The Maryland SPCA's March for the Animals is still more than a month away, but the time to start planning is now, especially if you're planning to participate as a "pack."

This year's march, the SPCA's 13th, is April 20, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Druid Hill Park. Last year, nearly 6,000 people and their pets took part in the 1.5-mile walk, raising $330,000 -- the most successful march to date.

Walkers can take part as individuals or enter in "packs." The deadline for registering a "pack" -- four to 25 people participating as an organized group -- is March 28. Packs must raise a minimum of $40 per person and $500 per pack. In exchange they get choose a team name that will be printed on their March for Animals T-shirt, get a team photo taken at the march, and, if they raise the most money, win the Top Pack prize of "Governor's Box" seats at Camden Yards for an Orioles-Nationals game. Individual walkers who bring in $30 or more will receive water, a goody bag and an SPCA dog bandana. Those who bring in $40 or more get all that and a T-shirt.

The event will also feature, a canine agility course, lookalike and costume contests, a pet communicator, training experts, low-price micro-chipping, vendors, live music and food of the dog and human varieties. Walkers can find pledge sheets at the Enoch Pratt Library, Starbucks and Giant Food stores. Or you can click here and print one out. For more information on registration and the event, click here.