13th Annual bow-WOW-walk
When is 13th Annual bow-WOW-walk?
13th Annual bow-WOW-walk takes place on Saturday, May 9, 2026 in Charlottesville, VA.
What distances does 13th Annual bow-WOW-walk offer?
13th Annual bow-WOW-walk offers 5 events: Dog Walk, Junior Dog Walk, 5K Trail Run, Kids' Dash!, Cat Napper.
| Event | Distance | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dog Walk | 2.5 km | $35.00 | Register |
| Junior Dog Walk | 2.5 km | $20.00 | Register |
| 5K Trail Run | 5.0 km | $35.00 | Register |
| Kids' Dash! | 100.0 km | $10.00 | Register |
| Cat Napper | — | $40.00 | Register |
How much does 13th Annual bow-WOW-walk cost?
Registration for 13th Annual bow-WOW-walk starts at $10.00. Prices vary by event distance.
Where is 13th Annual bow-WOW-walk held?
13th Annual bow-WOW-walk is held in Charlottesville, VA at Boar's Head Resort.
About 13th Annual bow-WOW-walk
The bow-WOW-walk is where Charlottesville comes together to strut their mutts, celebrate community, and spend a joy-filled morning outdoors with the people (and pups) you love. It’s a family-friendly, dog-forward celebration of movement, wellness, and care. Complete with optional competitive 5k trail run, Kids Dash for racers under 8 years old, vendors, face paint, food trucks, dog contests, raffles and more!
The annual bow-WOW-walk is critical to funding the lifesaving mission of the Charlottesville-Albemarle SPCA. Thank YOU for making a difference in the lives of animals in your community and beyond!
**This event is rain or shine!!**
Course Map
Timing provided by Blue Ridge Timing
Frequently Asked Questions
**bow-WOW-walk is a rain-or-shine event!**
Can I register in person on the day of the event?
Yes! You may register in person on the day of the event. However, we encourage you to pre-register.
What time should I arrive?
Check-in begins at 8:00am and will remain open until 11am. The bow-WOW-walk will begin officially at 11:45. Feel free to come early! Vendors, games and activities will be on-site starting at 9:00am.
Where do I park?
There will be ample parking at Boar’s Head Resort. Please follow the signs and volunteers!
Will there be awards?
Yes! In addition to awards for the top Male and Female finishers in the race, we will also be holding dog contests - best costume, best trick and more! Stay tuned for details!
Can dogs run the trail race?
For safety reasons, dogs are not allowed on the trail race course. Dogs are encouraged to participate in the bow-WOW-walk!
Are strollers allowed in the trail race?
Due to the nature of the trail course, strollers are not allowed in the 5k race.
Is there bow-WOW-walk swag?
Every registered walker will get a t-shirt and a walker bag!
Will hydration be available on the course?
No, but water will be available at the Finish, as well as food trucks and other beverage options.
Still have a question?
Reach out to Lauren Thomas at LThomas@caspca.org!
Fundraising Team Toolkit: Lead the Pack!
Join the pack!
The 13th Annual bow-WOW-walk is just around the corner, and starting a team fundraiser is great way to engage in friendly competition while making a tangible impact for animals and pet owners in our region. Every dollar you raise helps provide shelter, medical care, and second chances for homeless pets in our community. Your leadership makes a real difference!
First Steps: Get Your Team Started
- Click here to become a fundraiser - then create or join your team!
- Customize your team and personal pages—add photos, stories, and a message to inspire donations!
- Recruit your team by inviting friends, family, and coworkers to join.
- Share your fundraising page and spread the word! Every contribution helps save lives.
Keep the Momentum Going
- Stay connected with your team by sharing updates, fundraising progress, and event details.
- Keep recruiting new members to grow your team’s impact!
- Reach out to businesses that might want to support your team.
- Encourage each team member to recruit one more friend to join.
- Use your networks to spread the word through emails, newsletters, and social media
- Continue fundraising!
What Do I Do with Cash or Check Donations?
💵 Cash Donations: Bring it to the shelter front desk at 3355 Berkmar Drive, Charlottesville, VA 22901—we’ll take care of the rest!
✉️ Check Donations:
Drop it off at the shelter OR mail it to:
Charlottesville-Albemarle SPCA
Attn: Bow-WOW-Walk
P.O. Box 7047
Charlottesville, VA 22906
The Week of the Event
- Check our website for final event details and share them with your team.
