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Animal Update: Take Your Dog To Work Day

(KCBS) - KCBS' Jeff Bell talks to Dr. Jack Aldridge, Director of Veterinary Services at The San Francisco SPCA about June 24th, Take Your Dog To Work Day.

Dr. Jack Aldridge says having animals in the workplace is great fun but it is also reported that it improves morale, boosts relationships among employees and increases productivity.

Overall, we know that working in a happy, open and creative environment is good for business – it increases staff retention and decreases absenteeism.

This is about more than just one day a year.   It's a way to illustrate the advantages of creating pet-friendly workplaces.   There are nearly 70 million pet dogs in this country, so a pet friendly work environment helps employees manage a good work-life balance.  And, of course, we hope that more people will consider adopting pets from shelters and rescues if such arrangements are possible.

There are some good ground rules for pets at work.    Many employees at the San Francisco SPCA bring their dogs to work and their policies work pretty well.    Essentially it comes down to basic etiquette, for the people and the dogs.    All dogs are leashed in common areas, are well socialized, current on vaccinations, have been spayed or neutered and are never left alone where barking or whining could disturb others.

If you're interested in making your workplace pet-friendly, you can visit their website for their PETS AT WORK Policy, at sfspca.org.

Animal Update airs on KCBS All News 740AM and 106.9FM on Sundays at 1:35 p.m., 3:35 p.m., and 9:21 p.m.   

(Copyright 2011 by CBS San Francisco. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)

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