The hospital is running a Paws to the Pavement Challenge until June 12 in an attempt to tackle pet obesity.

According to Paws to the Pavement, walking your dog provides an excellent foundation for good physical and mental health, both for you and your furry friend.

Getting outside and walking your dog helps burn calories, improve cardiovascular fitness, strengthen bones and joints, decrease stress and improve the bond with your pet.

Studies show that people who have a training partner are more likely to stay motivated and fit - and that is especially true if your training partner is a dog.

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Highlands Veterinary Hospital are offering prizes for those who head out for walkies, and each individual who turns in their total kilometres will be entered into a drawing for one of five free consultations at the clinic (worth $85 each)

And if you walk more than anyone else, you receive a free holiday worth $1,250.

Cats aren't left out either, with the Paws To Pavement Challenge offering a special cat category, whereby you can enter the most creative way of exercising your cat (such as putting their food bowl up high so they have to jump for it, or tossing a ping pong ball down a hallway for half an hour).

There will be a prize for the best photo or video showing this put into practice with your cat.

Just send your photo or video to: info@highlandsveterinaryhospital.com.au

For more information or to enter the "Paws The Pavement" Challenge, just go to the Highlands Veterinary Hospital website: highlandsveterinaryhospital.com.au/paws-the-pavement and fill out the registration form. You can log your distance walked on the website.

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