The RSPCA has today announced that after three decades of community supporters coming together to fight animal cruelty through the Million Paws Walk, this year will be the final walk as a national fundraising event.

With the help of up to 1.6 million paws - that’s 400,000 super pooches - and more than 750,000 superhumans, RSPCA’s iconic Million Paws Walk has raised a phenomenal $17 million for animals in need over its 30-year history.

In those 30 years, the event has brought joy and much needed funding to vital RSPCA services to care for tens of thousands of animals every year.

But in May 2025, the RSPCA will be hosting their final national Million Paws Walk events across the country.

The RSPCA has made the difficult decision to hang up the leash on the event due to cost-of-living pressures and a dramatically changed fundraising landscape since the pandemic.

“This was not a decision we took lightly,” says Emma Lagoon, RSPCA Queensland spokesperson.

“However, the financial strain on animal lovers and increasing event costs has meant Million Paws Walk is no longer able to provide what it once could to the community while also effectively fundraising for much-needed RSPCA services.

“The RSPCA feels it best to channel resources directly to support the animals in our care, and ensure every dollar donated to our cause supports the critical services and care that have become increasingly costly to provide.”

RSPCA’s Million Paws Walk final event in 2025 will be one of great significance and reflection. The national fundraising campaign has been instrumental in drawing animal lovers across the country together to raise much needed funds for animals less fortunate than their own.

“All of us at the RSPCA would like to thank our superhumans and superpooches that have pounded the pavement with us over the last three decades, as well as the thousands of staff and volunteers that have made our event possible year in and out,” says Ms Lagoon.

“Thanks 'a million' for being a part of our wonderful life-changing history!

“The RSPCA couldn’t achieve what we do each and every day without your compassionate, generosity and fun spirit.”

The RSPCA encourages everyone to step up as a superhero for animals in need and get involved for the final ‘walkies’ in May, as they bid farewell to their iconic event.

“While it will be sad to see our much-loved event go, let's make this last lap the biggest and best event showcasing your love for all creatures great and small!”

RSPCA Queensland will be hosting their final fundraising walk events at 8 locations across the state on Sunday 25 May:

  • Brisbane
  • Cairns
  • Dakabin
  • Gold Coast
  • Mackay
  • Noosa
  • Toowoomba
  • Hervey Bay

Ticket sales are on sale today.

Our history

Million Paws Walk was introduced in Queensland in 1994. The idea came from Dr Cam Day, who was the RSPCA Queensland Operations Manager and Veterinarian at that time.  Dr Day believed a special event involving people and dogs walking together could be a triple win: providing a fun day out, promoting responsible pet ownership, and raising much needed funds for the RSPCA. Inspiration for the concept came from a brilliant "Dog-A-Thon" activity held by the Rockhampton Dog Obedience Club, where they raised funds for the local RSPCA branch.