Doggie Dash Salem
Doggie Dash is a Walk in Support of Animals at Oregon Humane Society
Formerly WillaMutt Strut, Doggie Dash ensures that OHS can continue providing our critical life-saving programs and services for the community. The success of this event is only possible with the help of caring individuals who raise funds and advocate for animals in need!
*This page contains information specific to Doggie Dash Salem. Please
click here for information about Doggie Dash Portland.*
Walk/Run & Pet Festival
Saturday, June 14, 2025
8:30 a.m.–1 p.m.
Riverfront Park, Salem
Not Just Another Walk in the Park
Register today to attend the walk/run and festival on June 14. Registrants are not required to participate in the dash or fundraise to attend and enjoy the festival. Doggie Dash is dog-friendly and open to all ages. Please review our Event Rules for Dogs below if you plan to bring your pup!
The Walk: The walk/run kicks off at 9:15 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. If you prefer to walk or run 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 attendees, the festival features animal-loving local businesses, food trucks, family-friendly activities, a libation station for 21+, and contests with prizes!
Festival Schedule
- 8:30 a.m. – Festival begins
- 9:15 a.m. – First run/walk wave departs
- 9:30 a.m. – Last run/walk wave departs
- 10 a.m. – Frisbee demonstration
- 10:30 a.m. – Contests begin (see schedule below)
- 11:30 a.m. – Frisbee demonstration
- 12:30 p.m. – Final contest begins
- 12:30 p.m. – Raffle closes
- 1 p.m. – Festival ends
Contest Schedule
- 10:00 a.m. –Frisbee Demo
- 10:30 a.m.—Doggie Leap Contest (agility fun)
- 1st Place Prize: 2 tickets to Halsey: For My Last Trick on 6/26/2025 at Cascades Amphitheater
- 2nd Place Prize: Starbucks cup w. Washman Coupon Packet
- 10:50 a.m. – Best Singing Duo Contest (for doggies who love to sing)
- 1st Place Prize: 2 tickets to Creed: Summer of ‘99 and Beyond on 8/13/2025 at Cascades Amphitheater
- 2nd Place Prize: Starbucks cup w. Washman Coupon Packet
- 11:05 a.m. – Doggie Musical Sit (when the music stops, the last dog to sit is out)
- 1st Place Prize: 2 tickets to Ben Harper and The Innocent Criminals on 8/20/2025 at Pioneer Courthouse
- 2nd Place Prize: Starbucks cup w. Washman Coupon Packet
- 11:30 a.m.—Frisbee Demo
- 11:40 a.m.—Treat Toss Competition
- 1st Place Prize: 2 tickets to Billy Idol: Its a Nice Day To...Tour on 9/19/2025 at Cascades Amphitheater
- 2nd Place Prize: Starbucks cup w. Washman Coupon Packet
- 12:10 p.m. – Dog/Owner Look-a-like contest
- 1st Place Prize: 2 tickets to Thomas Rhett: Better in Boots Tour on 9/26/2025
- 2nd Place Prize: Starbucks cup w. Washman Coupon Packet
- 12:30 p.m. – Peanut Butter Lick Off
- 1st Place Prize: 2 tickets to Cyndi Lauper: Girls Just Wanna Have Fun Farewell Tour on 8/17/2025 at Cascades Amphitheater
- 2nd Place Prize: Starbucks cup w. Washman Coupon Packet
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
General 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:
- OHS 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 event radios and first aid kits and are trained to respond to emergencies.
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.
- OHS 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 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.
