FAQS

You register for the walk here.

Registration fees, are:

• Adult: $35 per person
• Children: (under 18 years of age): $15 per person
• Concession: $15 per person
• Family pass (Includes 2 adults and 2 children): $70

Certainly! While you can register on-site starting from 9:00am on the day, we highly encourage participants to pre-register here.

Included in your registration is a welcome pack for you and your pet.

You receive a piece of PAWS for GAWS branded dog bandana (various sizes available) and bumper sticker! Your registration fee also includes entry into the walk, post-event fun PAWS for GAWS event hub.

Yes! You can add merchandise at check out when you register or purchase up on the day. Stocks are limited, so it will be on a first in best dressed basis.

To help us keep costs low, and ensure more funds go directly toward caring for the animals who need us, no merchandise will be posted.

You may collect your merchandise using one of the following options:

1. Collect your items from GAWS prior to event day
325 Portarlington Road, 
Moolap 3224
Tuesday & Wednesday: 9am–4pm
(Merchandise will not be posted out.)

2. Collect your items on event day at the registration check-in marquee

Absolutely, we're aware that some might not be able to join us on Sunday 1st March, 2026, at 10:00 am but are still eager to support GAWS through fundraising. Create a fundraising page here.

PAWS for GAWS will take place on Sunday 1st March, 2026, at 10:00.am.

The Walk will start and finish at the Eastern Park BBQ Area, East Geelong VIC.

You will set off for a relaxed 4km walk that will take you though the Botanical Gardens and along the Geelong Waterfront and loop back to your original starting point at the Eastern Park BBQ Area.

If required there will be a staggered start to help reduce congestion, ensure smoother traffic flow, and minimise potential conflicts between dogs.

Group sizes will be based on our total number of participants, with comfortable group sizes decided on the day. Depending on group sizes we will have 5 to 10 minute intervals.

Our amazing GAWS volunteers will be there to guide you every step of the way.

The PAWS for GAWS Event Hub, located right at the centre of our start/finish line at the Eastern Park BBQ Area, will be hosted by Roxie Bennett, a well known local dog enthusiast and community leader.

The hub will open at 9:00 am.

At the event, you'll find:

• Pop-up pet shops
• Food and coffee
• A PAWS for GAWS merchandise stand
• Entertainment from K Rock, playing all your favourite songs and hosting fun games for the whole family
• Interactive market stalls from our wonderful sponsors, including photo walls, dog tag engraving, and fun dog weight & nutrition education
• Face painting for kids
• Pooch Parade – Categories: GAWS adopable dogs, Best Dressed, Waggiest Tail, and Best Trick!
• Responsible pet ownership resources, information on becoming a GAWS Foster Carer or Volunteer
• GAWS Head Veterinarian, Dr Ruth, will be on hand and would love to chat all things dogs.

After the walk, stick around and soak up the fun in our event hub until 12:00 pm! Enjoy music and a live broadcast from K Rock, kids’ face painting, the ever-popular Pooch Parade, exciting raffle prizes, and a great range activity stalls and food.

Every dog, regardless of breed or size, is invited as long as they are sociable and friendly!

We recommend bringing water for both you and your dog, a leash, waste bags, sun protection, and suitable shoes for the occasion.

Definitely! Our walk is family friendly and perfectly suitable for those with young children, strollers and mobility aids.

The walk is around 4kms and is for all fitness levels, we suggest that participants take their time and enjoy the stunning surrounds.

Our walk is leisurely, not competitive, so feel free to take breaks whenever needed. There are benches to rest on along the Waterfront path and at Eastern Park. Remember to bring your own water bottles for you and your pets for the journey.

Absolutely! Even if you don't have a dog, you're warmly invited to participate. Some of us walk with dogs. All of us can walk for them!

Unfortunately, no. We advise you do not bring other types of animals to the PAWS for GAWS event to reduce risk to them, given there will be so many dogs present.

Leading up to the event, we'll be closely monitoring the weather forecast to anticipate and prepare for any unfavourable conditions. We will promptly inform participants of any weather-related changes.

The safety of our walkers and their pets is paramount to us.

Should local authorities issue severe weather warnings, we will cancel the walk accordingly.

In the event of a cancellation on March 1st 2026, participants are encouraged to partake in a virtual PAWS for GAWS walk at their convenience, thereby continuing to support our fundraising efforts.

There will be an Information marquee set up in the event hub where participants can get information about the event, route, safety measures, and emergency procedures.

Leash Requirement: All dogs should be kept on leashes at all times to prevent conflicts and ensure control.

Water Available: There is a drinking fountain within the event space where you can refill your bottles and keep both yourself and your four-legged friends hydrated. Plus, there will be additional doggo water bowls throughout the event space and along the course. Participants will be reminded and encouraged to bring their own water bottles for themselves and their pets.

First Aid: There will be first aid available for both humans and dogs. A veterinarian will be on standby for emergencies.

Waste Management: Participants are required to bring waste bags for their pets to maintain cleanliness along the route.

Crowd Control: We are fortunate that our location will ensure a comfortable experience for everyone. Our amazing GAWS Staff and volunteers will be there to guide you every step of the way.

Briefing Participants: Before the walk, participants will be briefed about the route, safety protocols, and what to do in case of an emergency.

Volunteers and Staff: There will be many friendly GAWS volunteers and staff present to provide assistance and offer guidance.

Everyone can fundraise for GAWS. Your efforts make a meaningful difference. Your donation to GAWS helps us provide essential care for animals in our shelter, including veterinary care, food, water, and safe shelter.

As a thank-you, teams that raise $250 or more will receive a 2026 GAWS Calendar.

Did you know it costs $65 per day to care for just one animal? We rely on the support of compassionate individuals like you to ensure every animal receives the love, care, and attention they deserve.

Fundraising tips