Houston Humane Society 44th Annual K9 Fun Run + Walk

Animal lovers like you are creating a more humane Houston! Join us for our 44th Annual K9 Fun Run + Walk! In addition to raising essential funds to support our lifesaving work, it’s an opportunity for animal lovers to join together to make a lifesaving difference for pets and wildlife in need. Join a community that is committed to creating a more humane Houston for animals and the people who love them. 

Packet Pick-Up Options

We will have two in-person packet pickup locations. Attend our packet pickup party, location and date TBD, or pickup at the Houston Humane Society. 

SHIRT SIZE IS NOT GUARANTEED AFTER EARLY BIRD REGISTRATION ON APRIL 17TH. They will be first come first serve on the day of the event, if you did not register before this date. 

Additional Fun Run Day Events

Alumni Parade

Houston Humane Society Alum, here is your chance to showcase your transformation! One of the greatest reminders of each donation's impact is the heartwarming updates to see how our HHS pets are doing months or years after adoption. Sign up for this year's parade here. 

Costume Contest

Does your dog have the cutest costume? Enter your dog into the costume contest for your chance to support homeless animals and win special treats and prizes for you and your pet! Sign up for this year's costume contest here. 

The Houston Humane Society is dedicated to, and working towards, ending cruelty, abuse and the overpopulation of animals while providing the highest quality of life to those brought to us for care. We are committed to creating the awareness of animal welfare by providing numerous animal welfare programs for Houston area residents and their pets, including pet adoptions, humane education, Animal Cruelty Investigations, and a full service animal wellness clinic.  With your help we can reduce animal suffering throughout the Houston area. We receive no federal, state, or local funding and rely solely on donations and special events. For information on our resource programs, adoptable pets, or Low-Cost Wellness Clinic visit www.HoustonHumane.org

Join us for the best walk you will take all year at the K9 Fun Run + Walk on Saturday, May 16th, at Tejas Brewery! Together, we can create a more humane Houston.

Your participation will make a lifesaving difference for pets and wildlife in need. The funds raised for the K9 Fun Run + Walk will provide animals with shelter and lifesaving medical care, adopt pets into loving homes, rescue animals from cruelty and neglect, and so much more. In the coming year, more than 50,000 animals will rely on us for care. By joining the K9 Fun Run + Walk, you'll help give each one the second chance they deserve!

Location

Tejas Brewery

2101 Summer Street

Houston, TX 77007

Click here for directions.

Schedule of Events

• 8:00 AM Registration & Packet Pick-Up

• 9:00 AM Welcome Announcements - Runners ONLY Assemble at the Starting Line

• 9:15 AM Registration Closed

• 9:30 AM Competitive Run Starts

• 9:40 AM Walkers Assemble at the Starting Line

• 9:45 AM Family Fun Run + Walk 1K Starts (w/ and w/out dog)

• 10:15 AM Alumni Parade

• 10:30 AM Costume Contest

• 10:45 AM Winners Announced

• 11:00 AM Vendor Village

• 11:30 AM After Party on the Patio - Brewery Third Floor - Great Views, Cold Beer, and Dogs Welcome!

Fees

Early bird pricing is in effect until Thursday, April 17th. REGISTER EARLY TO SAVE! Shirt size is not guaranteed after this date.

Race Participant (all ages)

• Early Bird: $30 w/out dog, $40 w/one dog, $45 w/two dogs
• April 17 - May 15 4:30pm : $40 w/out dog, $50 w/one dog, $55 w/two dogs
• Event Day: $60 

Extra Shirt: $20

Extra Bandana: $10

Runner Packet & Info

All registered participants will receive a K9 Fun Run + Walk T-shirt and Doggy Bandana! 

K9 Fun Run + Walk Packet Includes:

• Information for day of K9 Fun Run + Walk (map, order of events)
• Fun Run + Walk Shirt & Doggy Bandana
• Doggie Treats
• Donation Envelope

Early Packet Pickup Party

Pick up your packets early and miss the rush on the day of the event! Date and location TBD. Stay tuned for more info!

