Dog owners can update their four-legged friend’s walking kit and give to a good cause with a little help from premium dog equipment brand Ruffwear.

Participants in the Great North Dog Walk, which takes place in South Shields on June 3, are being invited to trade in their old dog harnesses, collars and leashes in exchange for a special offer on the latest Ruffwear range.

The used items will then be put to good use when they are donated to the Newcastle Dog & Cat Shelter. Not only that, but experts from the brand will be on-hand to offer a free fitting service, to make sure Fido’s new kit is ready-to-go.

Rob Hughes, Managing Director of Accapi Group, the North-East based company that distributes Ruffwear in Europe, visited the Newcastle Dog & Cat Shelter to kick off the campaign with a donation from the brand.

He said: “We were keen to be involved in the Great North Dog Walk 2018 and wanted to bring something different to the event which would support a local charity. The idea of a kit exchange seemed like the perfect opportunity for owners to update their pets’ gear at a fantastic special event offer price, while at the same time giving something back. We’re hoping to be run off our feet on the day fitting harnesses on happy dogs.”

Leyla Rutter, Chief Executive from the Newcastle Dog & Cat Shelter said: “We are extremely grateful to Ruffwear for their generous donation of harnesses and leads for our dogs.

“Newcastle Dog & Cat Shelter take in thousands of dogs every year of various shapes and sizes and being able to fit them with good quality harnesses and leads makes walkies more enjoyable for our dogs and helps our staff and volunteers to train them to walk under control, which in turn makes them more rehomable.

“We really appreciate all of the support we receive which makes life better for our animals until they can find loving new homes of their own.”

Great North Dog Walk founder Tony Carlisle said: “The Great North Dog Walk is now in its 28th consecutive year and I am incredibly proud that Ruffwear have joined me as a sponsor for this year’s event.

“It’s a delight to be associated with such a reputable company - their range of dog products such as harnesses and leashes is excellent - and their donation campaign to the Newcastle Dog & Cat shelter, a charity that is close to my heart, is fantastic.

“We are thrilled to have a business that has as much passion and love for animals as we do supporting our event this year.”

The Ruffwear stand will be accepting donations all day by anyone wishing to support the charity, whether it is to trade-in for new kit or not.

The Great North Dog Walk is a free event that sees over thirty thousand dogs and their owners walk the three mile distance around the South Shields coast, an area famous as the finish line for the Great North Run. Visit www.greatnorthdogwalk.co.uk for free registration to the event.