Rotorua people and pooches will come together for health and fundraising

Ella is a 'furbassador' for the SPCA's WalkYour Dog to the Moon fundraiser. Photo / Supplied

There will be wagging tails and socialising for pooches and owners alike as people come together as part of an SPCA fundraiser.

A Walk Your Dog to the Moon event is being held tomorrow,which will feature a group walk and provide an opportunity to meet fellow fundraisers and their dogs.

New research conducted by SPCA has revealed many Kiwi dog owners are not doing as much as they can to look after the family pet.

The findings show 60 per cent of Kiwis think a dog should be walked at least seven times a week, but in reality, fewer than 30 per cent of Kiwi dog owners are actually doing this.

However, when owners do walk their dogs, 80 per cent of those surveyed said it helped them to de-stress and unwind, with 70 per cent of dog owners saying it put them in a better mood for the day.

The research has been released ahead of Walk Your Dog to the Moon, which will see Kiwis across the country uniting to walk the equivalent distance from the Earth to the moon in a bid to raise money for abused, neglected and abandoned animals.

Rotorua SPCA manager Sue Kinsella said the fundraiser was a month-long virtual event, with registered Moonwalkers invited to start the event together this weekend.

"It's a kick start into summer, but also a healthier dog and you at the end of the day."

She said she was looking forward to the dog walk because it was great fun to get all the dogs together.

"We would love to see you at the start line to kick off the month."

People could stick around for a sausage sizzle after, she said.

Kinsella said raising awareness about exercise for dogs was important because an exercised dog tended to be a better behaved one.

She said going for a walk exposed dogs to a lot of smells which was exciting and rewarding for them.

"A dog chained up all day can get quite worked up."

Rotorua's Ashleigh Macpherson is planning to be at the start line with her 3-and-a-half-year-old white Swiss Shepherd named Kaya.

She said she decided to join the fundraiser because it was a great way to get out, keep herself and the dogs active, and also be able to fundraise for animals in need.

She is looking forward to meeting other dogs and people who will be doing the walk.

"I feel it's important to support the SPCA because they help look after and care for animals who haven't been lucky enough to have a home.

"It's not the animal's fault for being stuck in their circumstances."

All funds donated will be used to directly help rescue, rehabilitate and rehome animals.

To register for Walk Your Dog to the Moon, go to www.walktothemoon.co.nz.

Those who register between now and the walk can take a copy of their receipt number with them to Scion. There will be limited sign ups on the day, but online is preferred.

The details
What: Walk Your Dog to the Moon kick-off dog walk
When: Sunday November 4, 10am, Registration from 9.30am
Where: Scion Research Grounds, 49 Sala St
Cost: A $12 registration fee applies to each participant, which includes a doggy pedometer, doggy bandana and a welcome pack