Breaking down on the highway or getting a flat tire can be unbelievably stressful for drivers. But one Alberta roadside assistance company is aiming to help ease the tension with a therapeutic new initiative.

The Alberta Motor Association (AMA) today unveiled its "comfort pet program," which brings animals to members when they call for roadside assistance.

AMA is bringing comfort pets, including these puppies, along with them as they respond to roadside assistance calls. (Youtube)

Spokesperson Chris Rechner says the program is an innovative way to bring stress levels down and make members feel better about their vehicular predicaments.

"We see it all the time, whether it's Left My Lights On Syndrome or Block Heater Neglect Disorder, people are a little nervous about asking for help and then they feel a little awkward when we're changing their flat tire," Rechner said.

"Our research shows that it's easy to remedy with something as simple as a therapy chinchilla or a baby goat to pet."

A stranded motorist snuggles a baby goat provided by AMA's Comfort Pet Program. (Youtube)

This isn't the only example of animals being used in therapy. Multiple universities have established temporary "puppy rooms" during exams to relieve stress, and trauma dogs are often used to help victims testify during difficult trials.

Variety of animals

Rechner says AMA has trained a number of different animals to help stranded motorists, including Derpy the duck and Mr. Speckles, a chicken.

"We even have a registered relaxation donkey called Mr. Tiddlywinks," Rechner said.

The service is free to all AMA members.

"We've always delivered that jerry can of gas or that locksmith service," Rechner explained. "Now we're hoping to deliver a little TLC and maybe a therapy ferret."

Not all stranded drivers are sure what to make of AMA's roadside assistance program that uses animals to calm down members. (Youtube)

New programs ahead

The comfort pet program marks the beginning of a new AMA division focusing on bringing together animals and roadside safety. However, these projects aren't without their challenges.

The comfort pet program's parrots can be a bit "bitey," Rechner said, and not everyone has been impressed with the choice of animal.

Polly want a ... tire change? This parrot is part of AMA's comfort pet program that works to help calm down stranded motorists. (Youtube)

"We've been training cats for the AMA school safety patrol," Rechner said. "But they keep jaywalking and they're a little bit frightened by the fluorescent vests."

AMA's next project will be training carrier pigeons to deliver new registration stickers and place them directly on vehicles.

April Fools! As much as we wanted roadside assistance puppies, this announcement is an April Fool's joke.

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