Friday 26 June 2026 is Take Your Dog to Work Day, and plenty of Aussie offices are throwing open their doors to four-legged colleagues. It is a lovely morale booster, but a busy workplace is a strange and stimulating place for a dog. A bit of planning the week before turns a potentially overwhelming day into a calm, happy one for your dog and everyone around you.
First, Get the Green Light
Before you load the lead and a bag of treats into the car, check that your workplace actually allows dogs and that your manager is on board. Just as importantly, have a quiet word with colleagues. Some people have genuine allergies, asthma, or a real fear of dogs, and their comfort matters as much as your dog’s. The RSPCA recommends confirming nobody nearby will be adversely affected before you commit to the day.
Is Your Dog Actually Suited to It?
Not every dog enjoys a crowded office, and that is perfectly okay. A confident, well-socialised dog who is relaxed around strangers and other animals will usually cope well. A dog who is nervous, reactive, not yet fully vaccinated, or who struggles to settle may find the day stressful rather than fun. If that sounds like your dog, celebrating from home is the kinder choice.
If you are giving it a go, the RSPCA suggests bringing your dog to the outside of your workplace a couple of times beforehand so the building, smells, and surrounds already feel a little familiar on the day.
Sort the Health Basics
Mixing with other dogs means a small risk of sharing more than friendly sniffs. Before the day, make sure your dog is:
- Up to date with vaccinations, including kennel cough (Bordetella) if your vet recommends it
- Current on flea, tick, and worming treatment
- Microchipped with your contact details correct on the register
- Wearing a collar and ID tag, just in case
Winter in Australia is peak season for kennel cough, with social settings like daycare and boarding driving cases up sharply in recent years, so this is not box-ticking. If your dog is unwell or off their food, leave them home to rest.
Pack a Comfort Kit
A familiar setup helps an unfamiliar room feel safe. Pack their own bed or favourite blanket, a water bowl, food and a few treats, poo bags, and one or two quiet chew toys to keep them occupied. Set the bed up right beside your desk so your dog can always see you and you can keep an eye on them throughout the day.
Tire Them Out First
A good walk before work takes the edge off the excitement, so your dog is more likely to flop and snooze rather than pace or bark. Build in regular toilet breaks across the day, and use your lunch break for a proper walk. It is great for your dog and a welcome chance for you to step away from the screen and get some fresh air.
Dog-Proof Your Patch
Offices are full of small hazards at nose height. Before your dog arrives, have a quick scan of your area and tuck away or block off:
- Power cables and phone chargers that invite a chew
- Rubbish bins, especially ones holding food scraps
- Coffee, chocolate, chewing gum, and other snacks left on low desks
- Toxic indoor plants such as lilies and pothos
- Stairwells, lifts, and open exits to the street
Some workplaces use a baby gate or a small pen around the owner’s desk to give dogs a clear, safe zone. Reward calm, settled behaviour with a quiet treat or gentle praise so your dog learns that mellow is exactly what earns the good stuff.
Read the Room
Keep an eye out for signs your dog is not coping. Heavy panting, drooling, pacing, lip-licking, yawning, tucking the tail, or trying to hide can all signal stress. If you see them, take your dog somewhere quieter for a break, and if the day is clearly too much, there is no shame in heading home early. A short, positive visit beats a long, anxious one every time.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Take Your Dog to Work Day 2026 in Australia?
It falls on Friday 26 June 2026. The day encourages workplaces to welcome dogs as a fun way to lift morale and wellbeing, provided it is safe and suitable for everyone involved.
What should I bring for my dog?
Pack their own bed or blanket, a water bowl, food and treats, poo bags, and a couple of quiet toys. Set the bed beside your desk so your dog can see you and settle near you all day.
What if my dog gets anxious at the office?
Watch for panting, drooling, pacing, lip-licking, or hiding. Move your dog to a quieter spot for a break, and head home early if the environment is clearly too stressful. For ongoing anxiety, speak with your vet or a qualified, reward-based trainer.
Does my dog need vaccinations to come to work?
Yes. Keep vaccinations, including kennel cough where recommended, plus flea, tick, and worming treatment current before your dog mixes with other animals. Consult a licensed veterinarian for advice specific to your pet.
Key Takeaways
- Take Your Dog to Work Day 2026 is Friday 26 June.
- Confirm your workplace allows dogs and check colleagues for allergies or fears first.
- Only bring a healthy, well-socialised dog that is comfortable around people and other animals.
- Update vaccinations, parasite treatment, and microchip details before the day.
- Pack a comfort kit, dog-proof your desk, walk them beforehand, and watch closely for signs of stress.
