Join our Paws & Shoes Challenge and raise money for a life-saving animal hospital

Your favourite dog-walking challenge from the RVC Animal Care Trust is back!

Join and get a gift for your dog!

Over 50 dogs have joined our Paws & Shoes Challenge since it started in 2023. Together they've raised over £6,000 for the Queen Mother Hospital for Animals. Will you join us this year?

Help the RVC save even more lives with every step you take.

Can you walk for 1,000 minutes in 4 weeks?

Paws & Shoes is for everyone and every dog! Whatever your fitness level, health or age - you can tailor this challenge to meet the needs of you and your dog(s). You can decide how many minutes you'll walk. In fact, you can even decide when you start your 4-week challenge! It's much more fun to set a challenge that is achievable - not too hard but not too easy either - and one that fits in with any summer getaways you have planned!

How many minutes will your team walk? Previously, one owner surpassed their expectations and achieved a whopping 5,500 minutes! While other teams reduced the challenge to meet their needs. What will your team do?

When can you start? You can start your challenge when it's right for you. You'll have between 1 August and 31 October 2024 to sign up.

It's a fantastic chance to raise money to help advance veterinary care, get fit and give your dog an excuse to howl at you for more walks! 

Read our Top 10 Tips

Read our advice to set your challenge off on the right foot, and paw!

1. Don't walk when it's too hot or humid. Even when it's cloudy, it's still best to walk when it's cooler - in the morning or evening. Dogs can get heat stroke and burn their paws on the pavement if it's too hot. Brachycephalic breeds, like bulldogs and boxers often find it more difficult to cope with the heat. Walk in the shade where possible.

2. Apply sunscreen to you and your dog. Hairless dog breeds or those with thin coats, in particular, will need sun protection but ALL dogs are prone to sunburn. Apply on areas where their pigmentation is light, for example, their ears and nose.

3. Take water for yourself and your dog - and remember to drink!

4. Check your dog's feet for grass seeds when they return from their walk. Keep the fur around their feet short to prevent grass seeds from getting trapped.

5. Gradually increase the minutes you and your dog walk for. They will need time to build their stamina, just like their humans!

6. Give your dog a rest day if they need it. You can still walk without them!

7. Develop a routine and prioritise the time. Soon your dog will remind you when it's time for your challenge!

8. Carry a mobile phone and let someone know where you're heading and when you'll be back.

9. Find walking companions. Can you encourage your friends or family to join you? Time flies when you're chatting!

10. Stay motivated! Take photos on your walks to remind yourself of the good times you've shared with your pooch. Don't forget to update your JustGiving page! Let your supporters know how you're doing. When you see the donations, you'll have an extra incentive to keep going.

Why walk your dog?

Keeping your dog trim, healthy and mentally stimulated is vital to a long and happy life. Plus, it's good for humans too! Here's 5 reasons to step outside this winter.

1. It stops boredom. Your dog will thank you for new opportunities to discover the sights, sounds and smells of this world! Don't leave all the fun to them, what will you discover?

2. It's a chance for socialisation. Dogs and humans enjoy the company of others. Interactions with others can ease loneliness. Who knows what friendships may blossom when you start meeting other dog walkers.

3. It can improve a dog's behaviour. The more walking you do, the more your dog gets used to walking on a lead and following commands such as 'stay' and 'sit'. Take healthy treats and use positive tones of voice to reward them when they get it right.

4. Exercise helps you both to rest well when you get home. Longer walks can often help you sleep better at night so you wake up feeling refreshed.

5. It's a stealthy form of exercise that we don't really notice and can help improve our general health. From preventing unnecessary weight gain, to de-stressing from the day, it's a great way to nourish our mind and body. That goes for dogs too!

You and your pooch are a health and well-being super team!