NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release: April 26, 2005
Contact: John Long, Public Relations Coordinator
Phone: 336-983-9222
E-mail: john@petsit.com
Web site: www.petsit.com
Raise the Woof! PSI and Iams Bring You - Take Your Dog To Work Day®
KING, NC—On Friday, June 24, 2005, every dog will have its day when pet lovers around the world celebrate PSI’s 7th Annual Take Your Dog To Work Day®, sponsored by Iams Dog Foods.
Created by Pet Sitters International, TYDTWDay is intended to help homeless dogs find lifelong companionship. The event encourages businesses to welcome dogs into the workplace for one day as a means of spreading the word about what great companions dogs make. The goal is to motivate employees who have never before experienced or who have forgotten the joy a pet can bring, to adopt dogs from their local shelters, humane societies or rescue groups.
“What a difference a day makes,” says Patti Moran, president of PSI. “People bringing their dogs to work for TYDTWDay can make a huge difference in pet adoption rates!”
In less than a decade, TYDTWDay has garnered significant participation from businesses in the United States and abroad. An estimated 10,000 companies took part in last year’s event and even more are expected for 2005.
This year’s theme is “Every dog has its day,” and now every dog will have its Web site, too, with the launch of the official TYDTWDay Web site, www.petsit.com/dogday.
The new site is a fun and fact-filled hub for anyone wishing to register and get involved in the day. Among the site’s many features are an informative web movie, a merchandise center and several free downloads. 
“We created the site to be a one stop resource,” says John Long, public relations coordinator for PSI. “The site’s simplified layout allows companies and individuals to register with ease and offers a free online version of this year’s Action Pack.”
The Action Pack comes with materials designed to help individuals and businesses conduct a successful TYDTWDay. PSI offers two versions of its Action Pack: a free downloadable PDF, available to anyone who registers, as well as the reasonably priced full-color Action Pack, filled with fun extras for dogs and their owners.
Although encouraged, participants don't have to physically bring a dog to work to celebrate the day. If it's not feasible in particular work settings, employees can still participate by bringing pictures of their pets to work or by organizing a fundraiser that benefits local shelters. More ideas can be found in the Action Pack and on the Web site.
Part of PSI’s marketing plan will be to seek out animal shelters, humane societies and rescue groups for help in promoting the day. They have also asked their membership, comprised of more than 7,200 pet sitters, to become involved and help get the word out. Further aiding PSI’s cause will be several high-profile sponsors, including this year’s presenting sponsor, Iams Dog Foods.
“The Iams Company is proud to support Take Your Dog to Work Day,” says Kelly Vanasse, associate director, global internal relations for Iams. “Every day is Take Your Dog To Work Day at Iams, and we encourage others to share in the experience.”
Other sponsors supporting the day include Animal Fair; Official Publication, Dogswell, Official Dog Treat and Magna Hospitality Group, Official Hotels. PSI believes that its efforts along with those of its sponsorship partners will result in one of the best TYDTWDay events to date.
“Many people still believe TYDTWDay is all about having dogs at work,” explains Long. “But the true meaning is increasing the adoption rates of homeless shelter animals. TYDTWDay is the event that brings pets and people together.”
(Note to Editor: High-resolution images/logos are available upon request. Please contact John Long at john@petsit.com or call 336-983-9222.)
About Pet Sitters International
PSI is the creator of Take Your Dog To Work Day®. As the world’s largest membership organization for professional pet sitters, PSI believes that every pet should be a wanted pet, with a pet sitter to care for him or her. www.petsit.com
About The Iams Company
Iams recognizes the benefits of pets in the workplace, and salutes each company that participates in this event to make a positive contribution to promote pet adoptions across North America. www.iams.com
About Animal Fair
Animal Fair’s mission is to create an entertaining lifestyle magazine aimed at style and socially conscious animal lovers and pet owners. Animal Fair is proud to be the Official Publication of the 2005 TYDTWDay event. www.animalfair.com
About Dogswell
Dogswell products are all made from 100 percent premium, natural chicken breast with absolutely no binders, colorings, preservatives or hormones. Unlike many dog treats on the market, Dogswell treats come in a variety of supplements, which are actually healthy for your dog. Dogswell is proud to be the Official Dog Treat of the 2005 TYDTWDay event. www.dogswell.com
About Magna Hospitality Group
You pamper your pet and Magna Hospitality Group hotels do, too. Magna Hospitality Group hotels welcome your family and your family pets from the moment of arrival and throughout your stay. Magna Hospitality Group is proud to be the Official Hotel of the 2005 TYDTWDay event.