Tails on the Trail

The SPCA Cincinnati Tails on the Trail is on Saturday, October 10th at Francis RecreAcres Park next to our Sharonville Shelter! Bring the whole family for a fall tradition that is much more than a dog walk! T-shirts are included with your registration and children 12 and under are FREE with a paying adult (1 child per paying adult, does not include an additional t-shirt). Click on the tabs above the banner on this page for more details.

We will have decorations, pumpkins, food, vendors, live music, and contests. We're always adding new fun activities to this yearly tradition! And, of course, our "pup-ular" Costume Contest is back again this year - we love seeing your creativity, so go wild! See you on the trail!

Proceeds benefit the SPCA Cincinnati, your hometown Humane Society since 1873! We are the problem solvers for everything animal-related from pet adoptions to vaccination clinics. We provide care for any animals that come to the shelter: food, medical needs, exercise, enrichment, and affection to get them ready to go to their new homes. We do all we can to support people so that pet surrender is a last resort, such as providing pet food donations for those under financial strain and behavioral training. We are pet placement experts both locally and across our nation. We value innovative educational techniques to keep pets at home, enrich shelter life, promote the humane treatment of all animals, and prevent pet overpopulation.

Enter your Dog into Our Costume Contest!  

All that is needed to enter the Dog Costume Contest is a registration to the 2025 Tails on The Trail and your costumed pup! 

·        When you arrive at the event, stop by the judging booth by the entrance to have your pup's costume judged. 

·        Judging will be held 9:00am-10am and winners will be announced at 11am after the walk. *You must be present to win*

·        Although we’d love for you to walk, walking the course is not required to win the Dog Costume Contest 

·        The winner of the contest will receive a gift basket, gift card, and will be featured on our social media. Your pet could be famous!

·        Group costumes are encouraged! Feel free to bring the whole pack, and they will be judged as one entrant.

·        While you are more than welcome to dress up as well, the dogs will be judged on their own.

How do I participate in Tails on the Trail?

• Register here
• Donate through this website
• Join or create a "Fundraising Pack" to increase your contribution to Tails on the Trail 
• Enter the Tails on the Trail Doggie Costume Contest (Must be registered for Tails on the Trail to participate)

What is a Team Captain? How do I become one?

• Click this link for information on being a Team Captain

What are the registration fees?

• Registration is $35, but there is a discounted fee of $30 if you register before September 1st

Where do I send cash/check donations?

• Please send the Offline Donation Form with any cash or check donations collected

SPCA Cincinnati

ATTN: Tails on the Trail

11900 Conrey Rd.

Cincinnati, OH 45249

This is my first time fundraising – do you have tips?

• Yes! We have a Fundraising Ideas booklet that you can use and also inspirational stories to motivate your friends and to support your fundraising effort. 

Is the walk wheelchair or stroller accessible?

• Because the path is a natural path with lots of grassy terrain, it is unfortunately not wheelchair or stroller accessible. Some people do bring wagons but that is up to your discretion.

Is the event weather dependent?

• No, Tails on the Trail is a rain or shine event. No refunds will be provided.

How do I receive the Swag bag and/or T-shirt I purchased?

• You will receive your shirt and bag at the registration booth when you get there. Please note, if you are unable to attend, we are not mailing any shirts or bags post-event. 

Can I adopt animals during the Walk?

• Yes! We will have adoptable dogs from our shelter at Tails on the Trail.

I want to be a sponsor or a vendor at the Walk, how do I do that?

• If you are interested in being a vendor or a sponsor at Tails on the Trail, contact Megan Roberson at mroberson@spcacincinnati.org for information!

Vendor Form

The Story of Teddy

Meet Teddy. He came to the SPCA Cincinnati as "George Jones” in March of 2025 due to unfortunate circumstances. His owner experienced a difficult life event, which inevitably would separate the beloved pair. Teddy’s owner turned to the SPCA for refuge for this loving senior dog, an 8-year-old German Shepherd. 