Become a Sponsor and Lifesaving Partner!

When you become a sponsor of the K9 Fun Run + Walk, you're joining a community that is committed to creating a more humane Houston for animals and the people who love them. Every sponsorship dollar will make a lifesaving difference for more than 40,000 pets and wildlife in need each year. To learn more about ways your business can make an impact for animals in need, and connect with thousands of animal lovers in our community, visit our Sponsorship page, or contact Debbie Ortiz or call (713) 341-3334 for more information. Be sure to view our 2025 K9 Fun Run + Walk Sponsorship Packet for more details on sponsorship levels and their corresponding benefits!

Volunteer

Many volunteers are needed to ensure the K9 Fun Run & Walk is a success. Join the fun! click here to learn more.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the K9 Fun Run & Walk? 

Houston Humane K9 Fun Run & Walk is Houston’s oldest dog walk! Through this event, we are able to fundraise for the homeless, abused, and rescued pets of Houston. 

Do I have to run to participate? 

Absolutely not! We love pets and animals of all energy levels. You can walk, enjoy other on-site activities, or sign up to fundraise for a good cause! All participation is greatly appreciated. 

Is this a timed race?

No. Choose to run or walk. 

Can I run with my dog?

Yes! All participants are encouraged to bring their friendly dogs. If you wish to participate with your dog, you must register them and ensure they are current on all vaccinations. Visit the “Race Info” tab for all dog guidelines.

Will the race take place rain or shine?

This event will happen rain or shine! However, your safety is our #1 priority, so if strong thunderstorms or unsafe conditions occur, we will keep you informed

What is included in my race entry?

Every registration will include a 2025 event t-shirt, race packet (coupons, flyers, oh my!), and those who sign up with a dog will also receive a doggie bandana and dog treats. 

Can people donate to my campaign?

Once you sign up as a participant you can encourage people to donate to your fundraiser. Joining a pack encourages everyone to meet a higher fundraising goal!

Do I have to fundraise to participate and attend?

Although the Houston Humane Society relies on the fundraiser to care for abandoned and mistreated companion animals, there is no minimum fundraising requirement. 

Where do the funds go?

100% of the donations benefit the Houston Humane Society. We rely on donations to provide daily care to our homeless pets, veterinary care to those injured, cruelty investigations for the abused, and a variety of programs to owners in need. 

Is my donation tax deductible?

Yes, we are a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. Our tax ID number is 74-1340341.

This is my first time fundraising - do you have any tips?

Visit our “Runner Resources” tab for our fundraising toolkit that includes graphics to share and tips to promote your fundraising. Participants will also be emailed tips throughout the year!

What do I do with any cash or checks that I collect?

Please keep track of your check and cash donations with the “Donations Tracking Form” found under the Fundraising Toolkit tab. There will be a form to print, fill it out, and mail out along with your collected cash and check donations. 

Mailing address will be:

HOUSTON HUMANE SOCIETY

P.O. BOX 450528 

ATTN:  ABBY NEFE 

HOUSTON, TX 77245

How can my business support the K9 Fun Run?

To learn more about ways your business can make an impact for animals in need, view our Sponsorship & Vendor Opportunities tab or contact Abby Nefe anefe@houstonhumane.org.

What is the deadline to register?

You can register the day of the event at Tejas Brewery on May 3rd, but T-Shirt sizes may be limited. Registration fee day of the event will be $60. 

Does my child need their own registration?

Yes, we ask that you register your child. This is a fundraising event for the Houston Humane Society, so we hope that you will think of the registration fees simply as a donation to a good cause. 

How do I register?

Simply click “Sign Up” on our Fun Run website to get started!

Who should I contact if I have any questions? 

Please contact our Fundraising Events Coordinator Abby Nefe at anefe@houstonhumane.org or call (832) 492-9184.

