New ‘Petiquette’ launched for dogs at work

18 July 2008 

Dogs of all shapes and sizes have already begun perfecting their paw shakes as they get ready to be on their best behaviour for this year’s Take Your Dog To Work Day in aid of The Blue Cross. For this year’s event, which takes place on Wednesday 17 September, The Blue Cross will provide dog owners with training guidance to practice with their four-legged friends in preparation for the day.

The Blue Cross ‘Petiquette’ will comprise a series of video clips* and written guidance demonstrating basic training exercises that owners can practice with their pets.  Those who register via www.takeyourdogtoworkday.co.uk will receive the video clips, which include tips on getting your dog to sit, stay and leave on command, greeting strangers and coming when called. The Blue Cross hopes that the guidance will encourage dog owners ensure that that their pooch displays the required etiquette for a day at work.

Every year, dog owners across the country unite to participate Take Your Dog To Work Day, an annual Blue Cross event, now celebrating its thirteenth year. The aim of the event is to encourage dog owners to spend more time with their pets by taking them into work for a day, and see first-hand the physical and mental benefits that dogs can have on the people around them.  Last year’s event saw more than a thousand dogs bounding along to a range of work places, including offices, TV studios, care homes, building sites, schools and even science labs.

Those taking part in the event are invited to seek sponsorship from friends, family and colleagues for the day to help raise funds for the sick and homeless animals cared for by The Blue Cross at its hospitals, vet clinics and adoption centres nationwide. 

To register to take part, please visit www.takeyourdogtoworkday.co.uk. Visitors to the website will also find information on health and safety advice on taking dogs into the workplace and tips on how to make the day enjoyable for dogs and colleagues alike.

ENDS

Notes to Editors

Once registered, participants will receive The Blue Cross training video clips by e-mail at the end of July

This year will mark the thirteenth Take Your Dog To Work Day

Images of dogs at work with their owners are available via the Blue Cross press office (media contact below)

The Blue Cross animal charity provides practical support, information and advice for pet and horse owners. Through its network of small animal and equine adoption centres it rehomes thousands of animals each year. Its hospitals provide veterinary care for the pets of people who cannot afford private vets' fees.  For more information, please visit www.bluecross.org.uk.

Media contact

Ziela Haider, Press Officer, 020 7932 4063 / 07860 519716 or ziela.haider@bluecross.org.uk