People and organisation director Gretchen Evans said she believed dogs in the workplace to be a point of difference in attracting people to work at Mars. "If potential employees love animals and like having them in the work environment it seems to help them feel more at home here."
General manager Gerry Lynch said he loved having his dogs Paddy and Murphy at work.
"Knowing they really enjoy being there and that they won't be bored at home makes me feel really good."
Lynch said the Penrose office had an outdoor area for dogs to ensure they have somewhere to do their business. "We also do walking meetings where dogs come too."
Dogs are allowed in the office every day. Up to 10 will be in the office on the busiest days.
The concept of a pet-friendly office is outlined to all potential employees, said Evans. "A policy around dogs in the office is extremely important. The dogs must be healthy, well behaved and trained, non-aggressive and controllable even if confronted with unexpected events.
"The 'regulars' enjoy seeing each other every day and whenever there is a new arrival there is lots of excitement and sniffing," she added.
It's not just the owners who benefit from the four-legged presence, said Lynch. "I know other employees without dogs also love the interaction with them, as they may not be able to have one of their own."
Certain responsibilities - including vaccinations and regular treatments as well as considering leaving their dog at home if they had a particularly busy work day planned - are expected of owners, said Evans.
A "pets at work" survey of 1006 employees and 200 human resource decision makers in the United States last year revealed that pet-friendly workplaces are positive, have high employee morale, retain the best and most talented employees and provide companies with a competitive advantage when recruiting new employees.
- Te Waha Nui