This will get your tail wagging – the Canberra Paws Walk is back for another year
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Canberra’s biggest celebration of our four-legged friends is back for another year and trust us when we say that it’s promising a paws-itively good time.
Taking place on White Patrick Lawns on Sunday 24 May, RSCPA ACT will be transforming the green space into a dog-themed festival that all ages will enjoy – no matter if you have a dog, love dogs, or just want a day by the lake.
An on-lead dog-only event, the Canberra Paws Walk (AKA the reimagined Million Paws Walk) is all about calling attention to the important work the community does for animal welfare.
The event raises much needed funds for vital community outreach and preventative programs – including subsidised veterinary care, emergency boarding, desexing referrals, vaccinations, microchipping, behaviour support and education initiatives. Alongside providing adoption, shelter and veterinary services, the event highlights the work of local animal welfare organisations, including RSPCA ACT, Domestic Animal Services, Canberra Street Cat Alliance, Rabbit Sanctuary and ACT Rescue and Foster.
But as well as celebrating the incredible bond between people and their pets, there’s so much more to drool over across the day (pun intended).
Along with market stalls, entertainment, activities, and – of course – the walk along the shores of the lake, this year the Canberra Paws Walk will also include live entertainment, food trucks, dog competitions, giveaways and family-friendly activities.
RSPCA ACT CEO Michelle Robertson says that at its core, the event is designed to bring the Canberra community together.
“Canberra absolutely loves dogs, and Canberra Paws Walk is all about celebrating that,” she says.
“This is the first time it is a uniquely Canberran event, and it is shaping up to be one of Canberra’s biggest dog-friendly community events of the year.”
MCed by Wes and Hayley from AmplifyCBR and with live music from local Canberra musician Harry Carman, attendees will be able to enjoy a packed schedule of interactive activities, including dog painting, agility courses, live “Poorly Drawn Pets”, dog games, photo opportunities and family-friendly competitions.
Crowd-favourite dog competitions, including Best Trick, Cutest Duo and Waggliest Tail are expected to draw plenty of laughs, while the Walk of Hope will showcase some of RSPCA ACT’s adoptable dogs searching for loving homes alongside previously adopted pets returning for a special reunion moment.
And yes, it will hit you in the feels.
Add in more than 40 stalls and food vendors across the event precinct, and the chance to take home one of 600 free showbags and win prizes throughout the day at the Dog Play Zone and this day out will be sure to get your tail wagging.
More than 1,000 people and over 600 dogs are expected – and you’d be barking mad not to be one of them.
THE ESSENTIALS
What: Canberra Paws Walk
When: Sunday 24 May, 9 am – 2 pm, with the walk commencing at 11 am
Where: Patrick White Lawns, Canberra
Web: canberrapawswalk.com.au
Images supplied.
