Take Your Dog to Work Day 2026
Take Your Dog to Work Day is the Friday after Father’s Day — a Pet Sitters International event that invites workplaces to welcome well-behaved dogs for a day and to spotlight shelter adoption. In 2026 that Friday is June 26.
About Take Your Dog to Work Day
History & origins
Pet Sitters International (PSI), founded by Patti J. Moran, created Take Your Dog to Work Day in the United States and first held it in 1999. The goal was to celebrate dogs as companions and to encourage adoptions from shelters, rescue groups, and humane societies by letting coworkers meet calm office dogs. PSI estimates a few hundred businesses took part in the first year. The names Take Your Dog to Work Day and related week branding are associated with PSI’s trademarks.
The calendar rule is simple: the observance falls on the Friday following Father’s Day. Father’s Day in the United States is the third Sunday of June, so Take Your Dog to Work Day moves each year. (Some references note earlier U.K. dog-at-work promotions in the 1990s; the widely cited U.S. founder for this named Friday is PSI in 1999.)
Not every workplace can host dogs — allergies, safety, clients, and lease rules matter. PSI and participating employers emphasize permission, vaccination, manners, and a backup plan if a dog is stressed. The day is informal civic/pet culture, not a government holiday.
Why it matters
The date links office culture to pet adoption messaging. Even workplaces that cannot open the door to dogs can use the Friday to support a local shelter or talk about pet-friendly policies for the future.
How to celebrate
Ask your employer first; never surprise the office with a dog. Bring only a dog that is comfortable in busy indoor settings, with leash, water, waste bags, and a quiet place to rest. Share shelter-adoption info if your workplace organizes a drive. If dogs are not allowed, volunteer at a shelter, foster, or donate supplies instead. Keep the focus on animal welfare and coworker consideration.
Facts
- Pet Sitters International founded the U.S. Take Your Dog to Work Day in 1999
- It is observed on the Friday after Father’s Day (third Sunday of June in the U.S.)
- PSI’s aim included promoting shelter and rescue adoptions
- The day is not a U.S. federal holiday; workplace permission is required
- Related PSI promotions have included pet-to-work week branding in later years
Upcoming dates
- Friday, June 26, 2026
- Friday, June 25, 2027
- Friday, June 23, 2028
- Friday, June 22, 2029
- Friday, June 21, 2030
Frequently asked questions
When is Take Your Dog to Work Day in 2026?
Take Your Dog to Work Day in 2026 falls on Friday, June 26, 2026.
Is today Take Your Dog to Work Day?
No. Take Your Dog to Work Day in 2026 falls on Friday, June 26, 2026, not today.
What is Take Your Dog to Work Day?
An annual Pet Sitters International observance encouraging workplaces to host employees’ dogs for a day and to promote pet adoption.
Who started Take Your Dog to Work Day?
Pet Sitters International founded the U.S. event in 1999; Patti J. Moran founded PSI.
How do you celebrate Take Your Dog to Work Day?
Only with employer approval: bring a well-mannered dog, or support a shelter if pets are not allowed at work.
Is Take Your Dog to Work Day an official holiday?
No. It is a voluntary workplace/pet observance, not a federal day off.
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