Take Your Dog to Work Day is an annual event that lets workers bring their dogs to the office for a day. First held in 1999, the event gives pet parents a fun chance to share their work routine with their dogs.

The day is about more than just fun at your desk. It aims to show the joy dogs bring to life. It also encourages co-workers without pets to adopt from local animal shelters and rescue groups.

Thousands of workplaces join in each summer. Many offices mark the day with pet photo contests, shelter fund drives, or donations of food, towels, and toys for local pet shelters.

The origins and purpose of the observance

Pet Sitters International, founded by Patti Moran, started Take Your Dog to Work Day in 1999. The group drew inspiration from Take Our Daughters to Work Day, a popular event created in the 1990s.

PSI knew that companion dogs bring comfort and joy. By bringing dogs to the office, PSI hoped to show the strong bond between pets and owners while helping shelter dogs find homes. In 1999, about 300 companies joined.

The success of the day led PSI to create Take Your Pet to Work Week. The event now includes Take Your Cat to Work Day on the Monday before, letting cat owners join the fun too.

When is the event held each year?

Take Your Dog to Work Day takes place on the Friday after Father’s Day in June. Since Father’s Day is on the third Sunday of June, the event always lands near the start of summer.

The date is the finale for Take Your Pet to Work Week, which runs from Monday through Friday of that week. Holding the event on Friday gives teams a relaxed end to the work week.

Because the date changes every year, workplaces should check the calendar early in the spring. Planning ahead gives managers time to set pet safety rules and prepare the building for dogs.

How to prepare your office for canine visitors

Hosting dogs at work takes good planning to keep everyone safe, happy, and on task. Managers should ask staff first to check for pet allergies, fears, or building lease rules. Planning early helps keep the day running smoothly for everyone in the building.

Offices must set up dog-free areas, like bathrooms, eating rooms, and main meeting rooms. Setting up outdoor pet spots with waste bags and trash bins keeps the grounds clean all day.

Pet owners must make sure their dogs are house-trained, friendly, and up to date on shots. Owners should also bring a portable crate or cozy bed so their dog can rest quietly during work hours.

Essential workplace etiquette and pet safety

Good pet rules keep the day fun for pet owners and non-pet owners alike. Dogs should stay on short leashes or behind desk gates when walking through shared hallways.

Keep dog treats in sealed jars so they do not distract other pets. Owners should watch their dogs closely and avoid crowded spots where dogs might feel nervous or scared.

If a dog gets stressed, barks a lot, or feels unsafe, the owner should take the pet home. Putting animal comfort first keeps the work space calm and pleasant for all staff.

Benefits for employee morale and shelter adoption

Bringing dogs to work offers real mental health benefits for staff. Petting a dog lowers stress, encourages short walk breaks, and creates friendly chats between co-workers who rarely meet.

The event gives pet shelters a great way to reach new people. Participating workplaces often invite shelter speakers, share adoption flyers, or raise money for shelter pet care. These events create strong ties between local businesses and animal shelters.

For pet parents, spending the day with their dog cuts down on stress for both human and pet. Seeing happy rescue dogs at work inspires non-pet owners to visit a local shelter and adopt a dog.

Take Your Dog to Work Day Dates

This year Take Your Dog to Work Day is celebrated on Friday, Jun 26, 2026

Year	Date	Day
2026	Jun 26	Friday
2027	Jun 25	Friday
2028	Jun 23	Friday
2029	Jun 22	Friday
2030	Jun 21	Friday
2031	Jun 20	Friday

How to mark the day at work

Whether your workplace hosts in-person pets or plans a virtual celebration, here are great ways to participate.