- Keep fundraising! There’s still time to make an impact.
- Encourage your team to share photos from the run/walk on social media.
- Turn in any last-minute donations.
- Celebrate your team’s success!
- Top Fundraisers will receive prizes!
- For more information, reach out to Lauren Thomas at LThomas@caspca.org
Your leadership helps make this event a success. Thank you for being part of this lifesaving mission!
Sponsorships
Sponsor the 13th Annual bow-WOW-walk!
The bow-WOW-walk is a celebration of wellness, community, and compassion. This annual event brings together animal lovers, fitness enthusiasts, and local supporters to promote healthy living for both people and pets. Every step taken strengthens our community, supports CASPCA’s lifesaving mission, and fosters a more compassionate world for pets and their people!
Why Sponsor?
Impact: Reach an engaged audience that values businesses committed to community and compassion.
Visibility: Your brand will be seen across event materials, social media campaigns, email communications, and more.
Engagement: Connect directly with attendees during the event and show your commitment to animal welfare.
bow-WOW-walk 2025 Event Details
Date: Saturday, April 26, 2025
Time: 8:30 AM - 2:00 PM
Location: Boar’s Head Resort, 200 Ednam Drive, Charlottesville, VA
This beloved family-friendly event brings together pet lovers, fitness enthusiasts, and community champions to support the Charlottesville-Albemarle SPCA’s life-saving mission. The day features:
-
A competitive trail run (starting at 9:30 AM) (animals not permitted on course)
-
A kids' fun-run 100 yard dash (starting at 11 AM)
-
A non-competitive walk (starting at 11:45 AM) (animals welcome)
The bow-WOW-walk raises awareness and critical funds for the Charlottesville Albemarle SPCA, supporting its life-saving programs and strengthening relationships with our community while focusing on wellness and having fun together.
Sponsorship Levels:
FRIEND OF THE PAWS — $500
Covers medical intake costs for two newly arrived pets.
Includes:
- Name recognition in our post-event thank-you email
- Logo on event webpage
- Booth placement at your event of choice (bow-WOW-walk or Fall Fest)
PLAYFUL PAWS — $2,500
Fully funds the care of a litter of neonatal kittens or puppies from intake to adoption.
Includes all preceding benefits, plus:
- Inclusion in “Thank You Sponsors” post on Instagram and Facebook
- 4 free event registrations and t-shirts for bow-WOW-walk
- Booth placement at both events (bow-WOW-walk and Fall Fest)
WAGGIN’ WALKER — $5,000
Supports a month of transfer transports, bringing at-risk pets from under-resourced shelters to safety.
Includes all preceding benefits, plus:
- Logo on bow-WOW-walk event t-shirts
- Dedicated Instagram Story thanking your business
- Opportunity to distribute branded promotional items in runner/walker packets for bow-WOW-walk
STRUTTIN’ MUTT — $10,000
Covers emergency medical procedures or necessary surgeries for 4–6 animals.
Includes all preceding benefits, plus:
- 8 free event registrations and t-shirts for bow-WOW-walk
- Reserved parking at both events
- Logo on bow-WOW-walk and Fall Fest t-shirts
- Recognition in 2 Sunday Smiles e-newsletters
- Dedicated grid post on Instagram and Facebook
CHEER SQUAD — IN-KIND
Bring the energy! Assemble a group of 5+ volunteers to run a Cheer Zone — cowbells, bubbles, costumes, and all!
Includes:
- Assigned Cheer Zone with opportunity to display branded signage
- Recognition on event website
- Up to 10 free bow-WOW-walk t-shirts for your team
- Inclusion in “Thank You Sponsors” post-event email
- Endless bragging rights for the most spirited Cheer Squad!
Other Ways to Support
In-Kind Sponsorships
Businesses may also donate products or services for raffle prizes, attendee gift bags, or event logistics in exchange for recognition during the event!
Be Part of This Special Event!
Join us in making a difference for animals in our community. Together, we can build a compassionate community where every animal thrives. Sponsorship not only supports the bow-WOW-walk but also helps fund lifesaving programs at CASPCA.
We look forward to partnering with you to make the bow-WOW-walk a paw-sitively unforgettable event!
For more information or to discuss sponsorship opportunities, please contact:
Lauren Thomas
Events and Fundraising Manager
Charlottesville Albemarle SPCA
434.973.5959 x313
LThomas@caspca.org
Reserve your Sponsorship by
April 1, 2025
