Dog's day at Hepburn work

Bring Your Pets to Work Day is a statewide initiative aiming to reduce stress and increase productivity in workplaces. 

Susie Cobb, who works at the Mill Market in Daylesford, reaps the benefits daily when bringing her dog Luna to work. 

Haymarket staff even have a fluffy ginger cat they honour as as their most important employee.

Basil was a homeless kitten born on the premises and soon proved his worth at the store.

Along the way he’s accumulated $10,000 in vet bills but co-owner Greg Taylor says it’s worth it. 

“Basil is a working cat but unfortunately the costs aren’t covered by WorkCover,” he laughed. 

“It's ridiculous how popular Basil is – people visit the store just to meet him.”

It’s something animal behaviourist expert Dr Jo Righetti hopes more and more people will try. 

“Taking your pet to work, even if it’s just occasionally is a way to help both owner and pet.,” she said. 

“Owners feel less guilty, pets enjoy the company and other employees benefit from the contact with the pet.”

For those at Haymarket, having a pet as a colleague is the best medicine for those long days at work. 

“Basil just makes our days a bit brighter and he’s pretty at home curled up on the front counter,” Mr Taylor said.