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RSPCA urging thousands of dogs to take part in the Biggest Ever Walkies!

We’ve teamed up with Vitality to bring you the biggest, waggiest walkies of the year.

Dogs and your humans, get ready for the walk of the year - registrations for the BIG Walkies events open online today.

This year the RSPCA are joining paws with Vitality - and we are asking you and your dog to join us in the fresh air to stretch your legs and raise money to help our less fortunate dog pals.

Throughout May this year there will be flagship walks followed by 42 events spread across the country in September and October.

Dogs will take part in either a 3k or a 5k sponsored walk around a local park to raise money to help dogs and other animals in RSPCA care.

To register visit www.rspca.org.uk/dogwalk and sign your dog up today.

Once you receive your fundraising pack - which includes a bandana for your four legged friend - the Big Walkies team are then asking you to tweet pictures of your dog using #BigWalkies.

Animal lovers without dogs can also take part or volunteer at the events and, some of our star rescue dogs will be there on the day to meet and get to know.

The events will build upon the success of 2015, which saw more than 3,500 dogs, 6,000 owners and 750 volunteers raise over £100,000 to help animals most in need.

RSPCA Acting Chief Executive David Canavan said: “We are really looking forward to the RSPCA Big Walkies this year as it is going to be our biggest walk ever!

“We are so pleased that Vitality is on board to help us spread the message that walking your dog is fantastic exercise for both owner and pooch.

“We hope local people will come out to support the RSPCA, get some fresh air, meet new people and help us to raise vital funds for animal welfare.”

Neville Koopowitz, CEO of Vitality, said: “A dog not only provides companionship for owners, but also makes them more active Our ‘Man’s Fittest Friend’ research found nearly three in five dog owners exercise more now they have a pet.

“Mounting evidence shows it’s the small things that make a big difference to our long term health, whether it’s a short walk or taking the stairs instead of the lift. Big Walkies provides a great opportunity to get the nation to take the lead and on the road to a healthier lifestyle.”

For more information please visit www.rspca.org.uk/dogwalk

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