More than 800 dog lovers and their furry friends gathered on Oct. 5 at the Navy Yard to celebrate the 18th annual Mutt Strut — Philadelphia’s biggest fall festival for dogs and the people who love them.
With more than $137,000 raised, this year’s event was a resounding success, achieving the second-highest fundraising total in Mutt Strut history.
Proceeds benefit the Philadelphia Animal Welfare Society, the city’s largest rescue partner and provider of affordable veterinary care, whose mission is to make Philadelphia a city where every savable pet is guaranteed a home.
Attendees enjoyed a beautiful fall day, with hundreds of dogs showcasing their Halloween costumes as they walked through the festival grounds. Over 40 vendors were on hand, so the festival offered a variety of shopping opportunities, in addition to live entertainment, a beer garden by Dock Street Brewery and other dog-friendly games and activities for attendees and their four-legged companions.
The event was made possible thanks to the dedication of PAWS staff and 140 volunteers, whose hard work ensured a smooth and enjoyable experience for all.
Funds raised at the Mutt Strut will support PAWS’s lifesaving programs, including low-cost veterinary care for community pets and rescue and adoption of homeless animals. With alarmingly high numbers of stray and surrendered pets entering the city shelter daily, loving adoptive homes provide critical space for animals whose lives depend on it.
“The success of this year’s Mutt Strut is a testament to the dedication and generosity of our entire community. From our incredible volunteers to the sponsors, vendors and attendees who came out to enjoy that beautiful day together, their support has made a direct impact on Philadelphia’s most vulnerable pets,” said Melissa Levy, PAWS’ executive director. “We are deeply grateful to everyone who helped make it one of our most successful events yet. Together, we are changing lives and moving Philadelphia closer to becoming a no-kill city.”