Fundraising Guide

Take a look at our Fundraising Tips guide to help you fundraise and reach your goal! It is filled with easy ideas and helpful tips.  

We also created a guide to help you navigate all the fun fundraising features once you register! The best way to start fundraising is to personalize your profile by sharing your story about why you’re walking, add a photo, and update your fundraising goal! For information on how to manage your profile, visit our Digital Fundraising Guide.

Keep track of your check and cash donations with this donation tracking form. Please print the form, fill it out completely and mail it to Houston Humane Society, along with your collected cash and check donations.

Sample Captions:

Use the posts below as inspiration for fundraising. Fill in the blanks provided or edit them to fit your fundraising style.

Whether you use one of our graphics below or post a photo of your pup/virtual run, be sure to tag Houston Humane Society in your Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter posts. Use #K9FunRun+Walk, and your posts can be featured on our pages!

• I'm fundraising to help animals at @HoustonHumane! Together, we can help fight animal cruelty, heal injured pets and unite homeless pets with loving families. Please donate today! Any amount can save a life. [INSERT YOUR FUNDRAISING LINK] #K9FunRun+Walk #HoustonHumane 
• Thousands of animals are abused in Houston every year. Help me in my efforts help the vulnerable by donating to my team for the @HoustonHumane #K9FunRun+Walk Every dollar makes a difference [INSERT YOUR FUNDRAISING LINK] 
• Animals have played a huge role in my life and supporting animals in need has always made me feel like a hero. Right now, so many people in the world are struggling, but we all still have opportunities every day to make a difference. Will you please help me by supporting my K9 Fun Run + Walk fundraiser? You can be their hero — and mine. [INSERT YOUR FUNDRAISING LINK.]
• No question, the past year was a challenging one, but the unconditional love of (insert pet’s name) brought laughter and joy when I needed it most. Every year, more than 50,000 animals find the care they need at Houston Humane Society. In honor of (insert pet’s name) I’m supporting their 42nd annual K9 Fun Run + Walk.  Together, we can help animals find their new best friends. Donate today! [INSERT YOUR FUNDRAISING LINK]
• I’m joining @HoustonHumane K9 Fun Run + Walk this year! Help homeless animals have a warm bed and loving care this winter and donate to my fundraising page. [INSERT YOUR FUNDRAISING LINK]

Digital Tools: Check out the graphics below to boost your fundraising and help even more animals! 

Facebook Cover Photo: Facebook Cover 1    Facebook Cover 2    Facebook Cover 3

Square Social Media Posts: Square Social Media 1    Square Social Media 2    Square Social Media 3

FB/IG Stories Graphic: FB/IG Story 1    FB/IG Story 2

Letter Template
Old-fashioned? No way! Personalize your letter template with details about yourself and the reasons you're walking — you could even include pictures of your pets! Remember your audience when you are crafting your letter. Tailor it to fit friends, family, business owners, colleagues, etc. And consider enclosing a self-addressed, stamped envelope to make it easier for them to contribute. Letter Template

Event Address: 

Tejas Brewery 

2101 Summer Street

Houston, Texas 77007

Everyone who registers for the walk receives an event T-Shirt!

Prize Level 1: Raises $100 - $249 and you get to choose one of these

• HHS Pop Socket
• HHS Drawstring Bag

Prize Level 2: Raise between $250 - $499 and you get to choose one of these awesome prizes!

• HHS Hat
• HHS T-Shirt
• HHS Fanny Pack

Prize Level 3: Raise between $500 - $999 and you get to choose one of these awesome prizes!

• HHS Stainless Steel Tumbler
• HHS Portable Power Bank
• HHS Tote

Prize Level 4: Raise between $1000 - $2499 and you get to choose one of these awesome prizes!

• HHS Insulated Tote
• HHS Beach Towel

Prize Level 5: Raise between $2500 - $4999 and you get to choose one of these awesome prizes!

