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Walk Event Fosters Workplace Camaraderie and Connections

09/19/2024
Gwyn Donohue
A group of teams from Pet Partners of Southern California poses for a group shot.
A group of teams from Pet Partners of Southern California poses for a group shot.

Are you searching for an engaging team-building activity that boosts employee morale, promotes mental health, and fosters workplace connections? The World’s Largest Pet Walk, hosted by Pet Partners and presented by Wellness Pet Company, is the perfect event for companies looking to enhance employee well-being while participating in a pet-friendly corporate social responsibility initiative. By joining this unique event, your company can create meaningful connections, encourage physical activity, and support a life-changing cause. 

 This event offers a fun and inclusive way for your team to relax, bond, and even gain community recognition, boosting your company’s public image. Whether you’re planning to walk in 2024 or making plans for 2025, participating in the World’s Largest Pet Walk will help transform your workplace culture through teamwork, wellness, and philanthropy. It’s a perfect fit for corporate wellness programs and employee engagement strategies.

 

 

People posing with dogsWhat Is the World’s Largest Pet Walk? 

 The World’s Largest Pet Walk is an annual event where participants—along with their pets—come together to walk, get active, and raise funds for Pet Partners’ Therapy Animal Program. The walk is flexible: you can join the official national event on Saturday, September 28, 2024, or walk at any time through the end of the year.  

For example, the team from the North American Veterinary Community (NAVC) is holding walks during two weekdays the week before the event at their two main offices in Orlando and Gainesville, Florida. Employees from their pet-friendly offices will be walking with their own pets, and they’ve invited the community to participate as well.  

Whether you have dogs, cats, or other pets—like rabbits, guinea pigs, or even llamas—everyone is welcome. Your pet doesn’t have to be a therapy to participate. For your company, this event serves as a fantastic opportunity to build a stronger team while contributing to Pet Partners’ mission to improve human health through the power of the human-animal bond. 

 

Why Corporate Teams Should Participate 

Businesses that have taken part in the World’s Largest Pet Walk report not just physical benefits for their employees but deeper connections within their teams. Here’s what participating companies have to say: 

“One of the great things we do every year is gather our employees for the World’s Largest Pet Walk. We have over 400 employees that go out and walk with their pets at our facilities across the country. Not only is it a fun time with all our dogs, cats, and other pets, but it’s a great team bonding experience for all our ‘Wellies.’ It brings us all together and it’s an awesome event for your company to participate in.”   

– Chanda Leary-Coutu, Wellness Pet Company 

  

“The World’s Largest Pet Walk brings Blue Shield of California a platform to unite our employees over a shared love for animals and allows them to be part of a larger community that is Pet Partners. Recognizing the importance of the human-animal bond for our mental, emotional, and physical well-being is an integral part of our participation in this event every year. Our employees’ engagement in this walk goes beyond the love for animals; it also fosters the importance of mental health awareness and supports the mission of Pet Partners, which is near and dear to our hearts!”   

— Tomika Houghtby, Blue Shield of California 

 

“In addition to being a great team bonding activity for the NAVC, this event helps raise awareness for Pet Partners, which registers pet therapy teams to go do good work in our local community and around the country. This was a great opportunity for us to get some exercise before we start our workday and support a great cause at the same time!” 

– Laura Walker, North American Veterinary Community (NAVC)  

 

These stories showcase how this event strengthens workplace culture, promotes employee well-being, and enhances overall employee satisfaction. 

 

Top 5 Benefits of Joining the World’s Largest Pet Walk 

 

 1. Boost Employee Morale and Engagement  

 Participating in pet-friendly activities helps reduce stress and improves workplace happiness. This walk offers a simple and enjoyable way to support employee well-being while keeping your team engaged and motivated. 

 

2. Strengthen Team Collaboration and Culture

 Shared experiences like this foster teamwork, camaraderie, and a sense of community within your company. Whether your employees are in-person or remote, the event is inclusive and adaptable. 

 

3. Enhance Public Image and CSR  

Aligning your business with corporate social responsibility efforts like the World’s Largest Pet Walk reflects positively on your brand. It highlights your commitment to employee wellness and to causes that improve people’s lives. 

 

4. Inspire Friendly Competition with Prizes  

Pet Partners offers fun awards and incentives for top participants and teams, adding a layer of friendly competition that further motivates your employees to get involved. 

 

5. Promote Mental Health and Wellness  

Walking is a simple but effective way to promote physical activity and mental health. Encouraging your employees to participate—especially with their pets—supports both their personal well-being and Pet Partners’ life-changing mission. 

 

How to Get Involved 

It’s not too late to sign up for the 2024 event! Register your company today and let your employees join the movement on September 28 or on any date that works for your team. Don’t have time this year? Plan ahead for 2025! By signing up early, you can maximize participation, giving your employees time to bond, prepare, and fully enjoy this rewarding experience. Email [email protected] to get notified when 2025 registration opens in early spring.  

In addition to benefitting your employees as a team-bonding and health and wellness activity, the Walk is an opportunity to show your company’s corporate responsibility and support a mission that transforms lives through therapy animals with a sponsorship. 

We are grateful for the companies that are supporting the 2024 Walk as sponsors:  

 

 

Walk for Therapy Animals: Make an Impact Together 

Every step your team takes supports the registration of more therapy animal teams, who bring comfort and healing to those in need. By participating, your company can improve employee morale, strengthen team connections, and create lasting memories while making a meaningful difference in the lives of others. 

Join us today and let’s walk together for smiles, wellness, and a cause that changes lives.  

 

Additional Employee Engagement Opportunities 

Participating in an event like the World’s Largest Pet Walk isn’t the only way to boost employee morale, promote mental health and well-being, and foster workplace connections. Pet Partners’ Animal-Assisted Workplace Well-being program coordinates regular therapy dog or other therapy animal visits to company and organization offices and facilities around the country. Find out more about this program and submit an inquiry to talk to one of our staff about how we can support your company’s employee engagement or corporate social responsibility goals!