When many Americans arrive at work today, they’ll be greeted by a visitor with a bit of extra hair, a wet nose, and an extra appendage at the other end.

Friday, June 22, is Take Your Dog to Work Day, and many businesses and organizations across the country will be playing host to their employees’ canine companions.

Increasingly, animals are accompanying their humans not just to work, but on vacation and even on short trips to the store. America is becoming a nation of animal devotees, and while every employer may not yet be animal-friendly, a growing number of businesses across the country are reaping the benefits of catering to these “blended families.”

For Chad Johnson’s rat terrier, Pearl, every day is Take Your Dog to Work Day.

Johnson, owner of Light Eyes Beads, says Pearl has joined him at the office since she was a puppy.

“I bring her to work every day,” said Johnson. “She likes to pester and meet and greet people who come into the store.”

For Johnson Pearl is not just a companion at work and at home. She usually tags along wherever he goes.

“She’s good about going anywhere with me or my wife,” said Johnson. “She’s ready to go all the time. She doesn’t like to sit at home by herself.”

Pearl is not alone in her role as a pampered pooch.

Johnson is just one of a number of Americans who consider their pets a member of the family. As a result, the amount of money spent on furry family members has reached an all-time high.

According to a survey conducted by the American Pet Products Manufacturers Association, total spending on pet supplies in 2007 is expected to reach $40.8 billion.

It’s not just about bringing pets to work, or spending unprecedented amounts on pet-related products. These days, many Americans are opting to take their pets on the road, and airlines and hotels are starting to accommodate them.

Since a trip just wouldn’t be right with a family member sitting at home, the need for pet-friendly plane rides is a must.

According to Delta Airlines’ Web site, certain seasonal restrictions may determine how a pet is transported. Temperatures, destination, health, kennel and even breed- or size-specific regulations apply. Any potential airline passenger should contact the airline before making arrangements.

Different airlines may have different policies regarding animal transportation, so travelers should always check with individual airlines for applicable requirements and restrictions. While small dogs and cats are often allowed to travel inside the cabin with the other passengers, they must be well-behaved. In these cases, they must be encased in portable kennels, many of which resemble carry-on suitcases with mesh sides – and they must be able to fit under the seat in front of the passenger, just like other carry-ons.

But where does a pooch like Pearl stay when she arrives?

Most large-chain hotels today choose to accommodate animals on the go, and although neither of the large-chain hotels surveyed within Tahlequah allowed pets, several other hotels across the U.S. are adopting pet-friendly policies.

Some of these hotels even offer special packages for pets and their owners. One such hotel is the Monaco in Chicago, which has several pooch-pampering options. And those who don’t have their own pets with them can “borrow” a goldfish for the duration of their stay. A number of hotel groups – like Embassy Suites – allow pets, but only if a damage deposit is paid.

Travelers who plan on bringing companion animals along can check out www.petswelcome.com to find a state-by-state list of pet-friendly lodging.

As far as shopping for groceries or clothes, most Tahlequah stores aren’t yet ready to open their doors to an influx of dogs, even if they’re on leashes. One local store manager suggested that unlike pet owners in big cities, some local residents haven’t caught on to the concept of training their dogs not to relieve themselves on store floors – or at least, cleaning up after them when they do.

Seeing-eye and other service dogs are welcome in nearly all Tahlequah establishments.

As more pet owners demand rights for their furry friends, more businesses will be rolling out the welcome mat. At that point, the hardest part will be getting Fluffy to foot the bill.

Contact Garron Marsh at gmarsh@tahlequahdailypress.com.