Employees sick as a dog? A four-legged friend could help

Having pets in the workplace would lead to employees taking less days off sick, according to over 70 per cent of healthcare professionals.

Blue Cross surveyed hundreds of GPs, medical consultants and therapists, who revealed what pet owners have always known - that pets are good for our health.

Tullah, an 11-year-old Welsh terrier, accompanies owner Gerri Gallagher to her office at Tatler magazine.

Gerri, Associate editor of Tatler, said: “Tullah is my ‘editorial consultant’. She has been coming to work with me for the last ten years and we get the bus in together every day.

“She is a real character and brings a sigh of relief and humour to us when things get a little stressy.”

Motivation and productivity would be increased by taking regular breaks to walk a dog, 88 per cent of healthcare professionals agreed – but two thirds of UK employees spend their lunch breaks chained to a desk.

Do you know a pet who loves going to work? From pub cats to office dogs, we want to celebrate pets at work across the UK.