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The ACT Paws & Shoes Challenge is back!

This summer, team up with your pooch for a dog-walking challenge. Join and get a gift for your dog!

In the New Year, we invited our supporters and their faithful companions to embark on our first Paws & Shoes dog-walking challenge. Over 30 dogs joined us, including dachshunds, cockerpoos, springer spaniels, labradors, collies and lots more! Together they raised £1,950 for the RVC's Small Animal Referral Hospital. It had such a positive impact on the lives of poorly pets, that we're running it again - but this time in the summer!

Can you reach 1,000 minutes of walking 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 your holiday plans!

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?

Are you going away in the summer? Don't worry you can still fit your challenge in. You'll have between 1 July and 30 September 2023 to complete your challenge.

Whatever target you set yourself, it's a fantastic chance to raise money for the ACT, get fit and give your dog an excuse to howl at you for more walks! 

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.