Event Info

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Doggie Dash is a walk in support of animals at Oregon Humane Society

Doggie Dash is our biggest fundraiser of the year, ensuring OHS can continue providing our critical lifesaving programs and services for the community. The success of Doggie Dash is only possible with the help of thousands of caring individuals who raise funds and advocate for animals in need!

Doggie Dashers with their Pup

Becoming a Champion for Animals is Easy

Step 1:

Register for Doggie Dash to begin your journey.

Step 2:

Set up your fundraising page and use the tools found in the fundraising toolkit to inspire your community to donate to your page.

Step 3:

Join us at the Walk & Festival—or wherever you are—on May 11 to celebrate!
 

The Walk & Pet Festival Information

Saturday, May 11, 2024 | 9 a.m.–1 p.m.
Tom McCall Waterfront Park, Portland

It's the most important walk you'll take all year!

We hope you'll join us to show your support in-person by walking the Doggie Dash route(s) and enjoying the pet festival. Doggie Dash is dog-friendly and open to all ages. Please reviews our Event Rules for Dogs section below if you plan to bring your pup!

  • The Walk: Choose between a 1.5 mile flat loop around the park or a 2.5 mile loop that traverses the Hawthorne and Steel bridges. Runners are welcome and asked to lead the pack by starting your route at 9 a.m. If you prefer to walk elsewhere or on another day, please share your experience with us by posting photos or videos and tagging #doggiedash on social media!
     
  • The Pet Festival: Open to all registered Dashers, the festival features animal-loving local businesses, food trucks, family-friendly activities, a libation station for 21+, live music, and contests for you and your pup! A contest schedule will be shared closer to the event.
     
Doggie_Dash_course

Getting There

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 11.
     
  • 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

Thanks to our friends at TriMet, dogs are welcome on trains for Doggie Dash!

  • Dogs allowed until 2 p.m. only on Saturday, May 11, 2024
     
  • 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
     
 

Safety

Oregon Humane Society’s first priority is the safety and health of all participants—both pets and people. The following safety measures are in place for the event:

  • Portland Police Officers are present at the event. Their main focus is ensuring traffic safety along the Doggie Dash routes, but they can assist elsewhere if needed. The team that helps at this event has been a wonderful group of animal-lovers that has always handled situations at our events with kindness and grace. 
     
  • OHS staff walk the routes prior to the event to make sure they are clean and safe for all paws. We kindly request that campers move out of the path of participants. We have done this for several years, and campers have always been very kind about moving. 
     
  • Volunteers and staff are stationed along the course and will be available to help. We have course leaders who have event radios, first aid kits, and are trained to respond to emergencies.
     
  • We will have small utility trucks at the ready 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 they are overheating, please stop and inform a volunteer. OHS will give you a lift!
     
  • OHS volunteers can escort you back to your vehicle at the end of the event. Just stop by the Volunteer Booth and let us know you'd like someone to accompany you.
 

Event Rules for Dogs

Please observe the following rules for canines attending the event for the health and safety of all pups and people participating in Doggie Dash:

  • 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.
     
  • Dogs must be leashed at all times. For safety reasons, retractable “extend-a-leashes” will NOT be allowed. Leashes should be no more than six feet in length while on the course.
     
  • 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.
     
  • Puppies 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.
 

Canine Respiratory Disease

We are committed to hosting a safe and fun Doggie Dash event and will be keeping a close eye on reported cases of any infectious diseases or weather-related concerns that could jeopardize the well-being of all our participants. Our Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Steve Kochis, has been carefully monitoring this particular respiratory illness and will make recommendations about the best course of action regarding pet participation as Doggie Dash approaches.

 

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!