Furry Skurry 5K

Humane Society of Greater Dayton presents the 35th annual Furry Skurry 5K - a day to come together and let your inner superhero shine as we save the lives of thousands of animals in the Miami Valley. 

 

Schedule: 

• 7:15 a.m. - Registration opens

• 8:00 a.m. - Beverage Tent, Flea(less) Market, VIPP Tent open, Free microchips begin at Dayton Humane Veterinary Hospital tent

• 8:30 a.m. - 5K Race begins, Painted Pawjects booth opens

• 9:00 a.m. - Food Trucks open

• 9:30 a.m. - Farm Animal Interactions from Learning Tree Farm opens and the Race & Fundraising Awards are announced

• 10:15 a.m. - Frisbee Disc Stunt & Trick Show by Performance Dogs of Ohio

• 10:45 a.m. - Pet costume contest

• 11:30 a.m. - 50/50 raffle closes

• 11:45 a.m. - 50/50 raffle winner announced

• 12:00 p.m. - Event concludes

 

Join us in supporting a cause close to the hearts of animal lovers everywhere by sponsoring the 35th Annual Furry Skurry 5K!

 

As the largest animal event in the Miami Valley, the Furry Skurry gathers hundreds of people, offering unparalleled exposure for your brand.

 

By becoming a sponsor, you'll not only elevate your company's visibility but also demonstrate your commitment to the welfare of animals in our care. Your support directly contributes to providing shelter, medical care, and loving homes for animals in need.

 

For more information on sponsorship opportunities, please contact Ashley Schmitt at aschmitt@hsdayton.org. Let's make a difference together and show our furry friends they're not alone!

 

• Event Date: May 16, 2026 from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

• Event Address: St. Leonard, 8100 Clyo Road, Centerville, OH 45458

• Questions? Contact Lauren Boone at lboone@hsdayton.org

• Vendor Fee:

  • $100 - you will be responsible for bringing your own 10x10 tent, table and chairs

  • $200 - we will provide you with a 10x10 tent, 6-foot table and 2 chairs in our Flea(less) Market

 

For information on signing up for a vendor, please reach out to Lauren Boone at lboone@hsdayton.org or fill out our vendor application here. 

 

Activities for the Day include: 

• 5K walk/run at 8:30 a.m. Top male/female runners and top male/female runners with dogs win $100 gift certificates to Runner's Plus

• Free Pet Microchipping at the Dayton Humane Veterinary Hospital booth (open to the public)

• Flea(less) Vendor Market Shopping (see below for vendors)

• Frisbee Disc Stunt & Trick Show by Performance Dogs of Ohio

• Farm Animal Interactions from Learning Tree Farm including baby goats and sheep

• Painted Pawjects by Barstools & Brushstrokes

• VIPP (Very Important People and Pets) Amenities including prime seating, access to VIPP Tent, free food and refreshments including an omelet station, open bar all day, VIPP sWag bag with items from our sponsors, and more!

• Rainbow Bridge Memorial Garden

• Food Trucks 

• Pet CPR Classes by Waynesville Veterinary Hospital. Must reserve your spot before the event by emailing  waynesvilleveterinaryhospital@gmail.com

• 50/50 Raffle Contest

• Dog Bone Bar

• Adoptable Animals from the Humane Society of Greater Dayton

• Pet Costume Contest

• Free Massages by Medical Massage Associates

• Giant Yard Games

• And More!

 

Flea(less) Market Vendors: 

• Barstools & Brushstrokes

• Dayton Humane Veterinary Hospital Healthier at Home Veterinary Care

• Healthy Hounds Bakery

• Humane Society of Greater Dayton - Adoptable Animals

• Humane Society of Greater Dayton - Cruelty & Neglect Investigations

• Humane Society of Greater Dayton -  Informational Booth

• Learning Tree Farm

• Marley's Paw Bakery

• Paws and Planeswalkers

• Pet Wants Dayton

• Renewal by Anderson

• Road Runner Mobile Espresso

• T&D Boutique

• Tastefully Simple with Carol

• Tommy's Express Car Wash

• And Much More!

Race Questions

 

Can I pick up my race items before race day? 

Yes, we will have pre-packet pickup on Thursday, May 14th and Friday, May 15th from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Runners Plus, 8970 Kingsridge Drive, Dayton, OH 45458. 

 

Are dogs and/or strollers allowed at the event? 

Yes! We want to encourage all of our supporters to bring their pets with them. We do recommend that your pets are up-to-date on their vaccinations and are spayed or neutered before the event. Although the event is primarily dogs in attendance, we have also had cats in strollers and even a donkey that attends. All are welcome! 

 

I don't have a dog. Can I still participate? 

Absolutely, dogs are not a requirement. We have plenty of people who choose to leave their pets at home and enjoy the day pet-free. We love seeing all of your pets, but you can join in on all of the fun with or without your pets. 

 

What happened to the 1-mile walk? 

This year, to simplify the registration process we removed the 1-mile walk option. People who want to participate can still sign up for the 5K. We will have a special marker along the track so that if you want to stop at 1 mile, you can. 

