Walk your dog with your neighbors today and live the healthy way!

The Healthy Pets Healthy Families Initiative (HPHF) is recruiting volunteers to lead or participate in community dog-friendly walking groups.

Previous surveys done by the Veterinary Public Health Program (VPH) have investigated issues related to pet obesity and the built environment. Results from these surveys are highlighted in our HPHF Obesity report. Some of these findings show that pet owners may not always recognize that their pet is overweight and that a major barrier for walking in a neighborhood is a concern for safety.

To address these issues, VPH is promoting dog-friendly community walking groups and developed a 12-week long toolkit to educate group members about health-related topics for pets and people.

Goals

1. Reduce human and pet obesity by encouraging daily physical activity

2. Engage group members in discussions about the links between human and animal health

3. Build community resilience - feel safer walking in your community in groups and get to know your neighbors

How it works

• Facilitate one 30-minute walk each week (12 week commitment)

• Use the dog-friendly walking group toolkit to promote health messages

• Administer pre- and post- surveys and have fun!

Disclaimers

• Members do not need to have a dog to participate

• Make sure you and your dog are healthy enough to participate

More information on physical activity

Choose Health LA - Improving Nutrition, Increasing Physical Activity and Reducing Obesity in LA County

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - Physical Activity Basics

Last updated: June 8, 2017