The RSPCA’s Walk to Remember returns this autumn, calling animal lovers together to honour pets who have died.

Walk To Remember is a flexible fundraising event where individuals, families and communities walk in memory of a beloved pet on National Pet Memorial Day - Sunday, 13 September.

Last year more than 900 people came together through Walk to Remember to honour their beloved pets, share memories and pet grief stories, while raising £39,000 for animals in need.

Sophie Lewis, mass participation manager at the RSPCA, said: “Losing a pet is like losing a member of the family, but that grief can often go unsupported or unnoticed.

“Last year, we saw just how powerful it is to bring that grief to light, so this year we’re calling pet owners to join us again and walk, share stories and connect with others who truly understand what it means to love, and lose, a pet.”

Surrey’s Nickey Newman has already pledged to take part in the event, raising more than £200 within the first two days of signing up.

She and her husband Stuart will be walking in memory of Disney, the family’s beloved Shih Tzu dog, who passed away unexpectedly just two days before Christmas last year at the age of 15.

"When she first passed and I would cry often, some people would look at me like I was mad, but to us, she was a central part of our lives and a member of our family," Nickey said.

"We’ll be walking the Thames towpath towards Weybridge, a route we used to walk with Disney. She used to enjoy sitting in the pub garden along the way, so we’ll be stopping to raise a glass to her. It feels like a beautiful way to celebrate and remember her.

"Walking for the RSPCA feels like we’re doing something lasting for Disney, and helps us remind ourselves that we haven’t and won’t ever forget her, all while helping other animals who need rescue, love and care."

Participants are encouraged to sign up, walk five miles, and pledge to raise funds in honour of their pet.

Sophie added: “There’s no start line, finish line or pressure to complete a challenge. Instead, choose a walk that feels meaningful to you.

“The funds you raise could answer a call to our cruelty line, feed a dog in one of our centres, or help a kitten find its new home. Every penny you raise makes a difference in giving animals the love and care they deserve.”

Upon signing up, participants will receive a digital event pack, with opportunities to earn commemorative items such as key rings and travel mugs for fundraising milestones.

Participants can share their fundraising page to gather support, track their walk using Strava, and connect with others planning walks on a dedicated RSPCA Facebook Group, which provides a platform to share their pet's story and share walk routes/ideas.

To sign up for the RSPCA's Walk to Remember and for more information, visit www.rspca.org.uk/getinvolved/fundraise/trekking/walktoremember.