As it's Sport Relief this month, it got us thinking! There's something special about spending quality time with your dog and sharing adventures together...but have you ever thought about doing this AND raising money for a charity or two at the same time? Wouldn't that be amazing? Thankfully there are plenty of opportunities to do just that. Take a peek as we've rounded-up of some fantastic fundraising events with dogs in 2020, as well as some suggestions about how you could even create your own…
GREAT BRITISH DOG WALK
When is it? March - May 2020
Where is it? Take your pick from seventeen locations across the UK. From Falkirk to Exeter (and many others in between).
Wouldn't it be wonderful to take in the scenic views of some of the UK's most beautiful grounds, meet like-minded dog lovers and make new friends of the two and four-legged variety?! Well you can expect this and more if you and your dog take part in this annual fundraising event held by Hearing Dogs for Deaf People. There are two types of walk: an 8km walk for those seeking a longer adventure and a 3km walk for those who prefer a slightly shorter jaunt. These two walking lengths mean it is an ideal day out for all ages.
There's no minimum amount to raise, just pay the entrance fee of £10 for adults (free for children). If you do wish to raise some money and make a donation, you can do so when purchasing your online tickets. If you are able to raise over £50 from sponsorship (you know you want to!) you will even receive a special Great British Dog Walk certificate.
BATTERSEA MUDDY DOG CHALLENGE
When is it? 14th April - 17th October 2020
Where is it? There are eight locations across the UK.
Do you have an active dog? Are you ready to tackle the Doggy Ball Pit, Canine Crawl, and Muddy Mayhem obstacle course?! Well this could be the challenge you're looking for! A 2.5km or a 5km obstacle run are available, so different fitness levels are catered for. You can join in with or without your dog (as it may not be suitable for all). Or why not enter as a team with some of your dog-loving friends? Children over the age of eight are able to take part too, as long as an adult is also taking part. A registration fee and minimum sponsorship of £100 per person (except children) is needed. The cost may be a little higher compared to other events but this really is such a special day out. You can do it!
There are lots of training tips available for you and your dog (which you'll definitely need to look at so you'll both be fully prepared for the day). It could be a great way to give you and your dog a fitness boost and a memory to cherish forever. As the title of the event says though, prepare to be 'muddy!' Our Scent & Shine Shampoo could definitely come in very handy afterwards to enhance shine while leaving behind a beautiful, uplifting scent…a pawfect way to clean-up and unwind after a big adventure.
BRING YOUR DOG TO WORK DAY
When is it? Friday 26th June 2020.
Where is it? Wherever your office may be!
Fundraising events with dogs doesn't have to mean being active. Imagine having your dog at work with you for one special day and helping raise money for two animal charities, All Dogs Matter and Animals Asia (or your own charity choice). Well since 2014 #BringYourDogToWorkDay has been an annual event which has made this dream come true!
Obviously this may not be suitable for every dog or office (but it's a good opportunity to ask your boss though!) Whether you're allowed to bring your dog to work or not, anyone can take part by simply making a donation of £10 and adding a photo of your dog to the online "Dog With a Job Hall of Fame!" So cute!
Or why not club together and make your office an official sponsor by donating a minimum of £100? Your office logo and website will then be uploaded to the official #BringYourDogToWorkDay website and shared to social media. If dogs really aren't allowed at work (or would be better suited at home) and if you’re a whizz in the kitchen, maybe bake some dog-themed cupcakes for your colleagues to buy on the special day and donate the proceeds too.
So what's your dog's job for the day going to be?! Perhaps the most important job of all is being your best friend…definitely top of the CV!
CREATE YOUR OWN FUNDRAISING EVENTS WITH DOGS!
As it's Relief this month, maybe you would like to raise money for this wonderful cause? Or perhaps you have your own type of charity you'd like to support? There may not be any specific events available for you and your dog but that shouldn't stop you! Why not create your own fundraising event with your dog instead? Perhaps create your own local sponsored dog walk with some of your friends. Or arrange a sponsored 'doggy picnic' and bake some treats for humans and dogs? What fun!
Do you think you'll take on a charity challenge with your dog to raise some money? If so, we'd love to hear what you'll be doing! Let us know below.
* Please note, with all of these events, it’s very important to consider the impact on your dog first (e.g. are they healthy? Are they fit? Are they social? Are they happy around other dogs? Or do they get anxious? It won’t be right for all dogs to take part in events like these, but remember, they can always join in via other ways instead or you can take part on their behalf)
