For a fitness initiative that Fido will love, consider the Blue Cross’ Steps for Pets campaign!

Raise money for animals as you walk

This August, the pet rehoming charity is calling on animal lovers to raise money for poorly and homeless critters by taking on a walking challenge. Set your own daily target – whether it’s 5,000 or 25,000 steps, and ask friends or family to sponsor you. Whatever you think you can do, consider really pushing yourself and adding an extra thousand steps or two if you possibly can, for incredible fitness benefits including increased heart health, weight loss and muscle toning.

Of course, for added hound-helping benefits, take along your pet pooch or borrow a dog from a friend to help you pound the pavements.

To help motivate you, the charity is supplying a free fundraising pack, which has everything you need to organise a sponsored event. You can also buy t-shirts or a pedometer from the Blue Cross website, and you’ll find a list of pet-friendly walking routes too.

The charity wants to remind all dog walkers to be mindful of the weather, as heatstroke can be very dangerous for pets – so on hot days, consider leaving your four-legged friend behind, or walking after dark. Always make sure to keep them – and you – well hydrated too.

‘All money raised throughout Steps for Pets month will go to helping the smallest hamster to the biggest horse and lots of pets in between at the Blue Cross rehoming centre in Burford,’ says Jenna Martyn, Senior Rehoming Manager, Blue Cross rehoming centre in Burford. ‘We couldn’t do the work we do without the public taking up these challenges and raising money for the pets in our care. Good luck to all involved, and thank you.’