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
Boba Pett

In Memory of Lorraine Baksys

Tim & Vicki Bentz

Daryl Tillman Realty Group

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

Summit Advisory

The Pegasus Organization

ULINE Inc.

Kevin & Kate Wolfe

Scott & Sue Yoder