FAQ

Answers to Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about the OHS Doggie Dash

Is this a race? No. You can run, walk or jog at your own pace. This is not a timed event. Most participants enjoy a leisurely stroll. But if you want to run, you can join a "pack" of runners who start ahead of the walkers.

What if I can't bring my dog? You can walk/run with or without a dog.

I've registered for Doggie Dash; can my children and husband walk with me? Children 10 and under are free, but everyone else must register for the run/walk. Once you register, you'll receive a free t-shirt, a free pancake breakfast, and a free "doggie bag" of treats for pets and people. The pet festival portion of Doggie Dash is open to everyone at no charge. You can watch demonstrations, listen to live music and visit the vendor booths without registering.

Can I register the day of the event? You can register on-site, although the fee will increase to $35 (up from $30). We cannot guarantee a t-shirt or "doggie bag" to participants who register the day of the event.

Can I register by mail? If you prefer to mail in your registration form, or drop it off at the OHS shelter, you can download and print out the registration form (PDF). Registration is $30 in advance, $35 the day of the event. You can register online here.

How is the money raised used? 100% of Doggie Dash proceeds go to help the animals at OHS, the Northwest's largest and oldest humane society. We hope to find homes for 11,000 abused, neglected and unwanted pets this year, along with investigating over 1,000 animal cruelty complaints and providing a host of other services to the community. OHS recently received the highest ranking possible from the nation's leading charity watchdog. We never put time limits on how long an animal remains available for adoption and our save rates are among the highest in the nation: 97% for dogs and 95% for cats.

Is my registration fee tax deductible? The Internal Revenue Service considers the entry fee for a charitable walk to be the price paid for attending and participating in the event, and, as such, the fee is not tax deductible. However, anything donated above and beyond your Doggie Dash registration fee ($30 in advance; $35 day of) is deductible. 100% of the donations made to support Doggie Dash participants are tax deductible. If you are asking friends and families to sponsor you in the Dash, you can inform them that their sponsorship donation is tax deductible.