Walk To Remember is a flexible fundraising event where individuals, families and communities walk In Memory of a beloved pet on National Pet Memorial Day – on Sunday 13th September 2026.
Last year more than 900 people came together through Walk to Remember to honour their beloved pets, share memories and pet grief stories, while raising an amazing£39,000 for animals in need. The event returns in just a few weeks, giving a vital opportunity for the thousands of owners to memorialise their lost companions.
The Walk to Remember offers a meaningful, accessible way to celebrate the profound impact our pets have on our lives, while raising crucial funds to support the RSPCA’s vital rescue, rehabilitation, and rehoming work.
Sophie Lewis, Mass Participation Manager at the RSPCA, said: “Losing a pet is like losing a member of the family, but that grief can often go unsupported or unnoticed.
“Last year, we saw just how powerful it is to bring that grief to light, so this year we’re calling pet owners to join us again and walk, share stories and connect with others who truly understand what it means to love, and lose, a pet.”
A previous RSPCA survey found that a majority of people (99%) consider their pets to be ‘part of the family’, with over 60% viewing them as their ‘best friend.’
But one in four people (26.2%) previously reported that they struggled to find a way to memorialise or mark the loss of their pet.
Nickey Newman, from Shepperton, in Surrey,has already pledged to take part in the event, raising more than £200 within the first two days of signing up.
She and her husband Stuart (pictured) will be walking in memory of Disney, the family’s beloved Shih Tzu dog, who passed away unexpectedly just two days before Christmas last year at the age of 15 and a half.
“Losing Disney just before Christmas was heartbreaking,” Nickey said. “While we are so grateful for the 15 and a half years we had with her, the house still feels different all these months later. She was a true family member, our sons grew up with her, and even our other dog, Punk, missed her terribly, which only added to our sadness, watching her wander the house searching for Disney. Our hearts were truly broken.”
For Nickey, finding a way to commemorate Disney was important. “When she first passed and I would cry often, some people would look at me like I was mad, but to us, she was a central part of our lives and a member of our family,” she added.
“We’ll be walking the Thames Towpath towards Weybridge, a route we used to walk with Disney. She used to enjoy sitting in the pub garden along the way, so we’ll be stopping to raise a glass to her. It feels like a beautiful way to celebrate and remember her.”
Nickey and Stuart will be walking with Maltipoo ‘Punk’ and the family’s recent addition, Shih Tzu puppy ‘Gizmo.’
Since signing up, Nickey has been overwhelmed by the support she has received via her Just Giving page from friends and family, raising £260 and counting.
“It really hits home how many people recognise our grief and want to support me,” she said. “Walking for the RSPCA feels like we’re doing something lasting for Disney, and helps us remind ourselves that we haven’t and won’t ever forget her, all while helping other animals who need rescue, love and care.”
Participants are encouraged to sign up, walk five miles, and pledge to raise funds in honour of their pet. Whether walking with loved ones, hosting an event for the local community, or completing the walk in peaceful solitude, every tribute helps the RSPCA continue its life-saving work.
Sophie added: “There’s no start line, finish line or pressure to complete a challenge. Instead, choose a walk that feels meaningful to you. It could be a favourite park, a daily dog walking route, or a place that holds special memories – like near their adoption centre or somewhere you found solace after they passed.
“The funds you raise could answer a call to our cruelty line, feed a dog in one of our centres, or help a kitten find its new home. Every penny you raise makes a difference in giving animals the love and care they deserve.”
Upon signing up, participants will receive a digital event pack, with opportunities to earn commemorative items such as key rings and travel mugs for fundraising milestones.
Participants can share their fundraising page to gather support, track their walk using Strava, and connect with others planning walks on a dedicated RSPCA Facebook Group, which provides a platform to share their pet’s story and share walk routes/ideas.
