5 Reasons Why Companies Should Celebrate Bring Your Dog to Work Day

Carlyn Montes De Oca, an author, speaker, nutritional consultant, and founder of the Animal-Human Health Commission is pushing American companies and employees to further embrace Bring Your Dog to Work Day. The 2017 edition of the holiday — which was first celebrated in 1999 — is scheduled for June 23.

Montes De Oca, the author of Dog as My Doctor, Cat as My Nurse: An Animal Lover’s Guide to a Healthy, Happy & Extraordinary Life, hopes that an emphasis on Bring Your Dog to Work Day would further spread awareness on the healing properties of pets — especially dogs.

Specifically, Carlyn Montes De Oca cites five reasons as to why dogs belong in the workplace:

1. Dogs serve as canine collaborators. They encourage people to talk to each other face to face and not just through email and text messages.

2. Dogs are naturals when it comes to busting stress. Just stroking a dog’s fur lowers people’s blood pressure.

3. Dogs encourage people to take breaks and get out of their office chairs. Not only does this improve a person’s health, but it also allows their brain to work better.

4. Dogs inspire creativity.

5. Dogs create happier workplaces, helping with employee retention.

Research supports Carlyn Montes De Oca’s points — including a March 2016 survey by Banfield Pet Hospital in Vancouver, Washington. Banfield asked more than 1,000 employees and 200 human resource decision makers from companies across the U.S. all about the benefits of having dogs in the workplace. Seven out of 10 respondents viewed the practice positively, which is a good sign.

Be sure to share this with anyone who wants a four-legged friend in their office on Bring Your Dog to Work Day.