Why ‘Take your dog to work day’ could be good for business

How dogs can transform the workplace

With ‘Take your dog to work day’ on Friday, 26 June 2026, RSPCA Pet Insurance is encouraging Australian businesses to embrace the day as a fun way to boost connection, morale and wellbeing in the workplace.   

Australia is already a nation of pet lovers with 7.7 million households now owning at least one pet, and dogs are present in 49% of Australian homes. For many employees, dogs are part of the family and bringing them into the workplace for a day can create a lighter, warmer and more connected office environment. ¹

7.7 million

Australian households now own at least one pet ¹

49%

of Australian homes have a dog ¹

Building stronger connections

Dr Katrina Warren, one of Australia’s most recognised veterinarians and pet experts, says dogs can have a powerful effect on how people feel, particularly when they are introduced into shared spaces in a thoughtful and positive way.

“Dogs have a wonderful ability to bring people together. They can help break the ice, encourage people to pause, start conversations and create a more relaxed atmosphere. ‘Take your dog to work day’ is a lovely opportunity for workplaces to celebrate the bond Australians have with their pets.”

What the research tells us

Australian education settings are already showing how dogs can help support wellbeing. Dogs Connect, which works with schools across Australia, says 92% of students surveyed felt more relaxed during teaching and learning time when there was a dog in the classroom. Monash University research into therapy dogs in educational settings has also found these programs can positively impact children’s emotional, physical, academic and social wellbeing.² ³

92%

of students surveyed felt more relaxed during teaching and learning time when there was a dog in the classroom ² ³

Getting your workplace ready

Dr Warren says the same idea can apply in workplaces, provided businesses prepare properly. “A successful dog-friendly day starts before the dogs arrive. Business owners should set simple guidelines, make sure staff are comfortable, create dog-friendly and dog-free areas, and give owners clear expectations so everyone can enjoy the day.”

She believes planning should involve the staff who would like to bring their dogs, so they can talk openly about their dogs’ breeds, temperaments, energy levels and any behaviour considerations. “Not every dog will enjoy the energy of a busy workplace. For some dogs, the noise, movement and unfamiliar people can feel stressful or overwhelming. In those cases, the kindest option is to let them stay relaxed and comfortable at home.”

She suggests businesses should also think about practical details such as water bowls, toilet breaks, leads, quiet spaces, lifts, meeting rooms and whether certain areas, such as kitchens or client-facing spaces, should remain dog-free. It is also important for pet owners to prepare their dogs ahead of time with basic training to teach their dog to calmly lie on a mat or bed when asked.

Making it a positive experience for everyone

“The office is full of new sounds, smells and people, so it helps if dogs are already comfortable being out and about,” she says. “Bring familiar items like a favourite blanket, treats, food if needed, a water bowl and waste bags. The goal is to make the day enjoyable for the dog as well as the humans.”

For business owners considering whether to take part, Dr Warren says the key is to keep it positive, voluntary and well organised.

“Not every workplace will be suited to dogs, but for those that are, ‘Take your dog to work day’ can be a fantastic way to lift the mood and bring teams together. It should feel relaxed, inclusive and fun.

She adds that a successful day should be enjoyable and comfortable for everyone. “Participation should be voluntary and businesses should consider staff who may be nervous around dogs or have allergies. Creating dog-free zones is a simple way to make sure people can choose how much interaction they have with visiting dogs on the day.”

“Dogs bring joy into so many homes and on ‘Take your dog to work day’, they can bring a little joy into the office too. With the right preparation, it can be a feel-good day for staff, businesses and their four-legged visitors.”

Dr Katrina Warren’s tips for a pawsitive day at work:

Set the tone early

Let staff know the plan, where dogs can go and what owners need to bring.

Make it a team effort

Encourage staff who want to bring dogs to talk ahead of time about their dog’s temperament, energy levels and any specific needs.

Create dog-friendly zones

Give dogs space to settle and keep some areas dog-free for staff who prefer it.

Match the dogs to the day

Consider which dogs are likely to enjoy the office environment and which may be happier staying home.

Pack the essentials

Owners should bring a lead, water bowl, bed or mat, treats, food if needed and waste bags.

Plan mini breaks

Schedule short outdoor breaks so dogs can stretch, toilet and reset.

Keep greetings calm

Let dogs approach people and other dogs at their own pace and avoid overwhelming them with too much attention.

Make it fun

Consider a dog photo board, morning tea, best-dressed bandana or a small fundraising activity for animal welfare.

About RSPCA Pet Insurance

RSPCA Pet Insurance is a purpose-driven strategic partnership between RSPCA Australia and Pacific International Insurance, designed to protect and improve the wellbeing of pets while also helping contribute funding to RSPCA animal welfare initiatives nationwide. With over 150 years of RSPCA expertise in animal care, advocacy, and veterinary knowledge, our customisable product offers transparent, flexible coverage that can be tailored to pet owners’ needs and budgets, with premiums helping support RSPCA initiatives such as rescue, rehabilitation, rehoming, education, and law enforcement efforts for animals in need. Guided by a vision of a world where pets can live well and be well, RSPCA Pet Insurance combines empathy, expertise, and innovation to help make pet insurance accessible and impactful. For more information, visit rspcapetinsurance.org.au

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