 

What is included with my registration? 

When you register for the 5K as General Admission, you will receive a bib, t-shirt and finisher medal. If you sign up as a VIPP (very important people and pets), you will receive a bib, t-shirt, finisher medal, VIPP goodie bag and access to the VIPP tent during the event, which includes free food and an open bar and an omelet station, plus additional seating close to the stage area. 

 

Are bikes, skates or scooters allowed in the race? 

For the safety of all of our participants, we do not permit the use of bikes, skates or scooters during the event. Strollers and wagons are allowed. 

 

Do I have to register my child? 

We encourage you to register all participants into the 5K. This is a fundraiser for the Humane Society of Greater Dayton. Think of their registration as a donation to help improve the lives of the homeless animals in our community that so desperately need our support. 

 

I can't make the race, can I get a refund? 

Unfortunately, all sales for the race are final, but please know that your race fee is going to a worthy cause and helping to impact animals who need our help!

 

Event Information

 

Will food and drinks be available for purchase? 

Yes, we will have food trunks during the event and a beverage tent that will be serving beer, wine, mimosas, bloody mary's, pop and water. 

 

Will you have adoptable animals there? 

Each year, the Humane Society of Greater Dayton tries to bring out many of our adoptable animals. Not only is this an amazing day for them to get out and enjoy the day, but it is a wonderful opportunity to welcome a new furry friend into your home if you are looking. Stop by the Humane Society of Greater Dayton's booth during the event and you can meet all of our amazing adoptable animals there. 

 

What happens if it is raining? 

This event goes on rain or shine. We ask that you prepare accordingly. 

Thank you to this year's Poster Pets: Sandie, Coconut and Nacho!

Be Entered to Win the Furry Skurry Grand Prize! 

If you raise at least $500 prior to the day of Furry Skurry, you will automatically be entered into our Grand Prize drawing. Courtesy of Donna Meade Photography, the Grand Prize winner will receive a free photography session for their pet as well as their pet being the 2027 Furry Skurry Poster Pet. This means that your pet will be featured on all marketing materials promoting Furry Skurry for 2027. For every $250 you raise above the initial $500, you will receive an additional entry into the Grand Prize drawing. 

The Grand Prize winner will be announced during this year's Furry Skurry. 

 

Make Your Fundraising Page Personal

Take a quick selfie with your furry friend and share what the Humane Society of Greater Dayton means to you? Did you adopt your pet from them? Do you volunteer? Or, do you just take pride in the lifesaving work they do every day for the community? By sharing why you are raising funds for the Humane Society of Greater Dayton you are sharing with all your family and friends why it is important to you. 

 

Jumpstart Your Fundraising

Kick off your fundraising by making a donation to your own campaign. When you commit to the cause, it shows others that you are standing behind your words and encourages them to give as well. 

 

Create a Donation Competition

Get creative with your fundraising techniques. Feeling daring? Have donors suggest a color to dye your hair for the race. The person donating the most to your campaign will win and you dye your hair that color. If you don't want to dye your hair, think of other fun ways to get your donors involved. For each donation, have a donor suggest a tune for your to listen to during the race. You could create an entire playlist of tunes to keep you motivated while also raising funds! 

 

Set Goals and Breakdown Totals

Create a fundraising goal for yourself. Then, spread that larger goal into smaller ones. By breaking your bigger goal into smaller ones, you will see that these smaller goals are more attainable. You can then create an overall plan on how to reach out to people to raise the funds needed for each of these goals. It also makes it better for you as you can celebrate your successes as you continue to raise more funds overall. 

 

Get Donations Matched

Many corporations support their employees when it comes to their nonprofit involvement. Ask your company if they have a matching gift program. See if they will match all of your gifts and donations that you receive for the race. It's a great way to quickly double your impact quickly. 

 

Don't Forget to Thank Supporters

When someone gives to you they are showing you that they support you and the causes that are important to you. For every gift given to your fundraiser, make sure to follow up with that individual and personally thank them for their support. Not only is it courteous, but it lets them feel good too about supporting homeless animals in the community because of their gift. 

We will be offering Pre-Packet Pickup at Runner's Plus prior to the day of the event. During this time, you can pick up your race bib, T-shirt and other materials as well as register for the event if you haven't yet. 

 

Pre-Packet Pickup Location

Runners Plus

8970 Kingsridge Drive

Dayton, OH 45458

 

Pre-Packet Pick Up Dates

• Thursday, May 14th from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m.

• Friday, May 15th from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m.

Win Big During This Year's Furry Skurry 5K!

