Office workers in central Auckland are being encouraged to get away from their desks on Friday and walk off any stress with animals from Auckland Council animal shelter.
Staff from Auckland Council's animal shelters and their canine companions will descend on Victoria Park at lunchtime Friday, 13 November, where they will offer free 'walkies' to stressed-out office workers.
Councillor Cathy Casey said therapeutic benefits of patting, walking and interacting with dogs are well documented internationally.
"There are few things more uplifting than a hug from a canine friend. This pilot programme of human walking could be just what we're looking for to reduce workplace stress," Casey said.
Auckland Council's Manager of Animal Management, Tracey Moore, says the council operates three animal shelters across the region that help to find forever homes for hundreds of dogs every year.