National Take Your Dog to Work Day 2024: When Is It and How Is It Celebrated
By Ed Malaker
Updated on
If you like keeping your dog with you at all times, National Take Your Dog to Work Day, which takes place in June, is likely to be one of your favorite days of the year. Let’s look at who created this holiday and why and discuss how people celebrate.
When Is National Take Your Dog to Work Day?
National Take Your Dog to Work Day occurs on the Friday after Father’s Day, which occurs on the third Sunday in June. Therefore, National Take Your Dog to Work Day will occur on June 23 2023 and on June 22 2024.
Upcoming Dates of National Take Your Dog to Work Day
| Year | Date |
| 2023 | June 23 |
| 2024 | June 22 |
| 2025 | June 21 |
| 2026 | June 26 |
| 2027 | June 25 |
Who Started National Take Your Dog to Work Day?
Pet Sitters International started National Take Your Dog to Work Day in 1999, so this year’s celebration marks its 25th anniversary. It created the holiday to celebrate that dogs make great companions and to encourage adoption by demonstrating how well they behave.
How Can I Celebrate National Take Your Dog to Work Day?
1. Take Your Dog to Work
The most obvious way to celebrate National Take Your Dog to Work Day is to take your pet to work with you—if your place of business allows it. You will both have a great time and hopefully, your interaction and happiness will show other people how much fun a dog can be, which might convince them to adopt one.
2. Support a Local Shelter
If you don’t have a dog and can’t adopt one, you can still celebrate the holiday by donating to your local animal shelter, which always needs support. You can donate money to help pay for food and supplies, or you can donate your time and take the dogs out for a walk. For a small fee, some shelters might even let you take a dog to work with you, which might convince someone else to adopt them.
3. Pack Smart
When taking your dog to work with you, bring along plenty of chew toys to keep them busy. You will also want to bring water, food, treats, a leash, and cleanup supplies to handle accidents. Packing smart will help your day go smoother, and your boss will be more likely to invite your pet again next year.
4. Create a Nametag
Unless you work alone or in a small office, other employees will likely see and want to meet your dog, so it can be helpful to everyone if they can read their name off a tag.
5. Stop at a Dog Park
Stopping at a dog park for a few minutes on the way to work can be a great way to have fun while letting your dog burn off extra energy. Doing this will make the dog less likely to be disruptive while at work. You can visit the park again during lunch if they’re especially energetic or at the end of the day as a thank you for their good behavior.
6. Take Pictures
Since you likely don’t get to take your pet to work too often, don’t forget to take photos to commemorate the occasion. Pictures of coworkers meeting your dog for the first time are often priceless and will bring a smile to your face for years to come.
Final Thoughts
National Take Your Dog to Work Day occurs on the Friday after Father’s Day, which is on June 23, 2023. Pet Sitters International started it 25 years ago to celebrate dogs being good companions and to help increase adoptions. The organization hopes that coworkers watching you interact with your well-behaved dog will convince them to get one for their family. If you don’t have a dog, you can still celebrate the holiday by donating your time or money to the local animal shelter, and some places will even let you take a dog to work to help convince someone else to get one.
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Featured Image Credit: LightField Studios, Shutterstock
