The World’s Largest Pet Walk Returns on September 27 — Join From Anywhere

Every September, pet lovers and animal advocates across the globe come together under a single, simple idea: walking for a purpose. The World’s Largest Pet Walk, presented by Wellness Pet Company and hosted by Pet Partners, returns on Saturday, September 27, 2025. The best part? You can be a part of this worldwide celebration of the human-animal bond without ever leaving your neighborhood. All it takes is a leash, a pair of comfortable shoes, and the willingness to move, wherever you are.

What Is the World’s Largest Pet Walk?

The World’s Largest Pet Walk is more than just another charity stroll — it’s a sprawling, global fundraiser focused on supporting therapy animal teams everywhere. Pet Partners, the organization behind the event, encourages everyone — whether you’re waking up for a sunrise hike, circling the neighborhood with your dog, or joining friends at the park — to walk with purpose on this special day. Every step taken celebrates the profound connection we share with our animals and helps fuel the life-changing work of therapy animal teams serving communities around the nation.

Why We Walk

If you’re already a daily dog walker, this event turns something ordinary into a force for good. The World’s Largest Pet Walk raises essential funds for Pet Partners’ Therapy Animal Program, which has set the benchmark for animal-assisted interventions worldwide. It’s a program that deploys trained, credentialed therapy teams — companion animals and their humans — into settings where healing and comfort are needed most. These are not service or emotional support animals, but specially prepared partners who volunteer their time and warmth in countless ways.

The Impact of Therapy Animals

Hospitals and rehab centers become brighter as patients find motivation and hope in the wag of a tail. Schools and libraries see children grow in confidence while reading aloud to patient, non-judgmental four-legged friends. Therapy teams offer relief and camaraderie to veterans living with PTSD, sometimes using horses or dogs as trusted partners in healing. In senior communities, regular animal visits become a lifeline against loneliness, rekindling joy and sparking meaningful connections that linger long after the walks are over. This is work grounded in deep compassion, and its impact stretches into millions of lives each year.

A Brief History of Pet Partners

To truly appreciate this annual event, it’s worth exploring how Pet Partners became synonymous with animal-assisted therapy. Founded back in 1977 as the Delta Society, the group recognized early on something pet lovers have always understood: animals have the power to change lives. In 2012, a new chapter began as Delta Society transformed into Pet Partners, expanding its reach and deepening its mission. Today, the organization doesn’t just register dogs and cats; nine species can become therapy animals, from rabbits and guinea pigs to horses and even llamas. Since the World’s Largest Pet Walk started in 2018, more than $405,000 has been raised, directly benefitting volunteer training, program credentialing, case studies, and outreach efforts. For 2025, the fundraising goal is set at $150,000 — a milestone already within reach thanks to the event’s passionate supporters.

The Joy and Benefits of Walking With Pets

Ask any seasoned dog owner and they’ll confirm what science also tells us: walking with animals is good for mind, body, and soul. For people, regular walks translate into lower blood pressure, reduced anxiety, and better heart health — not to mention the benefits of simply moving a little more each day. For pets, it’s all about strong joints, sound weight, and vital mental stimulation. Yet the most cherished reward might be the sense of connection. Those quiet, unhurried moments shared with a loyal pup on a cool morning or under sunset skies are hard to describe but universally understood. Multiply that peace, those deep breaths, by thousands of walkers across continents, and you see the real power in a global event like this.

Joining In From Las Vegas

While Las Vegas may not have a massive, organized group walk just yet, the inclusive spirit of the World’s Largest Pet Walk means you don’t need a crowded gathering to participate. Get your friends who love dogs, pick your favorite local park or trail, and plan a walk that fits your pace and style. Clark County Wetlands Park, a shady residential street, or just a leisurely loop around your own block all count. The only rule is to walk on September 27 and celebrate the impact of therapy animals. There’s no mandatory registration or fee — just leash up and go. And if you’re inspired, you can take it a step further by creating a personal fundraising page to support the cause even more directly.

Walking Toward Something Bigger

What sets the World’s Largest Pet Walk apart is its deep-rooted belief in the mutual benefits of the human-animal bond. When we look after our pets, they care for us just as fiercely — sometimes in ways science is only starting to measure with data and research. This event is your chance to honor that partnership, raise public awareness of therapy animal programs, and give back in a way that feels joyful and natural. It’s a global movement that fits into your everyday life and, best of all, lets you enjoy more quality time with your dog.

This September 27, step outside with intention. Whether your walk is brief or turns into a full-blown neighborhood adventure, know you’re joining a much larger community — one bound by shared compassion, four-legged enthusiasm, and a simple desire to make a difference. And if you love the energy of this international event but want to see those good vibes closer to home? There’s nothing stopping you from rallying your family and organizing a local donation walk to support a favorite Las Vegas animal rescue. The possibilities stretch as far as your next walk.

In a Nutshell

• The World’s Largest Pet Walk takes place September 27, 2025, letting you participate with your pet anywhere in the world — no travel or group required.
• Funds support Pet Partners’ Therapy Animal Program, which brings trained therapy animals to hospitals, schools, veteran programs, and senior centers nationwide.
• Join the cause by simply walking with your pet in Las Vegas, fundraising if you wish, or starting a local donation walk to benefit your favorite rescue group.