Pet Valu Walk for Dog Guides returns May 31 to support Canadians with disabilities

The Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides fundraiser is happening on May 31. The walk will take place at the Wilmot Recreation Complex to raise funds for dog guides that support people with disabilities. Contributed photo

By Amanda Nelson

The Pet Valu Walk for Dog Guides is returning to Wilmot on May 31.

The Pet Valu Walk for Dog Guides is a large, community-based fundraising walk supporting the Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides, which trains and provides service dogs to Canadians with disabilities at no cost. The event also helps build an inclusive, community-driven movement that supports accessibility, independence and mobility for people with disabilities.

The 2026 walk will be held May 31 at the Wilmot Recreation Complex. The goal for this year’s Pet Valu Walk is to raise $1.6 million nationally.

The event is designed to be family friendly and community focused, and everyone is welcome to attend and help raise funds. Those looking to participate can register individually, join a team or start their own team. Participants are encouraged to walk with or without a dog, making the event accessible even for those without pets.

“Our walk takes place in Schmidt Woods Trail and it’s great for just about anyone,” said Paul Mackie, a volunteer organizer. “Bring your dog for a nice walk; you’ll be in good company.”

Guide dogs are provided to Canadians at no cost thanks to donations from supporters. The Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides receives no operational funding from the government, making fundraising events like this especially important.

“Pet Valu has a team, I have a team and there are others that have individual teams you can sign up with or donate to on the website,” said Mackie.

The Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides is the only school in the world to offer seven distinct Dog Guide programs. Funds raised through the walk help acquire, raise, train and match dogs with people across Canada. Each dog costs approximately $35,000 to raise, train and place.

“Pet Valu is our national sponsor,” said Mackie. “Last year, they provided $100,000 to the walk to provide publicity posters, website maintenance, so many different things that go a long way to help us get the word out.”

Programs through Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides support people with autism, diabetes, epilepsy, mobility disabilities, vision loss and individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing. The organization also provides facility support dogs to help children and adults experiencing traumatic situations.

“We're raising money to provide funds to the organization to trade to acquire dogs, raise the dogs and then train them to be matched with patients that have epilepsy, autism and seven different disabilities,” said Mackie.

The walk has been running for 40 years and has raised more than $23 million nationally to date.

“I would ask everyone to think about it, support it, make a donation and come on out to the walk on the 31st,” said Mackie.

To register for the Pet Valu Walk for Dog Guides, visit walkfordogguides.com. For questions, email paulmackie@rogers.com.