Therapy pet volunteer organization announces walking fundraising event

Photo: luckybusiness/Adobe Stock

The annual World’s Largest Pet Walk—a fundraiser for the Pet Partners Therapy Animal Program, a program that registers therapy pet volunteers for therapy pet visits to schools, workplaces, hospitals, and other facilities¹—is planned to take place September 28 this year.² During the event, supporters of therapy animals worldwide will participate in the fundraising walk with their pets.

The event, launched by Pet Partners, an organization that helps register volunteer teams with therapy animals, and presented by Wellness Pet Company, is aimed at bringing “love and comfort” to millions of people through therapy animal visits in schools, senior centers, libraries, hospitals, and various other locations, according to a news release by Pet Partners.²

"The World's Largest Pet Walk is a heartwarming event that celebrates the special bond between people and their pets, and we are grateful for our walkers and supporters," C. Annie Peters, president and CEO of Pet Partners, said in the news release.² "This is a great opportunity for anyone who loves their pet to get out and walk and at the same time raise vital funds to support the therapy animals that make meaningful visits to people in need throughout the year."

The upcoming fundraising event will mark its 7th consecutive year and will encourage participants and their pets to walk on Saturday, September 28, or at a date and time of their preference, in any location they prefer. According to the organization, the event stands out from typical fundraising walks because it allows everyone to participate and fundraise in their preferred manner—whether through a solo hike, a neighborhood gathering, or a workplace employee engagement activity. Additionally, participants are welcome to walk with or without a pet.

Participation in the pet walk is free of charge, but Pet Partners encourages walkers and supporters to fundraise. According to the organization, participants who “raise certain amounts” by August 16, 2024, will receive a commemorative Walk bandanna or t-shirt in time for the event on September 28. Additional incentives are available for various fundraising levels throughout the campaign period.

References

1. Sharing the love of therapy animals. Pet Partners. Accessed July 22, 2024. https://petpartners.org
2. Pet Partners’ seventh annual World’s Largest Pet Walk fundraiser underway. News release. Pet Partners. July 19, 2024. Accessed July 22, 2024. https://prnmedia.prnewswire.com/news-releases/pet-partners-seventh-annual-worlds-largest-pet-walk-fundraiser-underway-302201808.html