Canberra’s love for pets will be on full display this May as Canberra Paws Walk, RSPCA ACT’s much-loved annual fundraising dog walk, returns as a proudly local, community-led event.
Formerly known as the Million Paws Walk, the reimagined Canberra Paws Walk has been shaped by the Canberra community and will now run across two dedicated days, combining accessible pet health support with the iconic walk around Lake Burley Griffin.
RSPCA ACT CEO Michelle Robertson said the event’s revival reflects the deep connection the community has with it.
“Canberra has always shown up for this event,” Ms Robertson said.
“For many years it has been thousands of people, their dogs, our volunteers and local stallholders coming together. When the national event ended, our community told us very clearly that this was something they did not want to lose.”
“This event belongs to Canberra. The community took ownership of it a long time ago and now we are proud to build it back, bigger and more meaningful, for the people and animals of the ACT.”
Funds raised through Canberra Paws Walk will directly support RSPCA ACT’s shelter operations and community programs, helping animals at every stage of their journey.
This includes rescuing animals in need, providing critical veterinary and behavioural care, supporting foster care, and rehoming pets when coming into RSPCA ACT care is the safest and best outcome. Funds also help deliver community support programs that assist people to care for their pets and keeping pets and people together..
“Sometimes keeping pets with their families is the right outcome, and sometimes the kindest option is for an animal to come into our care so they can be rehabilitated and rehomed,” Ms Robertson said.
“Canberra Paws Walk helps make both possible.”
Two days focused on community and animal welfare
Healthy Pet Day will take place on Saturday 23 May, offering free and heavily discounted services to Canberra pet owners. Services will include veterinary checks, preventative care, microchipping, desexing support advice and pathways, access to our Community Pet Pantry, grooming and behavioural advice and generally helping reduce barriers to pet care for the community.
“We want this event to be as useful to the community as it is important for us,” Ms Robertson said.
“If we can help people care for their pets early, we reduce suffering and create better outcomes for animals.”
Canberra Paws Walk, the more traditional ‘walk’ will follow on Sunday 24 May, featuring the traditional walk around Lake Burley Griffin, with both full and shorter accessible routes available. The day will also include a community market, local stalls, live entertainment and family-friendly activities.
Media invitation
Media are invited to attend the official launch of Canberra Paws Walk at Patrick White Lawns at 9:00am on Wednesday 4th February when RSPCA ACT staff, volunteers and their dogs taking a practice walk around Lake Burley Griffin.
CEO Michelle Robertson will officially launch the event. Media will have opportunities for interviews, photography and vision of dogs and our team walking under the Canberra Paws Walk banner for the first time.
For more information, photos and interviews with CEO Michelle Robertson, please call Phil Staley, Communications Officer: 0448 801 882
