DOG lovers across Wiltshire took their four-legged furry friends to work today (Friday (23 June) as part of the fourth official Bring Your Dog To Work Day.

In doing so, they were helping to raise funds to make a difference to the welfare of dogs both in the UK and overseas.

Staff at Bradford on Avon Town Council were among the companies and organisations where employees turned up for work with their dogs in tow.

Deputy town clerk Emma Sylvester arrived for work with her 11-month-old Border Terrier Bruno, while colleague Lydia Booth brought along her Dachshund, Freda.

Emma said: “It’s the first time that Bruno has been to work officially, although he’s visited the office a couple of times before.

“He’s had a good sniff around and everyone has been making a fuss of him. We’re very lucky that where we work we are allowed to bring our dogs in.”

Businesses from across the UK welcomed their dog-loving employees into the workplace along with their loyal (and well-behaved!) four-legged companions.

This year the event, founded and organised by ethical dog grooming product company HOWND, raised funds for two outstanding animal welfare charities: All Dogs Matter and Animals Asia.

Over the past four years, #BringYourDogToWorkDay has grown into a hugely popular day in the national working calendar, with thousands of people, businesses and celebrities including Ricky Gervais and ITV’s Loose Women taking part.

A HOWND spokesperson said: “As well as raising funds for charity, Bring Your Dog to Work Day can be hugely beneficial for employee productivity and wellbeing.

“Many scientific studies have concluded that the presence of pets can substantially reduce a person’s stress level in the workplace. Increased job satisfaction, team co-operation and morale have all been reported in employees that spend the workday with their pets.

“In fact, a study published by the International Journal of Workplace Health Management (2010) concluded that the presence of dogs in the work place even had a positive effect on those employees who didn’t have a dog of their own.”

All Dogs Matter is a charity that rescues and rehomes more than 300 dogs every year in London, Norfolk and the surrounding area.

Animals Asia is an international charity founded by Jill Robinson MBE. It is devoted to improving the welfare of dogs and cats in China and Vietnam, and ending the barbaric practice of bear bile farming.