Eighty-five per cent of employees in Britain who have dogs would like to be able to bring them to work, according to a recent survey conducted by office design company Maris Interiors. Only five per cent of dog owners have however actually ever taken their pet to the workplace.

A surprising 38 per cent admitted they would consider changing jobs if it meant they were able to bring their dog in. Sixteen per cent of dog owners surveyed would give up one weeks’ holiday in order to have their pooch in the office, and 14 per cent would even take a pay cut.

Non-dog owners weren’t quite so enthusiastic about the idea – 68 per cent were unhappy to work in an environment with dogs around. Common concerns included fleas, chewed cables, allergies and litter training.

Maris Interiors chairman, Michael Howard, said: “We should perhaps be a little cautious about encouraging dogs in the workplace. While they might boost morale for the dog lovers at work, we have to respect the views of the majority of employees who don’t have dogs and don’t want their cables chewed!”