Find Your Joy at Doggie Dash, a Fundraiser for Oregon Humane

 

An event dedicated to celebrating all of the good things animals bring to our lives, Doggie Dash (formerly WillaMutt Strut) is a pet-friendly walk/run and festival for animal lovers, pet parents, and anyone wanting to give back to our community. Your participation as a Dasher powers the work of Oregon Humane, turning compassion into action for pets and the people who love them!

*This page contains information specific to Doggie Dash Salem. Please click here for information about Doggie Dash Portland.*
 

Walk/Run & Pet-Friendly Festival

Saturday, June 6, 2026
8 a.m.–1 p.m.
Riverfront Park, Salem

 

Find Your People. Find your Purpose. Find Your Joy.

Gather with fellow animal lovers, help animals, and have the best day ever!

 

The Walk/Run: The walk/run kicks off at 9:00 a.m. Choose between a 1K flat loop around the park or a 5K loop into Minto-Brown Island Park. Runners are asked to lead the pack to avoid congestion with walkers. The course will not be monitored after the initial waves of walkers have completed the course. Wayfinding signage around the park will be taken down by 1 p.m.

The Pet-Friendly Festival: Open to all registered Dashers, the festival features animal-loving local businesses, food trucks, dog agility course, family-friendly activities, a Libation Station for 21+, music, and contests for you and your pup! Dashers who fundraised $500+ can enjoy complimentary treats in the VIP Tent, including goodies and perks!

 

Festival Schedule

• 8:00 a.m. – Festival begins
• 9:00 a.m. – First run/walk wave departs
• 9:15 a.m. – Last run/walk wave departs
• 10:30 a.m. – Contests begin
• 12:30 p.m. – Raffle closes
• 1 p.m. – Festival ends

 

If you or your pup don’t do well in large crowds and would prefer to walk elsewhere or on another day, a Virtual Dash option is available! Don’t furget to stay leashed into all the action by sharing your Doggie Dash pics and clips with us by tagging @oregonhumane on social media!

 

Getting There

Doggie Dash Salem takes place at Riverfront Park behind the Carousel. The closest parking lot entrance is State St., other lots in the park can be used for overflow.

 

Safety

Oregon Humane’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:

• Oregon Humane staff walk the routes prior to the event to make sure they are clean and safe for all paws. Wayfinding signage will be displayed along the routes to help you stay on track.
• Volunteers and staff are stationed along the course and will be available to help. We have course leaders who have first aid kits and are trained to respond to emergencies.

 

Event Rules for Animals

Please observe the following rules for pets attending the event for the health and safety of all animals 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.
• All animals must be leashed or safely contained in a carrier 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.
• Oregon Humane promotes a fear-free environment and asks that you not leash your dog to an e-collar, choke collar, or prong collar.
• Female dogs in heat are not permitted.
• Race officials reserve the right to refuse entry to any animal 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 pet are well-conditioned for this event, especially if you plan to participate in the walk/run.
• Animals may not be sold or adopted at this event. Oregon Humane reserves the right to request that anyone attempting to sell or rehome animals remove themselves from the event property.