Save the date - Pet's at Work Day August 4th

If the winter months are getting you down and Murray from accounts is really getting on your nerves, then pull out the diary, because it’s time to put a big paw print on August 4th. That’s right, a paw print! 

This August, Purina Pets at Work Day is coming to an office near you (your office), and it’s the one day you can bring your furry friends to work for cuddles by the water cooler without being frowned upon. 

The reasons to get excited about Purina Pets at Work Day are endless, but just to get the ball rolling, here are a few:

• Rid yourself of guilt when leaving the house in the morning by letting the dog get in the car, instead of them watching you from the living room window 
• Increased popularity. Nothing and no one can recruit friends quite the same way a dog or cat can
• Increased morale, how can you not smile at an excitedly wagging tail?
• Opportunities for some fresh air, because having your dog lift their leg at your bosses desk is a career-limiting-move 

With just over a fortnight to go until the big day, why not start prepping for the happiest day on earth, by following these tips to make your office pet friendly. Or, head to Purina’s website to check out their handy info.

How can you make your office pet friendly?

1) GET MANAGEMENT AND STAFF ON BOARD
Be sure to engage management up front so you have full support for your programme from the top down. 

2) WORK WITH MANAGEMENT TO ESTABLISH GUIDELINES
Decide which types of pets can come to work e.g. dogs and/or cats and whether or not they need to be allocated different days. You also should establish a few “pet-free” areas in your office (areas like restrooms, food preparation areas and conference rooms).

You may also want to ask about any pet allergies in the office and find ways to respect others’ comfort with pets.

3) GET YOURSELF SET UP
Make sure you have water bowls on hand for thirsty pets, a nice warm spot for them to curl up; some toys to entertain them and if you’ve got cats coming in, a litter box or two probably won’t go astray. 

It’s also a good idea to put a sign on your front door letting visitors know that there are pets running loose in the office, so they can be aware not to leave doors open and to expect a friendly sniff when they arrive!

4) GET OUTSIDE.
Take dogs for a walk at lunchtime and make sure you have regular outside toilet breaks to avoid any accidents. Yet another benefit to having pets in the office – it gets you out of your chair and into the fresh air for some exercise to stimulate your mind!
 
Purina Pets at Work Day is happening this August 4th so make sure you put a reminder in the diary – it’ll be a hoot!