Metro Philadelphia

Fall is officially a little more fun when dogs are involved.

On Saturday, Oct. 3, hundreds of dogs and their humans will head to the Navy Yard for the Philadelphia Animal Welfare Society’s 20th annual Mutt Strut, a fall festival and 1.5-mile dog walk that combines four-legged fun with a fundraiser for Philadelphia’s homeless pets.

The celebration begins at 11 a.m. at the Navy Yard’s Marine Parade Grounds, with the walk kicking off at noon with a little help from the Mummers. The event runs until 2 p.m.

Pups can dress to impress for a Halloween costume contest. There will also be plenty of ways for dogs and their humans to burn off some energy, including agility and lure courses, field games, paw-print painting and pet portraits.

Visitors can meet adoptable dogs, stop by “Ask the Vet” and “Ask the Trainer” booths, grab a bite from food trucks or settle in with a beer from the Dock Street Brewery beer garden. Live music will keep the festival going throughout the afternoon.

 Now in its 20th year, the event raises more than $120,000 annually to support PAWS’ lifesaving work.

As Philadelphia’s largest rescue partner and a provider of affordable veterinary care, PAWS works to help homeless pets find homes while giving pet owners the resources they need to keep their animals healthy and in their families.

“Now in its 20th year, the Mutt Strut is the perfect opportunity to come together with fellow dog enthusiasts for a fun, family-friendly fall celebration  — all while making PAWS’ lifesaving work possible,”  says Melissa Levy, executive director. “This  beloved tradition brings our community closer and makes a tremendous difference for the people and  pets who rely on us year-round.” 

The Mutt Strut will be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 3, at the Navy Yard’s Marine Parade Grounds, 4747 S. Broad St. Free parking is available.

Tickets and additional event information are available at pawsmuttstrut.org.

MORE: New dog park bar, Fetch Park, comes to Manayunk

What to know before you go…

When and where is this year’s Mutt Strut?

The Mutt Strut will be held Saturday, Oct. 3, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the Navy Yard’s Marine Parade Grounds, 4747 S. Broad St. Free parking is available.

Does it cost money to attend?

Adult registration starts at $25. 

What can I expect at this year’s Mutt Strut?

The Mutt Strut is a fall festival and 1.5-mile dog walk that combines four-legged fun with a fundraiser for Philadelphia’s homeless pets. Festivities include a pet costume contest, agility and lure courses, field games, paw-print painting, pet portraits and more. 

Keywords

PAWS,

Mutt Strut,

Things to do,

Philadelphia events,

Philadelphia Navy Yard,

Philadelphia pets,

dog events