Animal lovers were out in full force with their furry friends to support the Ontario SPCA Sudbury and District Branch through the Friends of Life Walkathon Sunday.
The annual event, now in its 21st year, is one of two major fundraisers for the Sudbury SPCA – the other is the Furry Friend Feast.
Last year's even raised $20,000 to help the SPCA provide lodging and a variety of other services for injured, sick or abandoned animals.
The money also helps fund the SPCA's investigation unit, which looks into complaints of animal neglect or abuse.
“We definitely couldn't be here without the support of the community,” said Rachelle Lamoureux, animal care co-ordinator with the Ontario SPCA Sudbury and District Branch.
This year's walkathon took place at Collège Boréal, where participants walked around the school's grounds twice.
Many brought their dogs to the pet-friendly event.
Walkers could sign up to win a number of door prizes, including assorted treats for their pets.
Auntie Sherry and Friends' Grooming Parlour was on site to provide nail clipping services for dogs. All proceeds went directly to the SPCA.
Participants could also pay a donation to buy a Halloween costume for their pet.
Cindi Foley, who works at the SPCA's Sudbury shelter, said the organization made $300 selling miniature Halloween costumes last year.
She said support for the SPCA has always been very strong in Sudbury.
“We rely on donations and events like this to raise money for the year,” Foley said. “Almost everybody in Sudbury must have a pet.”