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Who Let The Dogs Out? Celebrate 'Bring Your Dog To Work Day,' Bridgeport

WILTON, Conn. -- Friday, June 23 is "Bring Your Dog to Work Day," but for one local company, the dog holiday, which dates to 1999, is celebrated every day.

Employees’ dogs regularly drop in to visit Canine Company CEO Jennifer Hill in her Wilton office.

Employees’ dogs regularly drop in to visit Canine Company CEO Jennifer Hill in her Wilton office.

Photo Credit: Submitted
Belle and Cisco at play in the hallway at Canine Company in Wilton.

Belle and Cisco at play in the hallway at Canine Company in Wilton.

Photo Credit: Submitted
Lulu asks for attention.

Lulu asks for attention.

Photo Credit: Submitted

At the Wilton headquarters of Canine Company, CEO Jennifer Hill said the antics of her staff's furry friends entertain employees and help relieve stress. 

Having dogs in the office also boosts job satisfaction and improves productivity. And that's not just her saying it but research from Virginia Commonwealth University published in the International Journal of Workplace Management.

Apparently, employees want some "FIdo fun" too. A survey from Wellness Natural Pet Food found 52 percent of millennials want pet-friendly offices as do 33 percent of Baby Boomers and 31 percent of Generation X workers.

Ninety-one percent of employees feel more loyal to their company when pets are allowed, according to a 2017 Banfield Pet-Friendly Workplace PAWrometer.

“Our dogs love coming to work with us as much as we love having them here,” explained Hill.

“Their presence in our offices and conference rooms throughout the day makes everyone happy.”

Naturally, the people at Canine Company are all dog lovers or they wouldn’t have chosen a career in pet care. Which is why Hill advises those at other companies to be considerate about co-worker's needs and concerns when celebrating the holiday. 

Bringing a dog into the workplace requires thought and preparation as does taking into account the needs of folks who may have severe allergies or an overwhelming fear of dogs.

Also to be considered: The fact that not every dog is a candidate for a day at the office. "A dog must be friendly and relaxed around people and other dogs, reliably house-trained and at ease in new settings to have a successful day at work," said Hill.

For dogs who meet those requirements, try to keep it a short day. Don’t forget to bring a pet gate to confine him/her to the office (if necessary), a water bowl and treats, a plastic mat for under the bowl (to prevent carpet stains) and plastic bags for cleaning up -- just in case there’s an accident.

For more information on Canine Company and its array of services (training, invisible fences, mobile pet spa) go to www.caninecompany.com or call 800-818-DOGS (3647).

In the meantime, have a "ruff" day.

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