Houston Humane Society 44th Annual K9 Fun Run + Walk

The K9 Fun Run + Walk features a 3.2K (2-mile) dog-friendly course designed for participants of all speeds and abilities. Whether you're looking to race for a personal best or enjoy a relaxed stroll with your pup, there’s an option for everyone.

Competitive 3.2K Run
Our timed competitive run is perfect for runners who want to challenge themselves on a scenic course near the event venue. Participants will start first and race for top finishing times.

Awards and recognition will be given to the top finishers.

Leisurely 3.2K Walk
Following the run, walkers will take to the course for a relaxed and fun 3.2K walk. This portion of the event is perfect for families, casual walkers, and anyone who wants to enjoy the morning with their dog at a comfortable pace.

Dogs are welcome to join both the run and walk as long as they remain on leash at all times.

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

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.

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 2026 event t-shirt, race packet (coupons, flyers, swag oh my!), one doggie bandana, and two Tejas Brewery drink chips. 

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.

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 9th, 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 (713) 341-3344.

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

Please review our 2026 K9 Fun Run + Walk Sponsorship Packet for more information. Fill out the form and email to anefe@houstonhumane.org. Contact Abby Nefe for more information at anefe@houstonhumane.org or call (713) 341-3344.. 

Volunteer at the K9 Fun Run + Walk!

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 2026. 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 

May 9, 2026

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 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 18+ to volunteer solo. Volunteers under 18 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!