Little Coco is an "official staff member" at Canberra digital creative agency Rowdy Digital in Civic. She spends her days greeting Rowdy's clients at the front door and helpfully escorting staff members from their desks to the kitchen and back.

While Rowdy's eight staff members keep notebooks, headphones and assorted work-related gear in their staff lockers, Coco's little locker (right on the ground floor where she can reach it, of course) has everything she needs for a busy working day - including a toy and a water bowl.

The boisterous shihtzu-cross-poodle belongs to Rowdy Digital Director Judy Waters, who said Coco's boundless energy is "the perfect ice breaker for new clients".

"Most clients do love her - she's a real conversation starter," Ms Waters said.

"And the staff are used to her being under foot. When she gets here she goes and says hello to everyone."

While Coco has the luxury of going to work with her owner almost every day, today could be a first for many Canberra dogs whose owners are taking part in International Take Your Dog to Work Day.

The global event started in 1999 as a way to get employers to experience the joys of pets in the workplace.

The Fyshwick office of Canberra public relations agency Morris Walker has been dog-friendly since 2003.

Moey, a ridgeback labrador, and Myrtle, a "little scruff" are always sitting next to staff members at Morris Walker, lending support in stressful times.

"They're just lovely and they make such an enormous difference to the culture," agency owner and director Danielle Morris said.

"When you're stressed there's always big Mo's nose under your arm, and if you're at your desk, you can turn around and look at their beautiful eyes and give them a hug and a pat."

Ms Morris - who found both Moey and Myrtle on petrescue.com.au - said the constant deadlines and often difficult topics that came with working in PR made the dogs' presence in the office even more special.

"They're a big stress breaker," she said.

"Sometimes you've just got to have time out, and it's good just to be able to walk away from computer and have a lovely warm-blooded friend offering unconditional love.

"It makes a big difference and it shouldn't be underestimated."