Pets are the heart of our home, making the upcoming Paws 4 Pets Walk—hosted by Inland Valley Humane Society (IVHS) and the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (S.P.C.A.)—an event that resonates deeply with the community.  Now in its 25th year, the annual fundraiser celebrates the bond between humans and pets while supporting animals in need.

This year marks the 25th anniversary of the Paws 4 Pets Walk, a long-standing tradition dedicated to supporting animals in the community. The event will feature activities for families and pets alike.

The walk will take place on April 25, 2026, at Bonelli Park with activities for families and pets starting at 8 a.m. and the official walk starting at 9:30 a.m. “This year’s walk is bigger and better than ever,” said Ariana Cauich, public relations manager. 

Cauich is a student at California State University, Fullerton and part of a PR team helping IVHS promote the Paws 4 Pets Walk. 

The event will be held in a larger area of Bonelli Park to better accommodate vendor and attendee growth. Activities will include games such as flyball, where participating pets are welcome to join.

“Beyond fundraising, the walk brings people together to celebrate and support pets,” Cauich added.

The Paws 4 Pets Walk is IVHS’s largest annual fundraiser. Marketing and Events Outreach Coordinator, Ryan Cardenas said the goal for this year’s event is to raise $60,000. All money raised goes directly into supporting the animals, medical services, foster programs, and adoptions..

“Every walker, donor, and supporter helps extend our reach and impact.” Cardenas said. 

For longtime participant Richard Jansen, the mission is personal. About nine years ago, he was walking near Puddingstone Lake when he stumbled upon the Paws 4 Pets Walk. Curious, he accepted an invitation to visit the organization's Pomona location.

“I was super impressed with the organization; they are organized and have a plan of working with the communities on animal welfare,“Jansen said. 

While waiting for his first official Paws 4 Pets Walk, Jansen began fundraising independently  to support the organization.  He has attended every Paws 4 Pet Walk since and has become the event’s top contributor. 

Jansen said what keeps him coming back is seeing exactly how the funds are used. “The actions that they take with the money that is being made off of this fundraiser is astonishing.”

He pointed to a  mobile veterinary clinic the organization purchased two years ago that goes out to communities and “meets them where they are for a very low cost, and it gets results.”

The energy of the event itself is part of the draw. Jansen said pets seem to thrive in the festive atmosphere, dressed up and soaking in the attention. "They're like, ‘Where is the red carpet?’" he said.

As an avid animal lover, Jansen said the cause speaks to something fundamental. "Everybody feels the love that animals can give you, and it's unconditional."

With 25 years of impact behind it, organizers encourage families and community members to join the walk and help connect animals with their forever homes.