Arken Zoo organises charity walks

Swedish pet retailer Arken Zoo is organising charity walks across Sweden on 7 November to support three animal welfare organisations, according to a press statement by the company. The initiative will involve about 100 Arken Zoo stores, with the retailer donating 20 Swedish kronor (€1.83) for every participant to Hundstallet, Kattjouren and Smådjurschansen.

More than 3,000 people took part in last year's charity walk. This year, the event will start outside participating stores at 11 am. Everyone is welcome, with or without pets, and for the first time all animals can accompany participants.

Customers can also participate remotely by walking with their pets, indoors or outdoors, and sharing a photo or video on social media using #arkenzoopromenaden.

According to the company's press release, the three partner organisations report continuing difficulties in caring for vulnerable animals.

“We are seeing more and more dogs arriving at Hundstallet in increasingly poor veterinary condition, requiring extensive care and rehabilitation before they can have another chance in life,” says Johnny Kroneld, communications manager at Hundstallet.

Kattjouren reports similar developments among abandoned cats. Founder Shalini Persson says many animals have gone without help for years and require considerable medical attention when rescued. The organisation saves more than nine out of ten cats, supported by donations including those from Arken Zoo.

Smådjurschansen also reports continued problems involving rabbits and other small pets. According to representative Therese Bergman, neglect, abandonment and insufficient knowledge of animals' needs remain widespread, with no improvement observed during 2026.

“No animal should have to go hungry or be left without care. Yet this is the reality our partner organisations face,” says Daniel Pettersson, country manager of Arken Zoo Sweden.

The proceeds from the charity walks will support the three organisations' work with vulnerable dogs, cats and small animals. Arken Zoo hopes to attract even more participants than last year.