Dogs in the workplace - this is once again possible in many companies across Germany on June 5, 2025 on the occasion of Colleague Dog Day. The German Animal Welfare Association is calling for participation together with the food brand Cesar. The aim of the annual campaign day is to establish dogs as an integral part of a modern working environment in companies in order to make life easier for both the animals and their owners. Companies also benefit from the positive energy that dogs bring to the office and, according to studies, contribute to a motivated and harmonious working environment.
"Dogs are not a pastime for the weekend and after work. As social animals, dogs want to be part of their humans' lives seven days a week. However, many working dog owners spend most of the day at work - without their four-legged friend. With the Colleague Dog Action Day, we want to show how easy it can be to reconcile dogs and work," says Thomas Schröder, President of the German Animal Welfare Association.
"When dogs are allowed to come to work, everyone benefits: the mood in the team improves, breaks can be actively organized with a walk, and the risk of animals being handed over to the animal shelter due to time constraints decreases. At the same time, the hope of adoption increases for many shelter dogs because more people can decide to adopt an animal despite having a job."
SUPPORTERS MUST CONSENT TO THE DOG'S PARTICIPATION
Anyone who wants to take part in the Colleague Dog Action Day with their four-legged friend should ask their supervisor for permission beforehand. It is also important that the dog is friendly to other people. If there are colleagues who are afraid of dogs or have allergies, it helps to have separate areas where dogs are not allowed. If there are no objections to taking the dog with you, the dog owner only needs to think about the basket or the usual dog blanket so that the dog can retreat undisturbed.
A bowl of fresh water should always be available. A chew bone or a toy without a squeaker can keep the dog occupied without disturbing him if he gets bored. During the breaks, dog owners should concentrate fully on their four-legged friend again during a walk. To ensure that the dog spends most of the working day dozing or sleeping, it must be physically and mentally exercised before and after work.
REGISTRATION FOR ANIMAL SNAP DAY
Owners or employees of companies that allow dogs on the day of the campaign - or even permanently - can register via www.kollege-hund.de until the day of the campaign. Each participant will receive a guide to integrating dogs into everyday office life in advance and can look forward to a “Cesar surprise package”. After taking part, the company will receive a certificate recognizing it as particularly dog-friendly. In the event that dogs are allowed to enrich everyday office life on a permanent basis, the company can use a “dogs welcome” logo for its public image.
Note to editors: We would be delighted if you would report on the “Colleague Dog” campaign day. We would be happy to put you in touch with participating companies - also from your federal state. An information flyer on the Colleague Dog 2025 campaign day, which contains further facts and figures on dogs in the workplace, can be found here.
