RSPCA ACT CEO Michelle Robertson says Canberra couldn’t do without the annual Paws Walk. Photo: Michelle Kroll.
Canberra’s love of dogs is about to spill out around Lake Burley Griffin once again, with RSPCA ACT bringing back its annual fundraising dog walk this May – under a new name and on a new date.
Now called the ‘Canberra Paws Walk’, the event replaces the long-running ‘Million Paws Walk’, which was run at locations all over the country as one of the major fundraising events for RSPCA Australia.
But while the event was wrapped up nationally last year – after 30 years and $17 million raised – the ACT branch has decided to keep the tradition alive.
RSPCA ACT says it remains its biggest annual fundraiser, and is an opportunity for thousands of Canberrans and their dogs to enjoy a grand day out together.
Thousands of dogs take part each year. Photo: Michelle Kroll.
What to expect over two days
For the first time, the Canberra Paws Walk won’t be run over the Canberra Day long weekend.
“Because we could now choose our own day, it’s not going to fall on Canberra Day as it has for the last few years, which hasn’t been exactly wonderful for us,” RSPCA ACT chief executive Michelle Robertson says.
“It’ll now be in May because it’s a little bit cooler.”
The day itself will be preceded by ‘Healthy Pet Day’ on Saturday, 23 May, offering free and heavily discounted health services to pet owners across the ACT, particularly those doing it tough.
Services on the day will include veterinary health checks, preventative care, microchip checks, advice and pathways for desexing, grooming and behavioural advice, and access to the RSPCA ACT Community Pet Pantry. The pantry provides pet food to owners struggling to afford it.
“We want this event to be as useful to the community as it is important for us,” Ms Robertson said.
“If we can help people care for their pets early, we reduce suffering and create better outcomes for animals.”
The main event, Canberra Paws Walk, will then follow on Sunday, 24 May, with the traditional walk around Lake Burley Griffin. Both a full loop and shorter, accessible routes will be available.
The day will also feature a community market, local stallholders, live entertainment and family-friendly activities, making it a full-day outing rather than just a walk.
From Million Paws Walk to Canberra Paws Walk
For decades, the Million Paws Walk was a fixture on Canberra’s events calendar, drawing thousands of people and dogs each year. But in 2024, RSPCA nationally decided to end the event after 30 years.
The organisation cited rising operational costs, cost-of-living pressures and changes in the fundraising landscape since 2020 as key reasons. It said increasing ticket prices would have made the event less accessible, while the cost structure made it difficult to continue without compromising funds needed for animal welfare.
Ms Robertson said the decision was disappointing for many supporters in the ACT.
“Canberra has always shown up for this event,” she said.
“For many years, it has been thousands of people, their dogs, our volunteers and local stallholders coming together. When the national event ended, our community told us very clearly that this was something they did not want to lose.”
The ACT branch decided to step in and keep the event going locally, giving it a new name and format – and more flexibility. Hence, the Canberra Paws Walk.
“This event belongs to Canberra. The community took ownership of it a long time ago, and now we are proud to build it back, bigger and more meaningful, for the people and animals of the ACT.”
Ms Robertson confirmed the event would continue in 2026 and beyond, provided the community supports it.
“As long as the community chooses to support us, we will continue to have the event, in some shape or form.”
CEO Michelle Robertson says RSPCA ACT will continue the event as long as Canberra’s dog owners support it. Photo: Michelle Kroll.
Where the money goes
Funds raised through Canberra Paws Walk go directly to RSPCA ACT’s shelter operations and community programs. Each year, more than 2000 animals come into the organisation’s care, and more than 70 per cent of its funding comes from the community.
The walk typically raises about $50,000 each year, helping cover food, veterinary treatment and behavioural care, as well as foster care and rehoming.
The money also supports programs designed to keep pets with their families where possible.
“Sometimes keeping pets with their families is the right outcome, and sometimes the kindest option is for an animal to come into our care so they can be rehabilitated and rehomed,” Ms Robertson said.
“Canberra Paws Walk helps make both possible.”
Registration and full event details will be available from RSPCA ACT.
