Amazing Tails Scavenger Hunt 2026

We’re thrilled to invite you to be part of The Amazing Tails Scavenger Hunt—a lively, interactive event supporting the Richmond SPCA. Participants will explore the historic Carytown District in teams, solving clues, completing fun challenges, and engaging with the fantastic local retailers partnering with us. Your support will help raise critical funds for the homeless dogs and cats cared for by the Richmond SPCA.

What exactly is the Amazing Tails Scavenger Hunt?
It’s an exciting game where teams race to solve clues, complete challenges, and explore the Carytown area. Think of it as a walking adventure filled with fun, surprises and a little friendly competition!

Where will the Amazing Tails Scavenger Hunt take place?
The scavenger hunt kicks off at 12 p.m. at the Richmond SPCA. From there, teams head to Carytown (about 3 miles from the Richmond SPCA), complete challenges, then return to the Richmond SPCA to finish. 

Do I need to know Carytown well to participate?
Not at all! It's designed for everyone—from locals to first-timers. You’ll discover new places, quirky landmarks and hidden gems along the way. Teams will be provided with a map to use during their travels. 

Do I need my own transportation for the scavenger hunt?
Yes! While the event starts and ends at our organization, the scavenger hunt itself takes place in a different part of town. You’ll need a way to get there and back—whether that’s a car, carpooling with friends, a scooter, or a rideshare service like Uber or Lyft. 

How long will it take to complete the race?
Teams will have up to three hours, most will finish in about two hours. 

How do I register a team?
Register now to create your team. The team captain should select "Create a New Group/Team" during registration, enter a team name and pay the $100 registration fee. Be sure to click "Set Password" to create a secret code that others will use to join your team. Be sure to share this with your teammates after setting up your team. 

How do I join an existing team?
Select "Sign Up" at the top of the page and choose "Join an Existing Group/Team." Find your team in the list and enter the secret password provided by your team captain.

How many people can be on a team?
Teams can have up to five members. You’re welcome to compete the race solo or with a smaller group.

Can I join solo and get matched with a team? 
Absolutely! Please reach out to Janae Jones before you begin the registration process. 

Is there a fee to participate?
Yes, it's $100 per team (not per person). 

How does fundraising work?
After registering, you'll get a personal team fundraising page to share. Share it with friends, family, coworkers—anyone who’d love to support pets in need!  All funds support the animals in our care, and top fundraisers win prizes.

Can I bring my pet? 
We love animals, but pets are not allowed at the scavenger hunt. We want to ensure a smooth experience for all teams and participating businesses.

What ages can participate? 
All ages are welcome! Team captains must be at least 18 years old. Kids younger than 10 years-old may need help with clues. 

What should we bring?
Be sure to wear comfortable shoes, water, weather-appropriate clothing, your smartphone (for clue-solving!), and your best detective attitude. 

What happens if it rains?
This event is rain or shine! Bring an umbrella and keep that tail-wagging spirit.

Are there prizes?
Yes! Top finishing teams will win fun prizes. 

Where do the proceeds go?
All funds benefit the Richmond SPCA, supporting homeless pets and critical programs like veterinary care, adoptions, humane education and more.

Team Guidelines
Teams must consist of 1-5 participants. 

All team members must stay together at all times.

Each team must appoint one team captain (at least 18+) as the main contact, as listed when signing up. 

If your team size changes or team members/team captain are replaced, please contact us so we can update our participant list. 

Each team is allowed one opportunity to contact the event organizer for an extra hint or clue to help them advance to the next stop.

Start & End Times 
The scavenger hunt begins promptly at 12 p.m. on Saturday, May 30 at the Richmond SPCA. Teams may not begin collecting items or completing challenges before this time.   

Teams must complete the final challenge at the designated Carytown destination by 4 p.m. to be eligible for prizes. 

Teams that finish after the designated end time (4 p.m.) will not be disqualified, but may be ranked lower than teams who completed more locations on time. Final rankings will be based on the total number of correct locations completed  and bonus challenges completed before the deadline. 

All team members must return together and pass the finishing point at the designated Carytown destination to complete the scavenger hunt. A team’s final time will be recorded when the last team member crosses the finishing point.  

If a team member becomes sick or injured and is unable to return, the rest of the team must immediately notify Richmond SPCA staff by calling or texting 804-310-0378. In such cases, the team’s time will be recorded based on the last healthy member's return, and the situation will be reviewed at the discretion of event organizers.  

Instructions & Checkpoints 

Clues and tasks must be completed in order before moving on to the next, unless otherwise indicated.

Teams must remain together at all times and may not split up to complete multiple clues or tasks separately.

At some locations, staff will be present to check you in or verify task completion. At others, a contactless system—such as scanning a QR code—will be used.

Some scavenger hunt stops will require teams to enter and interact with local businesses. Participants must be courteous, respectful, and patient with staff, customers, and the business environment.

Proof of Completion of Bonus Tasks
Bonus tasks may require: 

• A photo or video taken by a team member
• A signature/stamp from a location
• Collecting a specific item
• Unless noted otherwise, photo submissions must include all team members

Scoring
Winners will be determined by the fastest overall race time.

