Published: 01 Aug 2024 | Last Updated: 01 Aug 2024 16:13:56

The RVC Animal Care Trust’s dog-walking challenge, Paws & Shoes, is open for the summer. All money raised will help us build a new home for the RVC Blood Donor Programme. Blood transfusions support life-saving operations and treatment that takes place every day in the RVC Queen Mother Hospital for Animals.

Fleur and Karenza taking part in Paws & Shoes
Fleur and Karenza taking part in Paws & Shoes

Today, the RVC’s charity is calling on dogs (and their owners!) to put their best paw forward and help the RVC step boldly into the future of transfusion medicine. With your help we can create innovative facilities to improve the donor experience and help save lives.

An incredible £6,000 has been raised since Paws and Shoes launched two years ago. With teams challenging themselves to walk 1,000 minutes in four weeks, or setting a bespoke target, it’s a great way for humans and their canine friends to get active.


To date 63 dogs of all shapes and sizes have joined the challenge to walk in solidarity for pets who can’t. The flexibility of the challenge enables teams to choose their own start date and goal, so it’s fully inclusive for all fitness levels. Whether you and your dog want to walk a little, or a lot, this challenge is for everybody and every paw! Jenni walked 163.5 miles with her two dogs Fleur and Karenza in 2023 and raised £1932, she commented,


"We loved taking part in Paws & Shoes. It got us all fit, took us to new places - trying to think of somewhere different to go to get those 'paws' hitting the floor was half the fun! It's a brilliant charity. Fleur, Karenza and I were blown away by peoples' generosity."

All Paws & Shoes Challengers are invited to choose a welcome gift upon joining and will receive a completion certificate at the end of their challenge.

Set off on your own tail-wagging adventure and join Paws and Shoes

Join Paws & shoes today!

You can also find out more about our Blood Donor Appeal here.

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