PetRescue's Best Friends Walk - virtual challenge

Cause

PetRescue's Best Friends Walk is a national fundraising initiative dedicated to helping homeless animals find their forever homes. Founded on the belief that every pet deserves love and care, the event celebrates the incredible bond between people and their pets while raising funds to support PetRescue's comprehensive adoption and assistance programs. Australia-wide, thousands of animals are waiting in shelters and rescue organisations for their chance at a loving family, and every dollar raised through Best Friends Walk goes directly toward making this happen through PetRescue's adoption platform and adoption assistance programs.

What to Expect

PetRescue's Best Friends Walk is a flexible, month-long virtual challenge running throughout September 1–30, giving you complete freedom in how and when you participate. Unlike traditional structured events with set routes and times, Best Friends Walk empowers you to create your own adventure with your best friend—whether that's your beloved dog, cat, or any furry companion. You can walk through your neighbourhood, explore local parks, venture to the beach, hike bush trails, or even participate from home with indoor activities. The challenge accommodates all fitness levels and abilities, recognising that 'best friends' come in many forms.

You have complete flexibility in choosing your distance goal. Popular challenge distances include 30km (achievable at 1km per day), 50km (achievable at 5km per day for 10 days), and 80km. However, you can set any distance goal that feels achievable and motivating for you and your pet. The event encourages participants to choose something fun and suited to both you and your best friend's abilities, especially if your pet is joining you in the walk.

If your furry best friend prefers staying at home, you can still fully participate with alternative activities such as indoor obstacle courses, treasure hunts, brain games and puzzles, training sessions, or backyard enrichment activities. This inclusive approach ensures everyone—and every pet—can participate in their own way.

How to Participate

• Register: Head to bestfriendswalk.com.au and sign up. You can join as an individual participant or create/join a team with friends, family, or colleagues, making it a fun group experience.
• Choose Your Challenge: Decide your distance goal for September. Whether it's 30km, 50km, 80km, or a custom distance, set a target that's achievable and motivating for you and your best friend.
• Fundraise: Set your personal fundraising goal and share your registration page with your network—friends, family, neighbours, and colleagues. Every donation brings homeless pets closer to their forever homes.
• Complete Your Challenge: Move at your own pace throughout September, whether that's daily walks, weekend hikes, or any combination that works for you. Every step, roll, or swim contributes directly to helping pets find love.

Cost

Entry is free for all participants. Best Friends Walk operates on a peer-to-peer fundraising model, meaning there's no entry fee to participate. Instead, you simply set your own fundraising goal and ask supporters to donate to your page. This approach puts you in control of your fundraising experience and ensures more funds reach the animals in need.

Milestone Rewards

Participants are encouraged to set and work towards personal distance milestones throughout September, whether that's 30km, 50km, 80km, or any custom distance goal. The primary reward is the knowledge that your participation and fundraising efforts are directly helping PetRescue connect homeless pets with loving homes through their adoption platform and assistance programs. By walking with your best friend, you're strengthening your bond while making a meaningful difference for animals waiting to meet their own best friends.