Event Info

Sample Event


Join us on sample date


Save the date for Saturday, May 11, 2024 | Tom McCall Waterfront Park, Portland

 
   

Doggie Dash is a fundraiser for Oregon Humane Society and a celebration of our love for animals. Here's a rundown of everything you need to know for you and your pup to have the best possible experience at Doggie Dash. For help with your personal fundraising page, donations, and other technical questions, please check out our frequently-asked questions (FAQs).
  
 

Fundraising Prize Pickup Events 

 

Fundraising Prize Shipping
You can also have your prizes shipped directly to you! Just follow this link to pay for shipping.


 

Travel to the Event

Parking

The north-bound lanes of Naito Parkway between NW Everett St and SW Jefferson will be closed to traffic during the walk/run on May 13.

Several SmartPark garages serve this area, and street parking is often available. The garage nearest the Waterfront Park is on SE 3rd and Alder (620 SW 3rd Ave.).
   
Public Transit 

Doggie Dash Day – Dogs Are Welcome!
 
  • Dogs allowed until 2 p.m. only on Saturday, May 13, 2023
  • Dogs allowed on TriMet trains only, not on buses 
  • Dogs must be under the owner’s control (leash or crate) at all times
  • Pay close attention to dogs and keep them close near train doors
  • Dogs must wear a muzzle or Gentle Leader-type head collar, as well as current ID tags
  • Dogs must use the rear car of a 2-car train only
  • Fares required for all human companions age seven and older
   
 

Experience the Event

 
Walk/Run

There are two walk/run courses from which to choose on May 13, with waves running every 20 minutes between 9 a.m. and noon. The
1.5-mile route is shown below in red. The 2.5-mile route is shown below in yellow. Both routes start and end at the same spot. If you are a runner, please sign up for the first wave at 9 a.m. and lead the pack.
 
Doggie_Dash_course
 
 
Pet Festival

In addition to the walk/run, all registered Dashers can take advantage of many free activities at the pet festival. Be sure to have your race bib with you to show you're registered!

Doggie Dash Contests at 106.7 The Eagle Stage

10:30 a.m. - Doggie Leap or Limbo Contest (agility fun)


11 a.m. - Best Singing Duo Contest  For doggies that love to sing. 

11:20 a.m. - Doggie Musical Sit When music stops, the last dog to sit is out.
 

11:50 a.m. - Silly Pet Trick 

12:10 p.m. - Dog/Owner Look-Alike Contest  

12:30 p.m. - Peanut Butter Lick Off 

 
Other Happenings
  • Dog Utopia
  • Kids Corner
  • Raffle
  • Sponsor & Vendor Booths with Doggie Bag Giveaways
  • Food Trucks
  • Libation Station (21+)

 

Event Rules for Dogs

 
For the health and safety of all dogs and people participating in Doggie Dash, please observe the following rules for canines attending the event with you:
 
  • Participating dogs must be currently licensed with proof of Parvo and Rabies vaccinations. You do not need to bring proof with you; if an incident occurs, you must be able to produce proof in a reasonable amount of time.
  • For safety reasons, “extend-a-leashes” will NOT be allowed. Dogs must be always kept on a regular leash. Leashes should be no more than six feet in length while on the course. This event gets very crowded and longer leashes can be extremely hazardous.
  • Female dogs in heat are not permitted.
  • Race officials reserve the right to refuse entry to any dog whose behavior could be dangerous to others. Please use good judgment regarding the temperament of your pet so that this event will be safe and enjoyable for everyone.
  • Dogs younger than six months should not participate.
  • Be sure you and your dog are well-conditioned for this event, especially if you plan to run/walk.


 


Event Safety Measures

 
Oregon Humane Society’s first priority is the safety and health of pets, attendees, sponsors, vendors, volunteers, and staff.
 
COVID-19

We continue monitoring guidance from the CDC and the Oregon Health Department to ensure that Doggie Dash will be a fun and entertaining experience that is safe for everyone.

We will continue to update this page with the latest COVID-19 protocol.
 
Downtown & Course Safety

We understand concerns about safety in downtown Portland and along the Doggie Dash route. We have the following safety measures in place for the event:
 
  • Staff walk the routes prior to the event to make sure they are clean and safe for all paws. We kindly request campers to move out of the path of participants. We have done this several years, and people have always been very kind about moving.
  • Volunteers and staff are stationed along the course and available to help. We have course leaders who have event radios, first aid kits, and are trained to respond to emergencies.
  • We utilize small utility trucks donated by Pape to pick up people and/or dogs who need a lift on the course to the finish line. If your dog starts limping or looks like it is overheating, please stop and inform a volunteer. OHS will give you a lift!
  • Portland Police Officers are present at the event. They are generally helping with the route, but are happy to help wherever needed. The team that helps at this event has been a wonderful group of animal-lovers and has always handled situations at our events with kindness and grace. We are appreciative of their support.
  • If you would like an escort to your vehicle, please go to the Volunteer Tent at the event, and a Doggie Dash representative will be happy to walk with you.
  • While many businesses are still closed downtown, many people are regularly coming out to enjoy the parks and beauty of Portland. Come enjoy it with us!
  


Event Info for Sponsors

 
Whether you are new to Doggie Dash or are one of many returning sponsors of our largest consumer fundraiser, we can’t wait to welcome you to this year’s event! Day-of information and FAQs are available here.