Everything You Need to Create an Amazing Dog-Friendly OfficeAhead of 'Bring Your Dog to Work Day,' here are tips on how to make your office a welcoming place for our four-legged friends.

Tomorrow is the annual Take Your Dog To Work Day. Created byPet Sitters Internationalin 1999, the event was conceived to "celebrate the great companions dogs make and promote their adoptions." But many employers are realizing the benefits of pet-friendly offices, apart from Take Your Dog to Work Day.

Researchhas found that dogs in the workplace reduce stress as well as promoting interaction among co-workers, not to mention just making your job a lot more fun. Astudyby Banfield Pet Hospital found that allowing dogs and other pets to accompany employees to work can attract and retain top talent, improve moral, provide a greater work-life balance, inspire company loyalty, increase productivity and create a general sense of well-being.

But a dog-friendly office is not without challenges.

Here are some things to consider when making your office welcome to pooches.

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Test the waters

It's crucial to meet with your employees or co-workers to make sure everyone's on board. If the reaction to going dog-friendly is not as unanimous as you'd hoped, it doesn't mean you have to abandon your plans. Instead:

• Consider scaling down your plan to one day a week
• If your office space is large enough, create a dog-free area
• Provide air purifiers for those with allergies
• Gates on cubical entrances will keep dogs contained

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Create a pet policy

Before going dog-friendly, employers will need to set some ground rules. First, a written policy for allowing dogs in the office will make ensure that your dog-friendly digs will provide a positive, constructive experience — for both the employees and their dogs.

Some companies require employees to register their dogs. A pet policy should be a document that is available to your employees and that they should sign. Consider including these important points:

• Dogs should be up to date on vaccinations
• Dogs should be clean and parasite free
• Dogs should be trained in basic commands
• Dogs should have no history of aggressive behavior or biting
• Dogs should be housetrained
• Dogs must be controllable while in the office

Guidelines for employee responsibility, procedures if rules are broken, and other pertinent information should also be outlined. Check out Pet Sitters International'ssample pet policy.

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Look at the environment

There are some very dog-devoted companies that have designed their offices with dogs in mind.

Kurgo的领先供应商质量狗supplie旅行s and accessories for active dogs, designed their office with artificial grass on the cubical floors and in play areas, low water fountains for thirsty pups, a dog shower and toy baskets.

Amazonhas a "doggie deck" with a fake fire hydrant, a "Dogs Only" water fountains, a 1,000-square-foot dog park, poop bag stations, designated dog relief areas, receptionists armed with dog treats, and a doggie treat truck.

While it's not necessary to completely renovate your office space, it's a good idea take a look around to see if it's a dog-friendly environment. Ask yourself:

• Is there enough space?
• Are there easily accessible outdoor areas for dogs to take bathroom breaks?
• Is there a way to contain pets in employees' offices or cubical space?
• Is there a separate space for people who don't love dogs?

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How to create a dog-friendly space

You don't have to go crazy and completely overhaul your office, but there are a few easy ways to make your office space more dog-friendly. If you invest in some dog gear and carefully allot your space, you can make it dog-friendly for all of your workers.

Stock up on:

Water bowls:Weighted bowlsin different sizes will cut down on spills.
Food bowls:Trynon-skid bowls, but you can ask your employees to bring their own. Have a few on hand for emergencies.
Poop bags:You can getbio-degradable bagsin bulk. If you have a lot of employees, consider aDog Waste Station.
Hand wipes:Theserinse-free sanitizing wipescan be a lifesaver.
Dog gates:Super important for keeping dogs contained, but you don't have to spend a fortune on asturdy gate.
Dog beds:Throw a few dog beds andsofasorelevated dog bedsaround in different sizes to encourage quiet time.
Toys:Anassortmentwill keep dogs busy so their owners can work.
Treats:It's always good to have an assortment available for people to give to the dogs. Opt forhealthy, natural treats.
Lint rollers:Don't leave home without these.Scotch Britesells them in bulk andhas refills.There are also rollers that are moreearth friendly.
Carpet and upholstery cleaners:Have this on hand for accidents, but choose a cleaner specifically for pet stains, like theBissell's Powerglide Lift Off Pet Vacuum.
Puppy Pads:Potty padsare helpful for small dogs with small bladders.
Odor and stain remover:Nature's Miraclewill do the job.

Before any canine workers arrive, be sure to pet proof your office. Secure electrical wires and cables so dogs cannot chew through them. You can usecable shield covers,baseboard wire channels,over-floor cord protectorsorcable cover tape.

It's a good idea to getwastebaskets with coversandsecure kitchen garbage. Get down on a dog's level, and pick up any choking hazards or sharp objects. Use gates to block off any areas where dogs will not be allowed.

While this may all seem like a long to-do list, don't let that deter you. Preparation is a one-time job, and the benefits of having man's (and woman's) best friend will be worth the work.