Bonus challenges will be available along the race course, each worth 1 or 2 points.
•  1 point = 4-minute time deduction
•  2 points = 8-minute time deduction

Teams must complete the full race to be eligible for prizes. If fewer than five teams complete the scavenger hunt, the remaining prize spots will be awarded to the teams that completed the most stops in the shortest amount of time. If no team finishes the full course, all prizes will be awarded based on the highest number of stops completed and overall speed.

Behavior & Safety 
Obey all local laws and respect private property. 

No dangerous, illegal, or disrespectful behavior is allowed. 

Teams must follow pedestrian safety rules—no jaywalking or running into traffic. 

Participants are fully responsible for obeying all local traffic laws, including speed limits and parking regulations. The Richmond SPCA is not liable for any speeding tickets, parking violations, or other infractions incurred during the event.

Alcohol consumption during the scavenger hunt is not allowed. 

For the safety and comfort of all participants, pets are not allowed at the event, including during the scavenger hunt. Service animals, as defined by the ADA, are permitted. 

Disqualification Grounds and Time Deductions
The following activities are grounds for disqualification:
•  Cheating or tampering with other teams
•  Submitting fake or incomplete tasks
•  Arriving late past the time limit without valid cause. 

Any participant who engages in a physical altercation, aggressive behavior, or verbal harassment during the event will be immediately disqualified. This is a zero-tolerance policy to ensure a safe and respectful environment for all attendees. 

Disruptive, rude, or inappropriate behavior may result in time deductions or disqualification at the discretion of the Richmond SPCA.

Remember, these businesses are supporting the event—let’s return the favor with kindness and gratitude. 

All clues and tasks must be solved using only your registered team members. No calling, texting, messaging, or receiving help from anyone outside your team ("no phone-a-friend"). 
 
We operate on the honor system, but suspicious activity may result in a warning, time deductions, or disqualification. We encourage good sportsmanship and fairness to keep the event fun for everyone.

Weather & Cancellations 
The event will proceed rain or shine, unless the weather is hazardous. 

Organizers reserve the right to cancel or reschedule if needed.

Liability 
Participants take part at their own risk. 

A waiver must be signed by all participants or guardians (for minors).

Have Fun! 
Be creative, work as a team, and enjoy supporting a great cause! 
 

Prizes will be awarded as each team crosses the finish line at the Richmond SPCA. 

Your fundraising efforts and race performance can earn your team pre-race advantages and a fun prize if you're one of the fastest teams!  

As teams arrive at the finishing line, they will have the option to select one of the following prizes below. 

• Bowling at River City Roll

• Passes to Bogey's Sports Park

• A kitten cuddle session at the Richmond SPCA

• More prizes coming soon!

Before the Amazing Tails Scavenger Hunt kicks off on June 21, you and your team can earn exciting race advantages by fundraising for the Richmond SPCA. Every dollar raised helps save the lives of homeless pets in our community!

Raise $250 collectively and your team will be rewarded with a 10-minute head start in the race

Raise $500 collectively and your team will be rewarded with a 10-minute head start in the race
+ a secret advantage

Raise $750 collectively and your team will be rewarded with a 10-minute head start in the race
+ two secret advantages

Raise $1,000 collectively and your team will be rewarded with a 10-minutehead start in the race
+ three secret advantages

💡Tips to Boost Your Fundraising

Start Early. It may seem like you have all the time in the world, but the sooner you begin, the more you'll raise. 

Customize your personal fundraising page. Your contributions will automatically count toward your team’s total.

Share often. Update your personal fundraising page with photos and stories to promote your efforts and your progress and then share to your social media channels. Ask your friends, coworkers and family to make a donation in your (or your pet’s) honor.

Get the word out. After logging into your fundraising page, use the built-in email and social media tools to ask friends and family to support your Amazing Tails Scavenger Hunt participation. Keep supporters updated on your progress with occasional updates. Donations can be mailed to 2519 Hermitage Road, Richmond, VA 23220, or dropped off (cash/check) at the front desk of our humane center.

Send handwritten notes.  A personal touch goes a long way. Thank you notes will mean a lot to people who’ve donated. 

Double your donations. Does your company have a matching gift program? Ask your employer to match what you raise.

Donate your birthday. Ask  friends to donate in honor of your birthday or milestone instead of purchasing a gift. You can easily do this by creating a Facebook Fundraiser.

Give something up. Skip a treat and donate the cost instead. You'll enjoy the sweet satisfaction that you’re helping a pet in need!

Plan something fun:  Maybe themed outfits or a team name that stands out.

Stay in touch with your team: Share weekly updates, event news, and progress.

You're Making a Difference

$25 can fully vaccinate an adult dog
$50 can bottle-feed three infant kittens around the clock for a month
$125 can cover the adoption fee for a cat
$250 can cover the costs of spay surgeries for two pet patients of our Susan M. Markel Veterinary Hospital
$500 can treat five dogs for life-threatening heartworm disease
$1,000 can fuel our transfer vans for one month of lifesaving rescues of dogs and cats from shelters where their lives are at risk