And in the past 10 years the charity organisation has adopted out, reunited with their owners or released into the wild almost 800,000 animals. 

To help raise money for their good, and often expensive, work the RSPCA is holding their Million Paws Walk.

And this year for the first time in six years, the Glen Innes branch will be participating.

“We’ve got a very strong group of volunteers,” local volunteer Brigitte Burridge said.

But providing care for local pets in need doesn’t come cheap.

“We cannot re-home any animals unless they’re desexed, microchipped and fully vaccinated,” she said.

“That is a requirement and that’s probably where the bulk of our costs go.

“We do get a lot of people donating food but quite frequently we also end up buying stuff out of our own pockets.”

Ms Burridge said around only 50 per cent of donations are covering the costs of the RSPCA’s work in Glen Innes.

And there’s no shortage of help needed.

“We have a lot of cats and dogs that are neglected,” she said.

“Sally and Judy were involved in the last one.”

Glen Innes RSPCA Branch volunteer Judy Fraser was looking forward to Sunday’s walk and hoped it would raise vital funds for the local team.

“It’s a major fundraising initiative for RSPCA right through Australia and the money that we will be raising goes directly towards Glen Innes for neglected, surrendered and medical help for our animals,” she said.

The walk will kick off on Sunday May 21 at King George Oval.

Registration starts at 9am at $5 for dogs and $2 for humans – then an opening at 10am by the Deputy Mayor.

There will also be interaction games, races, face painting, a sausage sizzle, photos by Peter and Rebecca from TSG, competitions for best dressed dog, Celtic canine, owner look-alike, best groomed dog and a Doggone Gorgeous raffle worth $100.