Memorializing Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim June 26, 2026, as Take Your Dog to Work Day in the State of New York

2025 Regular Session

Requests the Governor to proclaim June 26, 2026, as Take Your Dog to Work Day in New York, a ceremonial, nonbinding observance.

REFERRED TO CALENDAR

Summary of Bill K 1527 (2025-2026) – Memorializing Take Your Dog to Work Day

Purpose and intent

The bill is an Assembly Resolution that memorializes the Governor of New York, Kathy Hochul, to proclaim June 26, 2026, as Take Your Dog to Work Day in the State of New York.

It aligns New York with the national observance, National Take Your Dog to Work Day, which typically occurs on the Friday after Father's Day.

Key provisions

Formal memorialization: The resolution asks the Governor to issue an official proclamation recognizing June 26, 2026, as Take Your Dog to Work Day in New York.

Context provided: The resolution includes background on National Take Your Dog to Work Day, its origins (created by Pet Sitters International in 1999), and the intended benefits of allowing dogs in the workplace (reduced stress, higher morale, improved job satisfaction, enhanced workplace camaraderie, and opportunities to promote pet adoption).

No regulatory or statutory changes: The measure does not establish new state laws, rules, program requirements, or funding. It is a ceremonial request to the Governor.

Who/what is affected

Primary beneficiary: The State of New York, through a gubernatorial proclamation designating a specific day.

Stakeholders referenced: Employers, employees with dogs, and, more broadly, advocates for pet adoption and pet-friendly workplace practices.

There is no obligation placed on employers or businesses by statute; the resolution seeks voluntary participation aligned with the national observance.

Procedural and timeline aspects

Status: Referred to the Calendar (as of 2026-05-29), indicating it has moved through the legislative process to the stage where it could come up for consideration on the floor.

Effective action: If and when the Governor issues a proclamation, the date June 26, 2026, would be observed as Take Your Dog to Work Day in New York.

Only declaratory/ceremonial: The bill does not create enforceable duties, penalties, or funding mechanisms; it is symbolic in nature.

Practical impact and considerations

Awareness and outreach: The proclamation could help highlight the benefits of pet-friendly workplaces and pet adoption efforts.

Implementation expectations: Since it is a proclamation, any actual adoption of dog-friendly policies would be voluntary by private or public employers; there is no mandate or regulatory framework accompanying the resolution.

Calendar alignment: Aligns New York with a national observance, potentially encouraging businesses to consider dog-friendly practices on that specific day.

If you’d like, I can provide a brief comparison to how similar proclamations have been used in other states or outline potential considerations for employers contemplating participation.