After one hell of a start to the year, you could probably use a hug from an adorable squishy-faced pup. Well here's some good news to wrap your arms around: Auckland's favourite dog hugging festival is back for 2020.

This time, the hugely popular Hug a Pug is heading to North Shore's YMCA Recreation Centre on Sunday, 13 September. Tickets for the event will be available by gold coin donation on the day, however pre-bookable ticket options include priority entry for $5 per person or a $15 family pass for four.

The event was created to raise money Pet Refuge, an initiative which helps to provide temporary shelter for pets affected by domestic violence and keep them safe while their owners escape abuse. Previous events have attracted dog lovers by the hundreds, and more than 50 huggable pugs.

Registrations for pugs is now open — organisers are also looking for volunteers who don't mind being surrounded by dogs.