Many pet parents would love to bring their pets everywhere they go, including work. This June 22nd is “Take Your Dog to Work Day,” sponsored by Pet Sitters International. Lisa Chelenza has some tips for you before you show up at your office with your dog in tow in this edition of Pet Pointers.

First, ask the boss or consult your company’s employee handbook to find out if pets are strictly prohibited and ask co-workers how they would feel if you brought your dog along for a day. It’s important to get approval from management before you show up with your dog or you could be disciplined.

Evaluate your dog. Is your dog house broken? Well behaved? Obedient? If your pooch is a jumping, barking, growling, defecating out of control menace, you should take them to a training class and work with them at home. Your coworkers will appreciate your dog more if he or she is friendly, relatively calm, and well mannered. This is also a great way to help socialize your dog.

Once you have decided to bring your canine companion to the office, be sure they are well groomed, clean and smelling good, schedule a trip to the groomer or give them a bath the day before.

Bring along a few accessories: their leash, water dish, a few treats, and their favorite “quiet” toys. Please leave the squeaky ones at home.

Recent studies have shown that dogs help make work places more harmonious, improve productivity, reduce stress and reduce absenteeism.

For additional tips on bringing your dog to work, you can go to www.akc.org.