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Walk for the Animals: The Empire Bites Back
Join us, and thousands of animal lovers across the US and internationally, for the region’s oldest and biggest animal welfare fundraising event of the year! The Walk for Animals is our largest and longest-running fundraising event, bringing together thousands of animal lovers to raise vital funds that provide lifesaving care for animals in need. By participating, you’re giving pets the second chances they deserve!
48th Annual Walk for the Animals
Saturday, May 3, 2025
Berks County Fairgrounds, Leesport, PA
A Galactic Day of Fun for the Whole Family!
This free, family-friendly event is more than just a walk – it’s a celebration! Enjoy a flat one-mile walk at your own pace with your friends, pups and family, and enjoy fun dog contests, live music, kids activities, food trucks & vendors, VIP beer & wine garden, and more! Last year’s Star Wars theme was a hit so we’re bringing it back! Get ready for “The Empire Bites Back” – whether you’re a Jedi, Sith, or somewhere in between, you and your pet will love this fun-filled day.
Get Involved!
There are so many ways to participate:
- Walk & Fundraise – Register and help raise funds for animals in need.
- Become a Sponsor – Showcase your business to thousands of attendees.
- Be a Vendor – Share your products and services with our pet-loving community.
Register Online Today!
While admission is free, we encourage all attendees to register in advance. Plus, when you sign up ahead of time, you’ll receive an exclusive commemorative event T-shirt—featuring brand-new themed artwork starring HPA’s beloved mascots! Register by April 11 to guarantee a shirt in your size!
Join us for a day of fun, fundraising, and community spirit—all to help animals in need. We can’t wait to see you there!
Walk for the Animals 2025 Leaderboard
TOP CORPORATE PACK
TOP NON-CORPORATE PACK
Christine’s Canine (and Feline) Crew
PACK WITH THE SINGLE, LARGEST ONE-TIME DONATION
Christine’s Canine (and Feline) Crew
WALKER WITH THE HIGHEST TOTAL DONATIONS
Kristen Sandel
TOP FUNDRAISING PACKS
Christine’s Canine (and Feline) Crew – $1,325
EBS Mutts & Alley Cats – $1,245
PACK WITH THE MOST OUT-OF-STATE DONATIONS
Luke Dogwalkers
MOST RECENT STATE ADDED TO THE 50-STATE CHALLENGE
California
INDIVIDUAL WALKER WITH THE MOST DONATIONS
Chelsea Breitenstein
Walk for the Animals 50-State Challenge
Collecting pledges and working towards a fundraising goal does so much more for the animals than we could ever do alone. Asking for donations far and wide and from as many states as possible is a call to action that your Kansas City cousins or Great Aunt Alice in Alaska can’t ignore! Think of how much you could raise if your out-of-state Facebook friends got involved (whether there are 5 or 500 of them). And it all benefits the animals in our care and in our community!
As you fundraise, don’t forget to ask anyone and everyone you know across the country! In 2024, we received Walk donations from 39 of the 50 United States, which officially puts us ahead of our 36-state record! This year, our goal is to cover the entire United States through our 50 State Challenge!
Our 2025 Sponsors
Jedi Cat-ster
Obi-Bone Kenobi
In Memory of Christine Buckley-Papada
Jaba the Mutt
Man-dog-lorian
Foresters of America – Court 235
The Muttley Crew, May the Schwartz be with you!
Karen Linder & Jim Blickle
Arf2D2
B&L Ott Heating & Air Conditioning, LLC
BLB Lawn Care & Landscaping LLC
Dashing Days Dog Grooming
Edwards Business Systems
Good Friends Catering, JoAnn & Bruno Bombay
LS Tire LLC
Window Genie of Reading
Boba Pett
In Memory of Lorraine Baksys
Tim & Vicki Bentz
Sharyn Hodge
Kristi & Joe Hoffman
Carol Kerstetter
Samantha Kissinger & Tammy Sisohore
Alicia Luke & John Korp
John & Judi Massaro
Janice & Scott MacKenzie
Justin & Erin Manning
Tracy Marrella
Karel & Kim Minor
Lesa & Gary Moyer
In Memory of Richard A. Moyer Sr.
Joe & Caitlin O’Neill
Pagoda Paws Pet Care
Mark Ray & Shari Sweigert
Heather Sharpe
Kevin & Kate Wolfe
Scott & Sue Yoder