October Walkathon
Would you like to raise vital funds for poorly pets in need and challenge yourself at the same time? Then, get involved in PDSA’s October Walkathon 2023 to walk 48 miles for our 48 Pet Hospitals with your dog during October. If you are looking for more of a challenge for your fit, healthy and energetic pooch, you can always test yourself and walk 100 miles for PDSA.
How it works
Simply request to join our Facebook group and follow the easy instructions on how to register. Once you’ve registered, we’ll send you a limited-edition dog bandana that your pet can wear to show support for pets in need. You can even gain a special PDSA medal if you raise over £100 – so be sure to get involved!
Please note that registration for October Walkathon closes on Sunday 8 October – so be sure to register before then.
FAQs
Got a burning question about October Walkathon 2023? We’ve answered the most frequently asked questions about the event below. If you have any questions that aren’t covered below, feel free to get in touch with our team.
- I’ve registered my interest - what do I need to do now?
- I’ve joined the group and completed the registration form – what do I need to do now?
- When will I receive my dog bandana?
- If I don’t have a dog, can I still take part in October Walkathon?
- Is October Walkathon an organised event in a specific location?
- Are there set challenges for October Walkathon or can I pick my own?
- Is there another way that I can fundraise other than using Facebook fundraisers?
- Can I fundraise only using the sponsorship form?
- I don’t have Facebook but I’d like to take part. How can I do this?
- Why do I have to join the Facebook group to take part and register?
- What if I can’t complete the event during October Walkathon?
- Can I order a PDSA t-shirt for October Walkathon?
- Can I order an extra dog bandana for the challenge?
- How can I get in contact regarding October Walkathon or fundraising in general?
- How can I pay in the money I’ve raised for October Walkathon?
- What does the money I’ve raised help PDSA to do?
I’ve registered my interest - what do I need to do now?
Great news! To take part in the event you need to join our Facebook group and complete the registration form within the group to tell us you're taking part and where to send your bandana. Once you complete the form, it will give you the option to automatically create a fundraising page - so you can get walking and start collecting donations for pets in need.
I’ve joined the group and completed the registration form – what do I need to do now?
Now you’ve joined the Facebook group and registered your interest, you’ll be given the option to create a fundraising page to share with your friends to starting raising money. You’ll also receive your limited-edition dog bandana through the post, so you can start training for the event in style. Whilst you wait for the event to begin, why not chat with your fellow walkers on our Facebook group and talk about your October Walkathon progress?
When will I receive my dog bandana?
Your dog bandana could take up to 2 weeks after registering to arrive. If it hasn’t arrived after this time, please get in touch with our fundraising team. Registration for the event closes on Sunday 8 October – so be sure to register before then or you will not receive a bandana.
If I don’t have a dog, can I still take part in October Walkathon?
Yes you can still take part in October Walkathon if you don’t have a dog – you can still walk 48 or 100 miles and raise money for poorly pets in need without a dog. You may still receive a dog bandana but you could simply have the bandana as a keepsake, donate it to someone else with a dog or gift it to a charity shop – the decision is up to you!
Is October Walkathon an organised event in a specific location?
There is no set location for October Walkathon. All you need to do is walk 48 miles for our 48 Pet Hospitals throughout October. You can complete the fundraising challenge at your own pace with or without your four-legged friend. For those wanting more of a challenge, you can test yourself and walk 100 miles for PDSA, if taking on this challenge with your dog, please be sure that they are physically up to the task, if you are not sure then please speak to your vet. If you want to learn more, simply get in touch with us at fundraising@pdsa.org.uk
Are there set challenges for October Walkathon or can I pick my own?
For the October Walkathon, the main challenge is to walk 48 miles for our 48 Pet Hospitals throughout October. If this is not challenging enough for you, then you can walk 100 miles instead of 48. If the October Walkathon isn’t for you, then check out other fundraising ideas to see how you can help poorly pets in need.
Is there another way that I can fundraise other than using Facebook fundraisers?
Yes, you can - although we prefer participants to create a Facebook fundraising page. We kindly ask that all participants create a Facebook fundraiser as part of the registration process. If you are struggling to set up a Facebook fundraiser, please feel free to get in touch with our fundraising team who will be happy to help.
If you would prefer not to create a Facebook fundraiser, there are two alternatives to this. One option would be to download our October Walkathon sponsorship form and make a donation to our website. The second would be to create a JustGiving fundraiser for PDSA, which would allow you to make donations online.
Can I fundraise only using the sponsorship form?
Yes, you can - it is possible to fundraise using our sponsorship form only. If you are fundraising this way, you can collect donations manually and make a donation via our website once you are finished with your fundraising at the end of October Walkathon.
Please navigate to the bottom of this page to download the sponsorship form or click 'featured' at the top of the Facebook group and find it in the post labelled ‘SPONSORSHIP FORM’.
I don’t have Facebook but I’d like to take part. How can I do this?
That's okay, if you are happy to not be part of the Facebook group and not receive updates this way, you can still register for the challenge. Simply get in touch with us at fundraising@pdsa.org.uk and we will send you a registration link.
Once you’ve registered, you will receive your limited dog bandana. You are then free to start fundraising via the methods mentioned above (sponsorship form or JustGiving page).
Why do I have to join the Facebook group to take part and register?
Facebook manages the October Walkathon event so the link to the registration form is accessible through the group. We use Facebook so that we can easily communicate with all participants and share important messages related to the October Walkathon. The group is a positive space for members to share tips, update on fundraising progress and celebrate achievements.
What if I can’t complete the event during October Walkathon?
That's okay, this is a personal challenge raising money for a great cause. If you cannot complete the challenge in October, complete it when you can and submit your donations by Tuesday 14 November 2023. You will still be part of the October Walkathon team.
Can I order a PDSA t-shirt for October Walkathon?
We have a limited supply of PDSA t-shirts and they are not included with this event. However, you will receive a limited-edition October Walkathon dog bandana. If you would like a t-shirt, please send fundraising@pdsa.org.uk an email with the size you are looking for (S, M, L, XL) and they will be able to have a look into availability for you. Please be aware, a small fee may be applicable for those receiving a PDSA t-shirt.
Can I order an extra dog bandana for the challenge?
Those who register to take part in October Walkathon will receive one dog bandana but can request up to two. If you manage to raise over £100, then you’ll also receive a special PDSA October Walkathon medal.
How can I get in contact regarding October Walkathon or fundraising in general?
You can contact us via the PDSA Facebook page, phone the PDSA fundraising team on 0800 5088323 or send your question to fundraising@pdsa.org.uk
How can I pay in the money I’ve raised for October Walkathon?
You can do this via your Facebook fundraiser, JustGiving page, by calling our team on 0800 5088323 or by making a donation to PDSA online.
What does the money I’ve raised help PDSA to do?
On average in 2022, it cost over £1.4m to run each of our Pet Hospitals and treated over 390,000 pets. The money you raise for October Walkathon helps us to treat poorly pets in need, across our 48 Pet Hospitals. Find out about the life-saving veterinary care our amazing teams have provided recently to pet patients.