Images: RSPCA South Australia
For one last time, the Adelaide Botanic Garden will open its gates to you and your four-legged friends for the RSPCA’s annual Million Paws Walk.
Each year, the RSPCA hosts the Million Paws Walk around the country to help fight animal cruelty and raise vital funds to help animals in need. The Million Paws Walk has been a staple on the calendar for the last three decades and has been a much-loved community event over the years. During its lifetime, the walk has raised an impressive $17 million for animals in need.
RSPCA SA spokesperson Carolyn Jones, shared, “The very first walk in South Australia was held in Victoria Park in 1997. We have held an event every year since then, except in 2020 due to the Covid pandemic. The walk was held in Bonython Park for some years, then returned to Victoria Park until 2022, when the Adelaide Botanic Garden board allowed us to hold our very first walk inside. This was incredibly special, since dogs are not usually allowed inside these beautiful gardens.”
In 2025, the RSPCA made the difficult decision to put the event on pause due to cost-of-living pressures and a dramatically changed fundraising landscape that has developed since the pandemic.
“This year will be our fourth walk inside the Garden, and of course our final walk too,” she shared.
But not before one final extravaganza! On Sunday, May 25th, the Adelaide Botanic Garden, which is usually out of bounds for dogs, will be transformed into the ultimate dog-lovers’ celebration.
Between 9am and 11:30am there will be six starting times to choose from for your walk. There’s even a mini Million Paws Walk Village with food trucks, market stalls and festivities to check out before or after your walk.
“There will be stalls selling items for dogs like beds, leads, harnesses and food bowls, and also plenty of doggie treats. There’s the chance to win prizes that have been generously donated by our exhibitors, and the RSPCA dog training team will be giving demonstrations in the Village arena and providing tips on managing dog behaviour.”
If you’re not already involved, there are three things you need to do before the walk. First, sign up yourself and your pooch for a walk near you. For SA locals, the Adelaide Botanic Gardens walk is the one to check out, but if you’re reading from interstate, there are plenty of other events around the country. An important note is that for the safety of all participants, a maximum of one dog is allowed per handler.
The second step is to get involved and fundraise! Share your fundraising page with your friends and family and raise funds to give dogs in need a voice. Finally, join in and pound the pavement at your local walk on May 25th.
“Aside from it being a lovely day out for people and their much-loved pooches, and a rare chance to enjoy walking dogs through the Garden, participants should feel proud knowing that they contributing to the vital work RSPCA does for the most vulnerable animals in our state. From rescues by our inspectors and rescue officers to the daily veterinary care and general care of animals, funds raised from the Walk will make a real difference in animals’ lives,” Carolyn shared.
“We’re caring for about 6000 animals a year, reuniting hundreds of stray animals with their owners and rehoming over 3000 each year. We cannot do what we do for animals without donations, so we really hope dog owners sign up for this final lap of the delightful Adelaide Botanic Garden.”
While this is a heartfelt finale for the Million Paws Walk, dog lovers across Adelaide and beyond are encouraged to step out, celebrate, and support a cause that’s helped countless animals over the past 30 years. With one final walk left to go, it’s time to lace up, leash up, and say goodbye in style.
Million Paws Walk
Where: North Terrace, Adelaide SA 5000
When: Sunday, May 25th
For more information, click here.
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