• HHS Duffel Bag
• HHS Phone Charger and Stand
• HHS Wireless Earbuds
• HHS Wireless Speaker

Prize Level 6: Raise $5000+ and you get to choose one of these awesome prizes!

• Furbo Camera
• Fitbit

Help make a lifesaving difference for animals in Houston this year!

Why become a K9 Fun Run + Walk Sponsor?

When you support the K9 Fun Run + Walk as a sponsor, you're joining a community that is committed to creating a more humane Houston for animals and the people who love them. Your sponsorship will make a lifesaving difference for more than 55,000 pets and wildlife this year by providing safe shelter, medical care, protection from cruelty and neglect, rescue and rehabilitation, and so much more! Partnering with the Houston Humane Society will maximize your company's exposure to passionate pet families in our region and establish your brand as a partner in our lifesaving work. Sponsoring the K9 Fun Run + Walk is also a great opportunity to build camaraderie among your employees or clients by having them participate together as a Fun Run Team. Most importantly, every dollar raised for the events gives animals a second chance. Be sure to check out our 2025 K9 Fun Run + Walk Sponsorship Packet for more details on sponsorship levels and their corresponding benefits!

Here are some of the awesome benefits you can receive for your sponsorship:

• Logo or name on event T-shirts.
• Logo or name included on a series of K9 Fun Run + Walk e-blasts to more than 40,000 contacts.
• Recognition in social media posts promoting the K9 Fun Run + Walk to more than 100,000 followers.
• Logo and website link on Houston Humane Society's K9 Fun Run + Walk website through December 2025, which has about 1.2M visits annually.
• Booth in our Vendor Village.

Vendor Village 

Each year, our Vendor Village featuring animal-loving businesses and organizations is a highlight of our Fun Run + Walk. To host a booth at this year’s event, please complete our vendor interest form.

Interested in becoming an event sponsor or joining our Vendor Village? Please complete this form and email to dortiz@houstonhumane.org. Contact Abby Nefe at anefe@houstonhumane.org or (832) 492-9184 for more information.

Please review our 2025 K9 Fun Run + Walk Sponsorship Packet for more information. Fill out the form and email to dortiz@houstonhumane.org. Contact Abby Nefe for more information at anefe@houstonhumane.org or call (832) 492-9184. 

Volunteer at the K9 Fun Run!

The K9 Fun Run + Walk is one of Houston’s Humane Society’s largest fundraising events of the year and helps raise money to care for the thousands of wild and domestic animals that will come through the shelter in 2025. We’ll celebrate our community’s commitment to animals, while raising vital funds for our lifesaving programs. Many volunteers are needed to ensure the K9 Fun Run & Walk is a success! Read below for event information and complete the volunteer application to sign up. Space is limited, so sign up soon!

Event Information 

K9 Fun Run + Walk

May 3, 2025

Tejas Brewery 

2101 Summer Street

Houston, Texas 77007

Volunteer Roles 

There will be various volunteer opportunities to participate in at the K9 Fun Run + Walk 2025 such as the event set-up/tear-down, crowd management, water stations, and registrations. For more volunteer information and to sign up click here or fill out the volunteer form. For all volunteer related questions please reach out to volunteer@houstonhumane.org 

Volunteer Requirements: 

Must be 17+ to volunteer solo. Volunteers under 16 must be accompanied by an adult at all times.

Must complete all areas of the online application; incomplete applications will not be considered.

For Event Day Volunteers: 

Must be willing to comply with the latest health and safety policies. Must be able to commit to the full volunteer shift. Must wear the Houston Humane volunteer shirt, provided for free at volunteer check-in on the day of the event. Pets are not allowed to volunteer with you. If you prefer to participate with your pet, you can sign up to walk! The K9 Fun Run + Walk is outdoors in the early morning, so wear weather appropriate layers and water resistant shoes. Also, be prepared for a few hours of standing. As a thank you for your help during the event, volunteers are provided with free coffee and breakfast items. Thank you for your interest in volunteering and for supporting the Houston Humane Society!