TODAY (Friday, June 21) is Take Your Dog to Work Day and many local businesses are getting behind the initiative.

Louisa Hayes, the head of wellbeing and the school social worker at Wangaratta High School, brings her dog Frankie to the school every day.

Frankie is a trained therapy dog and Ms Hayes said Frankie is great at offering support to students who need it.

“She recognises when a kid is really distressed and will go and sit with them,” she said.

“Dogs help kids and adults to regulate themselves and are also very good to connect with kids because they can start talking about the dog.”

Consumer research by animal welfare charity Companion Animal Network Australia (CAN) shows that 85 per cent of Australian dog owners would be more likely to come into work if they could take their pets, while nearly twice as many workers in pet friendly environments are ‘very satisfied’ with their work environment in comparison to workplaces where pets aren’t allowed.

Head vet Kate Norman from Dr Paws Veterinary Clinic said pets can be helpful in the workplace.

"For people who are stressed or anxious, having a pet there to have a bit of a pat or bit of a cuddle can definitely help,” she said.

"Studies show people are more productive at work when they have their pets there as well which is a bonus.”

Dr Paws practice manager, Avril Meehan, said this can often be because of the unconditional love pets can offer and welcomes the Take Your Dog Day initiative.

“Take Your Dog to Work Day highlights the importance of animals and how they can have a positive impact on mental health,” she said.

“It’s a really positive movement and it will be good to see how it goes because it is something that could be implemented on a more regular basis.”

The day was started by CAN and for tips on how you can make your workplace more pet friendly visit https://australiacan.org.au/can-your-office-be-pet-friendly/.