During this year's race, we will be giving away a number of medals including those for our overall top competitors! For our top overall finishers of the 5K, each person will receive an additional. This includes:

• Top Overall Male Runner

• Top Overall Female Runner 

• Top Overall Male Runner with Dog 

• Top Overall Female Runner with Dog 

We will also be giving away special 1st, 2nd and 3rd place ribbons in each of the following age categories: 

• Male & Female Younger than 19

• Male & Female Ages 20 to 29

• Male & Female Ages 30 to 39

• Male & Female Ages 40 to 49

• Male & Female Ages 50 to 59

• Male & Female Ages 60 to 69

• Male & Female Ages 70 and Older

 

 

A pet is part of the family and losing one can be heartbreaking. To honor the pets that have meant so much to us and our families, we have created the Rainbow Bridge Memorial Garden. The memorial garden will be on display during our Furry Skurry event.

 

Every pet deserves to know how it feels to have unconditional love from a family just like the love you gave to your pet. By purchasing your sign for the Memorial Garden, you are paying tribute to a pet who has meant so much to you while also supporting the homeless animals at the Humane Society of Greater Dayton who are patiently waiting to find a loving family to call their own.

 

You have until Saturday, May 8, 2026 to purchase your Rainbow Bridge Memorial Garden signs for the 2026 Furry Skurry 5K event. Once you purchase, please email Lauren at lboone@hsdayton.org with your pet's photo (if you chose the photo option) as well as your pet's name and your family's name. These signs will then appear in the Rainbow Bridge Memorial Garden during our 35th annual Furry Skurry 5K on May 16, 2026. Following the event, you can take the signs home with you to continually honor your pet or each year you can renew your sign and continually display it in the garden to honor your pet. 

 

Order your sign when you register for the event, or purchase one now by visiting our Furry Skurry Store page. 

 

Schedule of Events for Race Day

Furry Skurry, Saturday, May 16th at St. Leonard, 8100 Clyo Road, Centerville, OH US 45458

• 7:15 a.m. - Registration opens

• 8:00 a.m. - Beverage Tent, Flea(less) Market, VIPP Tent open, Free microchips begin

• 8:30 a.m. - 5K Race begins, Painted Pawjects booth opens

• 9:00 a.m. - Food Trucks open

• 9:15 a.m. - Free CPR Class from Waynesville Veterinary Hospital. Register ahead of time by emailing: waynesvilleveterinaryhospital@gmail.com 

• 9:30 a.m. - Farm Animal Interactions from Learning Tree Farm opens and the Race & Fundraising Awards are announced

• 10:15 a.m. - Frisbee Disc Stunt & Trick Show by Performance Dogs of Ohio and Free CPR Class from Waynesville Veterinary Hospital. Register for the CPR class ahead of time by emailing: waynesvilleveterinaryhospital@gmail.com  

• 10:45 a.m. - Pet costume contest

• 11:15 a.m. - Free CPR Class from Waynesville Veterinary Hospital. Register ahead of time by emailing: waynesvilleveterinaryhospital@gmail.com 

• 11:30 a.m. - 50/50 raffle closes

• 11:45 a.m. - 50/50 raffle winner announced

• 12:00 p.m. - Event concludes

 

Want to be part of the event and help make is a success? Volunteer with us today! No training needed and all volunteers welcome! Each volunteer receives a t-shirt on the day of the event. Breakfast and lunch will be provided to volunteers as well!

 

Sign Up Now by Clicking Here! 

 

Volunteers are needed for a variety of things including: 

• Event setup

• Registration

• Greeter

• 50/50 Ticket Sales

• Photography

• Videography

• Booth Assistance

• Site Maintenance

• Event cleanup

• And More!

Here is what you get when you register for the Furry Skurry 5K! 

 

General Admission:

• Event T-shirt

• Finisher medal

 

VIPP Admission: 

• Event T-shirt

• Finisher medal

• Quick registration at event

• sWag bag with goodies for you and your pet

• Access to the exclusive VIPP Tent with premium seating, open bar, omelet station, photo booth, complimentary food and refreshments

 

Since 1902, the Humane Society of Greater Dayton has been working to improve the lives of animals within the Miami Valley. To put that in perspective, before the Wright Brothers invented flight or before Oklahoma, New Mexico, Arizona, Hawaii and Alaska were officially states, our organization was here in the community supporting pets and pet owners! 

 

As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, the Humane Society of Greater Dayton receives no government funding and is not affiliated with any other animal welfare organization on a local, state or national level. This means we rely 100% on individuals companies and grants to fund all of our programs and services. This is why events such as Furry Skurry are so important to our overall mission! It helps us help more animals in need! 

 

In 2025, our organization had a record-breaking year! Last year we:

• Found homes for a record-breaking 2,915 animals (including cats, dogs, rabbits, farm animals, reptiles, birds, and more).

• Provided spay or neuter surgeries to 9,329 animals, an increase of 18.3% from 2024

• Examined 4,672 animals through our Dayton Humane Veterinary Hospital

• Investigated 597 cases of cruelty and neglect toward all types of animals within Montgomery County

• Donated 4,197 pounds of pet food to Meals on Wheels to support pet owners within a 9-country region

• Provided 683 free or low-cost microchips to the community

 

When you register for Furry Skurry or fundraise for the event, 100% of the money you raise stays in our community to help animals in our care! 

5k Registration: T-Shirt

VIPP 5K Registration: T-Shirt