International Dog Day Run

International Dog Day Fun Run with Runner's Den

Lace up, bring your pup, and run for the animals.

Dogs give us everything - unconditional love, endless enthusiasm, and a reason to get outside even when we'd rather stay on the couch. This International Dog Day, we're celebrating them the best way we know how: by getting active, coming together as a community, and giving back to the shelter pets who are still waiting for their chance at that same kind of love.

Runner's Den is hosting a fun run in Burlington, and the Hamilton/Burlington SPCA is proud to be part of it. Whether you cross the finish line in record time or take it at a leisurely pace with your dog stopping to sniff everything along the way - you belong here.

About the Event

This is a celebration first and a run second. All experience levels are welcome, all dog sizes are welcome, and if you don't have a dog of your own, you are absolutely still invited. Come to run, come to cheer, come to soak up the energy of a community that genuinely loves animals. However you choose to show up, your presence makes a difference.

Throughout the event you'll be surrounded by fellow dog lovers, wagging tails, and the kind of good energy that only happens when people come together around something they care about. It's the perfect way to mark International Dog Day - outside, active, and doing something that matters.

How to Give Back

We're asking participants to bring a donation for the HBSPCA - either a cash contribution or an item from our shelter wishlist. Every donation goes directly toward providing food, enrichment, care, and essential supplies to animals currently in our care and waiting for their forever homes.

As a thank-you for supporting local shelter pets, everyone who brings a donation will receive a special discount at Runner's Den. It's a small way of saying that generosity deserves to be recognized - and a pretty good excuse to treat yourself to something for your next run.

What We Need Most

Our shelter pets rely on the generosity of this community every single day. Some of the items we can always use include:

• Dry and wet dog food
• Dry and wet cat food
• Dog and cat treats
• Dog leashes, collars, and poop bags
• Cat collars and toys
• Dog toys
• Lysol wipes, paper towels, and dish soap

Whether you bring a bag of kibble, a package of paper towels, a brand new leash, or a cash donation - it all adds up. Every item that comes through the door is one less thing our team has to worry about, and one more way our animals are cared for while they wait.

Why It Matters

The animals at the HBSPCA are counting on their community. They're fed, cared for, and loved by our team every day - but the supplies that make that possible come from people like you. Events like this one are a reminder of what's possible when a community decides to show up for the animals in its midst. And on International Dog Day, there's no better time to do exactly that.

So grab your pup, lace up your sneakers, and come run your heart out for pets in need. We'll see you out there.

Free to attend | Donations welcome and encouraged