World’s Largest Pet Walk

The World’s Largest Pet Walk takes place on the fourth Saturday of September. In 2026, this date falls on September 26. This annual event encourages pet owners and their companions to get active and raise funds for therapy animal programs, celebrating the powerful bond between humans and animals.

History of World’s Largest Pet Walk

Pet Partners, the organization behind the World’s Largest Pet Walk, was founded in 1977 by visionaries who recognized that animals make people happier and healthier. The group has become the leader in improving human health through the human-animal bond, registering nine different species as therapy animals and making over three million visits in all 50 states and several countries. The World’s Largest Pet Walk began as Pet Partners’ signature fundraiser, and the 2026 event marks the ninth annual walk, growing each year as more people join the cause.

The walk is designed to be flexible: participants can walk anywhere, at any time, and with or without a pet. There is no registration fee, and funds raised support Pet Partners’ Therapy Animal Program, which provides top-notch liability insurance, updated resources for handlers, and low volunteer costs. The event has become a celebration of community, wellness, and the positive impact of pets on human lives.

Why is World’s Largest Pet Walk important?

The World’s Largest Pet Walk highlights the profound benefits of the human-animal bond. Research conducted by Pet Partners in partnership with Habri shows that interacting with therapy animals lowers blood pressure, reduces anxiety and stress, helps children read, promotes physical therapy, and increases feel-good endorphins. By encouraging people to walk with their pets, the event also promotes physical activity and mental well-being.

The funds raised are crucial for maintaining Pet Partners’ high standards. They ensure that therapy animal teams are well-trained and insured, and they support ongoing research into the benefits of animal-assisted interventions. The walk also raises awareness about the work of therapy animals, who visit patients in recovery, seniors with Alzheimer’s, students, veterans, and crisis survivors.

• Lowers blood pressure and reduces stress
• Decreases anxiety and improves mood
• Helps children gain confidence in reading
• Supports physical therapy and rehabilitation
• Increases endorphins and overall happiness

How to Celebrate World’s Largest Pet Walk

Celebrating the World’s Largest Pet Walk is easy and inclusive. Register a team online—whether as an individual, a family, a corporate group, or a community organization. Then, on the fourth Saturday of September, walk with your pet in your neighborhood, a local park, or anywhere you choose. You can also fundraise by sharing your personal page on social media and asking friends and family to donate to Pet Partners.

For corporate teams, the event offers a chance to boost employee morale and promote wellness. Many companies form teams, host multiple walks, and even match donations. Pet Partners provides resources like team captain kits, press release templates, and fundraising incentives such as pet bandanas, t-shirts, and team banners. The walk is a fun, meaningful way to support therapy animals while staying active.

• Form a team with friends, family, or coworkers
• Walk your pet in a park, on a trail, or around your block
• Use social media to share your walk and raise donations
• Encourage your company to match employee donations
• Earn prizes by reaching fundraising milestones

World’s Largest Pet Walk Dates