Pet owners are encouraged to sign up and start raising pledges for this year's Paws For a Cause events, held in 36 communities across the province in September.

In Surrey, the SPCA-hosted event happens Sunday, Sept. 12 at Crescent Park.

"Participants begin registering now and fundraise in their own communities all summer long," said Denise Meade, the society's director of development.

"It's quite inspiring to see the truly innovative and selfless ways people help animals."

Car washes, garage sales, shaving contests -- they've all been held in the past to raise money for the Paws cause. One guy even had people sponsor his weight loss, pledging him an amount per pound. "He lost more than 50 pounds and raised thousands of dollars to help homeless, abused and neglected animals," said Meade.

Visit spca.bc.ca/walk to get involved.