Puppies found abandoned near Mount Maunganui have highlighted new research by SPCA, which shows Kiwi dog owners aren't doing as much as they can to look after the family pet.

The research has been released ahead of SPCA's brand new fundraiser, Walk Your Dog to the Moon, which will see Kiwis across the country uniting to walk the equivalent distance from the earth to the moon in a bid to raise money for abused, neglected and abandoned animals.

Tauranga SPCA's Hannah Cobb says the recent incident highlights the need for the fundraiser and has involved a litter of eight being abandoned on a slipway near Mount Maunganui at the start of October.

The puppies were reported to SPCA at the time of their discovery, where they were rescued and will now be rehomed.

'They were found on a slipway near the ferry to Matakana Island by a truck driver,” says Hannah.

'They were in a sealed container with a lid on it and were about five weeks old when we discovered them.”

The litter is what Hannah describes as being medium to large cross-breeds.

'They need a forever home, they're really lovely-natured puppies.”

SPCA's new research says pet owners need to put in a little more effort to help man's best friend avoid health problems, behavioural issues and a shortened life span.

The research has discovered 60 percent of Kiwis think a dog should be walked at least seven times a week, but in reality, fewer than 30 percent of Kiwi dog owners are actually doing this.

When owners do walk their dogs however, 80 per cent of those surveyed said that it helps them to destress and unwind, with 70 per cent of dog owners saying that it puts them in a better mood for the day.

'The goal of our new fundraiser is to raise money to help animals in trouble, but it's also about encouraging dog owners to get out walking more,” says SPCA CEO Andrea Midgen.

'This research has shown us that Kiwis' expectations around dog walking are very different from the reality. Part of our job is to make sure that animals are given the best lives possible and regular exercise plays a huge role in this.”

SPCA aims to raise $150,000 nationwide through Walk Your Dog to the Moon by hosting 11 walking events across the country on the first weekend of November.

In Tauranga, a 4.6km walking event will take place on Saturday November 3 at Fergusson Park from 10am.

All funds donated will be used to directly help rescue, rehabilitate and rehome animals.

A $12 registration fee applies to each participant, which includes a doggy pedometer, doggy bandana and a welcome pack. You can register for Walk Your Dog to the Moon at: www.walktothemoon.co.nz