Pet Partners’ World’s Largest Pet Walk Set for September 26
Pet Partners, a national organization registering therapy animals for animal-assisted interventions (AAI), announces its third annual World’s Largest Pet Walk, set for Saturday, Sept. 26. Sponsored by VCA Animal Hospitals, this event invites people around the world to get out their walking shoes and grab their leashes for Pet Partners’ signature walking event. World’s Largest Pet Walk is for anyone who wants to celebrate the health benefits of being active with pets, while also fundraising to support Pet Partners and their Therapy Animal Program.
“This event is a great way for people from all walks of life to join in on the fun and exercise with their pets,” said Annie Peters, President and CEO of Pet Partners. “The animals in our lives are often strong motivators to keep moving! In fact, regularly walking with our pets is associated with more physical activity, better health and fewer doctor visits.”
Participants are encouraged to walk at any time and location on Saturday, Sept. 26, choosing a distance and path that feels right for them and their animals. “Whether you gather some friends and family for a stroll around the block or take a quiet hike just you and your animal, we want to see you taking steps with your pets,” said Peters.
Participants are encouraged to get outside and walk. While Pet Partners already promotes its Walk With Me initiative in which therapy animal teams coordinate walks with people in their community, World’s Largest Pet Walk was created to encourage worldwide participation with or without therapy animal teams, all on one specific day.
One of the features of the World’s Largest Pet Walk is that it can be set up in a way that works for all participants, including solo or socially distanced walking to support safe participation. Whether people walk individually, with family, or with a group, social distancing and face coverings are encouraged and participants should follow local health guidance.
“Pets improve our health while enhancing our quality of life,” said Dr. Todd Lavender, president of VCA Animal Hospitals and Petcare Services. “During the past few months, daily walk routines have become more meaningful and valuable than ever. We are proud to support Pet Partners in celebrating this treasured tradition nationwide on Sept. 26.”
There is no registration fee to walk in the World’s Largest Pet Walk, but Pet Partners encourages supporters to fundraise in honor of their participation. Those interested can visit www.worldslargestpetwalk.org to learn more, sign up and create their online fundraising page. As a special thank you to those who fundraise, Pet Partners is offering incentives for walkers and their pets including pet bandanas, T-shirts and leashes.
Funds raised through the World’s Largest Pet Walk support Pet Partners’ Therapy Animal Program, which is made up of therapy animal teams who bring comfort and relief to members of the public, typically in facility settings such as hospitals, nursing homes, schools, libraries, airports and at workplace well-being events. Pet Partners encourages participants to share photos of their walk on social media using the hashtag #WorldsLargestPetWalk. There is also a downloadable event bib for anyone planning to participate.