He had minor health concerns, ear and eye infections. However, our medical staff recognized right away that Teddy was a well-fed dog weighing in at 130 pounds upon arrival. This was indeed overweight for his size. His weight made it so he could not lift his leg to pee and instead had to squat. This and other weight related issues were a concern. Teddy was placed on a special diet, and within less than two weeks, Teddy began to lose weight! He dropped 12 lbs. with his new nutrition plan and physical enrichment at our shelter, all the while remaining happy and hopeful.

Teddy did not have to wait long. By April, he’d meet the family who’d give him a second chance! A loving couple asked to meet with Teddy, and the rest, as they say, is history. In his new home, he not only has a comfy bed that he truly enjoys, but he continues his journey to a healthier life. He’s adjusted well to his new environment and continues to prove strong at his age while losing the unnecessary pounds. As of July, with the help of thyroid medication, Teddy has lost an additional 30lbs in his new home. He is able to lift his leg, run, jump and play like the triumphant, majestic dog he is.

Why do we walk? For pets in need like Teddy! Life happens to all of us, and from time to time, we need support to find our way. Homeless senior pets are no different. Waiting in a shelter can be a while. Achieving good health goals can be challenging. But the SPCA Cincinnati believes they are all worth fighting for, despite the prognosis. Teddy inspires us all. He’s reminded us to keep going and remain hopeful no matter the circumstance… because “hope” is at the heart of our mission. 

Please view Teddy's Video below.

Testimonials

"Knoll is doing great. A better friend and companion; I couldn't ask for. Knoll says, ‘Thank you!’ to everyone there for the great job you did getting him back on his feet and finding him a loving home." - Mike Benton

"Hi! We just adopted Rambo today (now Ramesses / Ram) today and I just wanted to reach out with my many thanks!!!! TQL sponsored our adoption today and I am just overwhelmed with gratitude from this organization! Ody we also got from your organization back in 2016! They are already best buds. We will definitely bring him back up to say hey to you guys! Again, thank you for being such an amazing organization, and continuing to fill our family with so much joy." - Brianna Kounty

 “Hello! I wanted to give an update on the 2 little guys we adopted. They are doing great and adjusting to their new home. They adore our kids (11 and 5). It's a perfect match! Thank you for all you do!! Castiel is now called Fenrir (Fin-rear) the Gray one, Cupcake, is now Loki, the tabby.” - Tandi Shay Parker

"Hello!! We adopted Amren and just wanted to see if there was a way to thank whoever paid for her adoption! She has been so good! She loves sitting out on our balcony watching deer go by and adventuring around new parks with us. We have been calling her Cami since the adoption. " - Brittany Marshall

Goody Bag & T-Shirt Pick Up 

Wednesday, October 8th, from 4:00 - 6:00 p.m. at SPCA Cincinnati
Goody Bags & T-shirts may also be picked up the day of the Walk beginning at 8:30 a.m.

T-shirts are included with registration fee. If registering after 8/31, sizes and availability may be limited. T-shirts are not included with free child's registration.

9:00 a.m. Registration Opens
     Dog Costume Contest Judging
     Complimentary Donuts & Coffee Provided by Dunkin' 
     Vendors, Live Music, Bake Sale, Pumpkin Patch and More!

10:00 a.m. Dog Walk Begins
     Vendors and booths will remain open for the duration of the event

11:00 a.m. Dog Costume Contest Parade & Winner Announced!
     Top Individual Fundraiser & Top Team Fundraiser Announced
     Raffle Winner Announced
     Complimentary Sandwiches

12:00 p.m. Event Ends

Be an Animal Advocate!
We invite you to become an Animal Advocate Leader!  What do you need to do to be a Leader?  It’s easy; simply raise $100!  Every Animal Advocate Leader that reaches the $100 level will receive a bandana for their pup!

Calling All Team Captains!
Are you a Team Captain? Check in with your team to help them fundraise. If your team raises $1,000+ for the walk, you will receive an SPCA Ball Cap!