Friday 20th June 2025 is Bring Your Dog to Work Day, and yes, it’s exactly as joyful as it sounds. Imagine a boardroom full of wagging tails, an office chat interrupted by a happy bark, and a spreadsheet review made infinitely better by the gentle snore of a snoozing Spaniel under your desk. Pure bliss.
But this day isn’t just about dog selfies and puppy cuddles (although we fully support and encourage both). Bring Your Dog to Work Day was founded by us here at Hownd in 2014 with a much bigger mission in mind: to champion the incredible benefits dogs bring to our everyday lives, especially in the workplace, and to raise vital funds for animal welfare charities doing life-changing work.
Now in its 11th year, the world might look a little different, but the reasons behind this day are just as relevant, perhaps even more so. In a time when workplace wellbeing, human connection, and compassion matter more than ever, what better way to spark joy, reduce stress, and encourage kindness than by inviting our four-legged best friends to join us at work?
This year, we’re turning the spotlight back onto the heart of Bring Your Dog to Work Day: not just the fun, but the why. From boosting morale to supporting incredible causes like All Dogs Matter, Animals Asia, and The Surge Sanctuary, we’re diving into what this day truly stands for and why we should all take it seriously (even if our dogs won’t).
The Purpose of Bring Your Dog to Work Day
Bring Your Dog to Work Day is more than just a fun excuse to bring your furry best friend into the office; it’s an initiative with real heart. At its core, the day is about promoting the many benefits of a dog-friendly workplace, from boosting morale to lowering stress levels, while also raising vital funds for animal welfare charities. Over the years, we’ve proudly supported brilliant organisations like All Dogs Matter, Animals Asia, and The Surge Sanctuary, and this year, we’re also encouraging you to look a little closer to home by donating to your local dog shelters and rescue centres. Every dog deserves a safe, loving environment, whether that’s a forever home or a comfortable bed under a desk.
But it doesn’t stop there. Bring Your Dog to Work Day also shines a light on the social power of our canine companions. Dogs in the office can transform the mood, help build stronger teams, and create a more relaxed, positive working environment. And by showing just how wonderful life with a dog can be, we hope to inspire more people to consider adoption, because nothing says “good employee” quite like one with four legs and a wagging tail.
The Benefits of Bring Your Dog to Work Day
Let’s be honest, dogs bring a certain kind of magic to the workplace. Their presence does more than just brighten the room; it can actually improve the way we work, feel, and connect with others. Here’s how:
1. Stress Reduction
Spending time with dogs has been shown to lower cortisol levels (the hormone linked to stress) and increase serotonin and dopamine, which help us feel calm and content. Just a few minutes of stroking a dog can ease tension and help employees manage workplace pressures more effectively.
2. Improved Morale
Dogs bring joy and positivity wherever they go. Their natural playfulness and affection can lift the mood in an office instantly, helping to boost overall morale and job satisfaction. A happy dog trotting around the office can do wonders for turning a tough day around.
3. Encouraging Social Interaction
Dogs are brilliant conversation starters. Whether it’s chatting about breeds, asking for a cuddle, or joining in on a lunchtime walk, dogs help break down social barriers and encourage more natural, relaxed interactions between colleagues. That means stronger connections, better teamwork, and a friendlier work culture.
4. Creating a Calmer Atmosphere
The presence of dogs can transform the overall energy in a workspace. Offices with dogs often report a more relaxed and welcoming vibe, which can help employees stay focused, patient, and less reactive under pressure.
5. Promoting Physical Activity
Dogs need regular walks and toilet breaks, and that gets their humans moving, too. Taking short breaks throughout the day for a stroll outside not only benefits the dog but also encourages employees to stretch their legs, clear their heads, and return to their desks feeling refreshed and re-energised.
6. Fostering a Sense of Community
Having dogs in the workplace can help build a stronger sense of community. From shared lunchtime walks to team members bonding over treat preferences, dogs naturally create shared experiences and strengthen relationships across departments.
As we celebrate the 11th Bring Your Dog to Work Day, let’s remember it’s about more than just having fun; it’s about supporting dog welfare, boosting wellbeing, and building stronger communities. We invite you to join us by donating to amazing charities like All Dogs Matter, Animals Asia, The Surge Sanctuary, or your local rescue groups to help dogs in need.
And don’t forget to share the joy! Post your best office dog snaps on social media using #BringYourDogToWorkDay; we’d love to see your furry coworkers in action. Together, we can make this day paws-itively unforgettable!
