On the German Animal Welfare Federation's “Colleague Dog” campaign day (June 6), dogs can officially get a taste of office life. Together with the food brand Cesar, the animal rights activists are encouraging companies and their employees to try out how everyday working life with a dog works without any obligation. If the day is successful, the dog may soon be allowed to accompany its owner to the office permanently - benefiting not only the dog but also the employer. Registration is still possible until the day of the campaign at www.kollege-hund.de.
“Even though mobile working has made it easier to combine a job and dog ownership, attendance days are still a challenge for people with dogs. A working day with a dog would usually be easy to implement, especially in offices; however, it is often not permitted to take your four-legged friend with you. The ones who suffer are the dogs, who are separated from their family for longer than necessary or even have to wait many hours alone at home for their master or mistress to return,” says Thomas Schröder, President of the German Animal Welfare Federation.
Together with the food brand Cesar, the association is therefore calling on people to use the “Colleague Dog” campaign day to try out everyday working life with a dog in the company without any obligation. Companies that already allow dogs in the workplace can also take part. “Ultimately, it's a win-win situation for everyone involved: the dog is well looked after, employees with dogs can combine pet ownership and work without compromises and the employer benefits from more motivated employees, as studies confirm,” says Schröder. Last but not least, a dog-friendly company also ensures that fewer dogs are handed in to animal shelters due to a lack of time and that more shelter dogs have a better chance of being adopted.
HOW TO MAKE THE “COLLEAGUE DOG” CAMPAIGN DAY A SUCCESS
To ensure that the campaign day is a success in the company, participants receive a surprise package from the Cesar brand with dog snacks and toys after registering at www.kollege-hund.de. A digital tool kit provides valuable tips for everyday working life with dogs and shows how the company can present itself as an attractive employer. For the day itself, preparations still need to be made for the animal colleague. They need a safe place to retreat to, such as a dog basket or blanket, as well as a water bowl and possibly a food bowl. A non-squeaky dog toy can be useful when boredom sets in. Before the dog sleeps away most of the working day - dogs sleep up to 18 hours a day - it should have been exercised during the morning walk. The lunch break should also be dedicated to the dog.
At the end of the campaign day, all companies that have taken part will receive a certificate recognizing them as particularly dog-friendly. A “Dogs welcome” logo can be used for the company's public image, provided that the animal colleagues are even welcome in the long term.
