Doggie Dash Event

Doggie Dash is a Walk in Support of Animals at Oregon Humane Society.

The event will feature animal-loving local businesses, food trucks, family-friendly activities, a libation station for 21+, live music, and contests for you and your pup! 

Saturday, May 10th, 2025. Between 7:30AM - 1:00PM at Tom McCall Waterfront Park, Portland. 
 
The Walk: The trail is either a 1.5-mile flat loop around the park or a 2.5-mile loop around that traverses the Hawthorne Bridge and steel bridge. Runners are asked to lead the pack by starting your route at 9:00AM. Waves start every 15 minutes between 9:00AM - 10:15AM. For your safety, attendees who wish to walk the course must do so by 10:15AM. The course will reopen to traffic and will not be monitored by course officials at that time. 

The North-bounds lanes of Naito Parkway between NW Everett ST and SW Jefferson will be closed to traffic during the walk/run on May 10. Several SmartPark Garages serve this area, and street parking is often available. The garage nearest the park is on SE 3rd and Alder (620 SW 3rd AVE). 

FAQ

  • 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 accommodating about moving.
  • Volunteers and staff are stationed along the course and will be available to help. Course leaders have event radios to communicate with the onsite EMT and/or First Aid booth in case of emergency.
  • We will have small utility trucks 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 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.
  • 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.