by Laine Himmelmann
This September, hundreds of Blue Shield of California employees are teaming up with their pets to take part in the World’s Largest Pet Walk, a global event hosted by the nonprofit organization Pet Partners. The walk celebrates the healing power of the human-animal bond and raises awareness and funds for therapy animal programs that serve seniors, patients, veterans and children.
“Our health is shaped by the small, everyday choices that help us feel our best. Pets play a big role in that. They help us manage stress, offer emotional comfort and get us moving, which all add up to better health,” said Mike Stuart, president and chief executive officer of Blue Shield of California. “Walking alongside our employees, and my dog Cali, is a great reminder of how much joy our pets add to our lives. We’re thrilled to support Pet Partners’ mission and proud to see our team show up with such heart and energy for the World’s Largest Pet Walk every year.”
The annual Pet Partners event and signature fundraiser encourages individuals across the globe to step outside and walk with their pets — whether dogs, cats or other animals. The event promotes physical wellness for people and animals, and helps fund the certification of therapy animal teams to provide emotional support and healing in hospitals, schools and other community settings.
Walks can take place anytime, anywhere — whether it’s a stroll around the block, a group walk with co-workers or a quiet hike in nature. Participants can also walk at their own pace, on their own time and in their preferred location.
While the official 2025 Pet Walk will take place globally on Saturday, September 27, Blue Shield encourages employees to complete their walk any time in September. Group walks have been organized at various office locations throughout the month, in addition to encouraging “virtual walking” any time.
Kelly Seymour, senior manager of IT Digital Employee Experience for Stellarus at Blue Shield’s El Dorado Hills office, is among the Blue Shield employees who have taken their commitment a step further. Her poodle mix, Dolly Parton, is a registered therapy animal through Pet Partners and regularly visits patients in the intensive care unit, emergency room and maternity ward at Mercy Folsom, a local hospital in the Sacramento region.
”Dolly and I have been volunteering with Pet Partners for over a year and a half now,” said Seymour. “It’s such a joy to see the staff and patients light up when they see her. It’s incredibly rewarding to be able to help support healing by bringing a moment of comfort and connection.”
In addition to hospital visits, Dolly has also brought comfort and smiles to students at a local school and residents at a memory care facility.
This year marks Pet Partners’ eighth year hosting the virtual walk, and Blue Shield’s seventh year participating.
Last year, Blue Shield employees tracked over 900 hours for the Pet Walk and donated nearly $5,000, in addition to Blue Shield’s sponsorship of the event. This year, Blue Shield is once again sponsoring and plans to meet or beat last year’s employee engagement and fundraising.
Click here to join Blue Shield in supporting Pet Partners 2025 World’s Largest Pet Walk on September 27.
You can learn more about Pet Partners at petpartners.org. Read more about Blue Shield of California’s citizenship efforts at citizenship.blueshieldca.com.
Lafayette Pet Walk
El Dorado Hills Pet Walk
Tortellini
El Dorado Hills Pet Walk
El Dorado Hills Pet Walk
Woodland Hills Pet Walk
Lafayette Pet Walk
Maggie
Mark Seelig and Maggie, Jamie Menaker and Chase
Patrice Bergman and Beans
Tiffany Wong and Ollie
Tim Lieb and Toby