Proving there is a day for everything, International Take Your Dog to Work Day was held on Friday across the globe and Leeton residents made sure they were in on the fun. 

Australia has one of the world’s highest rates of dog ownership, with the day highlighting the benefits of having your favourite pooch at your side during work hours. 

According to studies conducted, dog owners were better at dealing with stressful events and this helped them avoid anxiety-related illnesses.

Research has shown shown owning a dog can have a number of psychological benefits and they can lift spirits when their owners feel low.

Put this together and it seems like the health benefits alone would be worth taking one’s “fur baby” to work on a regular basis. 

Leeton veterinarian Joelle Tiffin said pets had numerous benefits for their owners. 

“It’s not just physical all of the time either,” she said. 

“Mentally, owning a pet can be really great for you. 

“I’m not sure how beneficial it would be to have a pet with you at work all of the time, but if you can do it, I don’t see any harm in it. 

“I’m sure it would make many people happy if they were allowed to do that.”

International Take Your Dog to Work Day was created by Pet Sitters International.

Employers across the globe are asked to open their businesses to pet dogs to promote the benefits of pet ownership and encourage animal adoption.

Pet dogs in an office can be a positive experience in the working environment for both workers and the dogs, which staff at The Irrigator experienced on Friday. 

Two pet owners brought their pooches in and the smiles could be seen for near and far. 

Many already in the shire take their pets to work, with some tradesmen doing it on a regular basis, while others who work from home have the luxury of always have their animals around. 

“I think it’s a great idea too if it’s getting your pet out of the cold or the heat,” Mrs Tiffin said. 

“For many it would be too hard for them to have their pets at work, but I can see the good in it. 

“Pets are great friends to have. 

“People are definitely including them more and more in their lives. 

“They are becoming like family. 

“We see it all of the time. 

“It’s wonderful.”

If residents are taking their pet to work on a regular basis, it’s important to ensure the environment is appropriate for them. They will still need access to food, water and the odd toilet break or two.