Call your groomer and plan your dog’s best look. Everett’s annual day for dogs is on Saturday, Aug. 13. Organized by Everett Parks and Recreation, with support from Everett Animal Shelter, Snohomish County Animal Control and Advisory Board, and Pilchuck Veterinary Hospital, Mutt Strut is part celebration, part challenge and all fun. And it’s all free!
Stop by Langus Riverfront Park, 400 Smith Island Road, to browse pet-friendly vendors and see the canine spectacle, or join in on the events from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. A 1.2-mile community dog walk gets things started at 10:15.
“We’re all looking for local events to attend with our furry friends. This event has it all, a walk along the Snohomish River, vendors selling cool pet stuff you can’t find in the big box stores, crazy competitions for your dog and pet adoptions,” said Dee Cordell, Everett Animal Shelter operations coordinator. “There really is something for every canine.”
Proud pet owners will want to pack a smartphone to capture Instagrammable moments during the friendly Rover Run races and Pet Showcase contests. Divided by size and breed into five categories, the Rover Run races begin at 11 a.m. and are all about speed.
The Pet Showcase begins at 12:30 p.m. and aims to answer such serious questions as: How long will a 6-foot toilet paper leash hold together, which dog has the fastest ‘sit’ in the city and exactly how many times can a dog bark in 20 seconds? Other categories include: best two-legged walk, fastest disappearing pupacchino, catching, musical sit, hurdle jump, most tricks in 45 seconds and best dressed. Your dog could win a prize!
The Snohomish County Animal Advisory Board will be at Mutt Strut to offer free Canine Good Citizen (CGC) evaluations to Snohomish County residents (only). The test is a 10-step process and takes about 20 minutes. The CGC evaluation recognizes and rewards dogs that demonstrate good manners. All dogs that pass receive a certificate of completion and ribbon. The program was developed by the American Kennel Club, and evaluators are certified to administer the testing.
Snohomish County residents (only) also can line up to get their dogs and cats micro-chipped for free. Implanted microchips help owners and lost pets to reunite more quickly.
“Everyone who is eligible should take advantage of the free micro-chipping,” Cordell said. “It’s such a great way to help lost animals find their way home.” When strays come into the shelter we’re always hoping they’ll have a microchip.”
To register for free events, or for a detailed event schedule or rules, visit: everettwa.gov/muttstrut
Arrive early for ARF’s Rockin’ Paw 5K Walk and Run!
Before the festivities of Mutt Strut begin, you can support the Animal Rescue Foundation (ARF) and boost your step count by joining your pet in the Second Annual Rockin’ Paw 5K Walk ‘A’ Run. The event begins at 9 a.m., Aug. 13, at Langus Riverfront Park, 400 Smith Island Road.
ARF of Everett helps pay for the medical care of animals at the Everett Animal Shelter and promotes adoption of shelter animals. The organization encourages its 5K participants to bring their dogs along and enjoy exercising together.
To pre-register for Rockin’ Paw go to everettarf.org, or register in person on the event day, beginning at 8 a.m. The cost is $35 per person with a t-shirt, or $20 without. All proceeds support ARF’s work.