The World’s Largest Pet Walk takes place on September 28 this year. It is an annual fundraising event that brings people and pets together to celebrate the health benefits of staying active. Individuals with pets take to the pavements with their respective pets every September and join the walk to raise money to support the human-animal bond. The World’s Largest Pet Walk has, since 2018, raised more than $167,000 to register therapy animal teams and bring the love of animals to those in need.
History of World’s Largest Pet Walk
The relationship between pets, particularly dogs, and humans has lasted for almost as long as time itself. Dog domestication was greatly influenced by the continued cross-breeding between dogs and wild wolves, and older dog populations gradually give way to new ones. A few genetic studies have recorded evidence of early domestication events in specific regions. One such study posits that early dogs dating from about 12,000 to 14,000 years ago came from a small strain of gray wolves that inhabited India at the time. For many years of the relationship between man and dog, there was no culture of walking dogs because there were far fewer people than today, and therefore society was better structured to allow dogs to roam more freely. As time advanced, individuals began to walk their dogs, putting them on a leash and leading them through specific paths. For some, it was nothing more than a display of social elitism, while others did it as a result of the bond that they had formed with their pets. Dog walking only began to gain ground sometime in the 19th century. Professional dog walking became a thing in American society when Jim Buck pioneered the trade, and today we have individuals who are specifically trained to walk dogs and who help dog owners walk their dogs at a cost.
Some dog walkers may take many dogs for a walk at once, while others may choose to only take a single dog. The length of a walk is usually determined by the dog’s breed or dog owner’s request; ranging from short walks intended to last no longer than the time it takes for the dog to relieve itself of waste, to longer walks with a specific amount of time set by the owner. The length of walks also takes into consideration how old the dog is. Long walks of over an hour should not be undertaken by dogs under 12 months of age for smaller breeds, and for large breeds, the benchmark is 18 months. This measure is simply to protect the dog’s bones and joints while they are still growing.
World’s Largest Pet Walk timeline
Famous professional dog walker Jim Buck is born.
Jim Buck establishes his dog walking business.
Pet Partners is established.
The World's Largest Pet Walk takes place.
World’s Largest Pet Walk FAQs
What is dog walking?
Dog walking is the act of a human individual walking with a dog, typically from the dog’s residence and then returning after a while. Leashes are commonly used for this.
What is the safest way to walk a dog?
It is safest to walk your dog with a heavy-duty harness instead of a collar or in addition to it. This eliminates the fear of your dog pulling too hard and choking or injuring himself and takes away the fear that he’ll slip the collar and run away or get hurt.
Is dog walking hard?
Professional dog walking demands some technical skill, physical stamina, and some in-depth knowledge of everything varying from dog behavior to pet first aid to knowing and understanding city laws.
World’s Largest Pet Walk Activities
Join the walk
Join this year’s walk! This year’s World’s Largest Pet Walk is an opportunity to join in and walk your dog.
Donate to the cause
The idea of the walk is to raise money and encourage the bond between humans and pets. You should donate too!
Join the conversation online
Join the conversation online with the #WorldsLargestPetWalk hashtag. Invite your friends and family to follow suit.
5 Interesting Facts About Dog Walking
It helps your mental health
Walking your dog is healthy for you as studies show that people who walk their pets regularly tend to be healthier (physically and mentally) than those who don’t.
Walking your dog is a good workout
Depending on how often and how long you walk your dog, it could be a really good workout for you.
It decreases stress
Walking your dog decreases stress levels in both you and your pup.
It lowers blood pressure
Walking your dog regularly can help lower blood pressure.
It helps your dog lose weight
About 53% of dogs in America are overweight.
Why We Love World’s Largest Pet Walk
It strengthens the bond with our pets
Walking your dog strengthens the bond you share with the dog. World's Largest Pet Walk is all about strengthening that bond.
It encourages physical exercise
This holiday encourages physical exercise for individuals and their dogs. That’s certainly a reason to observe the day.
It’s a walk for a cause
The World’s Largest Pet Walk is a walk for a cause, and we absolutely love it! See what you can do today to contribute.
World’s Largest Pet Walk dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | September 24 | Saturday |
| 2023 | September 23 | Saturday |
| 2024 | September 28 | Saturday |
| 2025 | September 27 | Saturday |
| 2026 | September 26 | Saturday |
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