People share their best 'Bring Your Dog To Work Day' photos on Instagram

Anyone who owns a dog will tell you that there's nothing worse than the gut-wrenching guilt of seeing a soppy pair of eyes follow you across the room as you attempt to sneak out of the house for work.

Leaving our beloved pets when we go to work is a daily devastation that's only made better by the adoring greeting received upon returning home.

But for one day a year, Londoners can throw the workplace rules out of the window and bring their dogs to work - floppy tongues, slobbering jowels and wagging tails included.

Yes, that's right, today is #BringYourDogToWorkDay - an annual event that encourages people to welcome their four-legged companions into their working environments.

The concept is pretty self explanatory, and across the country, people have been taking to Instagram to share their best pictures of their pooches on the job.

It's been a taxing morning for pups, some which are actually being put to work:

Others have shrugged their responsibilities, choosing instead to make a convincing case for taking an early lunch:

These dogs clearly have absolutely no idea what's going on, but are loving it anyway:

While others have totally given up on the idea of doing any work on a sunny Friday afternoon:

Aside from the sheer joy of having a furry distraction in the work, the purpose of the day is to raise money for animal charities.

Dog owners wanting to take part can simply upload their best dog selfie onto the Bring Your Dog into Work website and make a charitable donation. Even if you weren’t able to bring your dog, don’t own a dog, or bring them in all the time, all donations are welcome regardless.

The proceeds are going to All Dogs Matter, a charity which finds new homes for dogs in London and Norfolk, and Animal Asia, which is committed to improving the welfare and conditions of dogs, cats and bears in China and Vietnam.

Even better, it's been proven that having a dog at work improves employee productivity and wellbeing - with research finding that it can reduce stress, increases job satisfaction, team work and general optimism.

Good for your health and for passing the hours on an otherwise boring Friday afternoon? We'd say it's a win-win situation.