Anyone for Bark Run? Social dogwalking community gets tails wagging

A national social dog walking club which aims to bring the UK’s dog lovers together is being launched by Leeds-based Danny Silk.

Walkie Dogs is essentially Park Run, for dog lovers and dog walkers. Dog owners can sign up to an annual membership of £40 per year, which gives them access to weekly, organised dog walks up and down the country.

The first walks will roll out on August 18 in Leeds, at Roundhay Park, and will eventually be hosted in four locations in 74 cities across the UK.

Members can book their weekly walks directly through the website, which also gives them access to the ‘Dog Pages’ – a directory of national and unique dog retailers, products, and services, where customers can get exclusive discounts when booked through Walkie Dogs. It also gives access to discounted dog first aid training courses with expert, Aaron Hunt.

The initiative also works with several charities, partnering with Blue Cross, a charity dedicated to rehoming dogs, and collection buckets will be present at each walk.

Silk, founder of Walkie Dogs, said: “This project is the first of its kind on this scale and one that I hope will not only bring dog lovers together, but offer a supportive space which benefits local communities in lots of different ways.

“The physical and mental wellbeing of our members and their pets is our utmost priority. As well as providing a fun experience each week our walks are run by volunteers, and through driving volunteer sign ups we’re aiming to support young people through initiatives which get them off the street and help them gain valuable work experience.

“We’re working closely with local communities across our 74 locations to ensure we create a genuinely positive space, offering events which members can look forward to every week. I can’t wait to welcome everyone to the first walks and watch the project I’m so passionate about finally come to fruition.”