This Bring Your Dog to Work Day, TW is celebrating Brodie, Bob and Dex, our unofficial (but very committed) office colleagues in Reigate. They brighten meetings, improve lunch breaks, and seem to appear just when someone needs a pause.

And as it turns out, there’s real science behind that connection.

We spoke to Dr Nicky Love (MRCVS), Global Hatchery Veterinary and Technical Services Manager at Zoetis, about what dogs can bring to the working day, including her own dogs Rupert and Jessie.

“It’s not just cute. It’s chemistry”

“Working from home, I genuinely need coworkers who make me stop and take breaks and Rupert and Jessie are brilliant at it. Labradors have this constant need for affection (and a bit of fun), so one gentle nudge is all it takes to pull me out of work mode, get me stretching my legs, and reset my brain. And honestly, a Rupert or Jessie cuddle is the best kind of decompression.” Says Dr Love.

When people interact with dogs, cortisol levels (the hormone associated with stress) tend to fall, while oxytocin rises. In a working environment where pressure and pace are constant, that's not a small thing.

"In simple terms, it helps people feel calmer and more connected. A short break with a dog isn't a distraction. It's often a reset."

Small moments, big culture shifts

Dogs do more than improve well-being. They change how people interact.

"They act as social catalysts," Dr Love explains. "Dogs encourage spontaneous conversation and connection between colleagues who might not otherwise interact. Anyone who has ever been on a Zoom call with me knows my dogs just as well as I do now.”

With home working now a constant for many, dogs have become genuine companions for the solo working day too.

For Nicky, who works largely from home when she’s not travelling internationally, that rings especially true.

“It’s easy to lose track of when the workday begins and ends when you’re juggling time zones, especially when you genuinely love what you do. The boundaries blur, and work can quietly spill into whatever’s meant to be personal time.

Jessie and Rupert are my built-in reset button. A hungry Labrador waits for no one, and Rupert’s drool is not something you can ignore for long. That insistent demand for supper forces me to stop, take stock of what still needs doing today, and decide what can wait until tomorrow. They keep me grounded, and they remind me, daily, that my personal time matters.

I feel their absence when I’m travelling, because without that routine (and that gentle pressure), I can easily fall into the trap of spending long hours behind my laptop.”

It works for dogs too

Of course, it’s not just about humans. As a trained vet, Nicky is clear on that.

“A dog-friendly workplace has to suit the dog as well. Rest space, routine, and the ability to switch off are essential.”

Done properly, it creates a balance where dogs aren't just present, they're comfortable. That's when the good stuff happens for everyone.

“I always make sure Rupert and Jessie have a soft, cosy spot to sleep right near me, being close to their “mummy” is non‑negotiable.

If there’s neighbourhood noise or anything loud that unsettles them, it’s usually getting under my skin too. In those moments we’ll put on some calming music for a while to drown out what’s going on outside and help everyone reset. They really pick up on what I’m feeling and hearing.

The clearest sign they are truly settled? A snoring Labrador, sprawled on his back,  that’s a very happy, content dog.”

Final woof

Dog-friendly workplaces aren’t a trend. They're a reminder that feeling good at work is part of a happy life.