Registration is open for the 17th Annual Paws in the Park dog walk and festival, one of the largest dog walks in the D.C. area. As a signature special event of the Montgomery County Humane Society, held in partnership with the City of Gaithersburg, it raises funds to help rescue, care for and adopt homeless and abandoned animals.
This year’s event will take place on Sunday, April 26, from noon to 4 p.m. at Bohrer Parkat Summit Hall Farm, 506 S. Frederick Ave., Gaithersburg, next to Gaithersburg High School.
The afternoon includes a 1-mile dog walk, pet contests and games, demonstrations, children’s activities, a pet-oriented market featuring more than 50 vendors, food, music and more.
Participants register as a walker in the event, and then are encouraged to invite friends, family and neighbors to support their fundraising efforts through online donations. Supporters can register individually or as a family, and can begin fundraising as individuals or as part of teams of family, friends, co-workers, social groups, etc. Registration is $20 for an individual or $45 for a family in advance (up to 5 p.m. April 25) or $25/$55 at the door.
Paws in the Park supports the Montgomery County Humane Society’s work to rescue, care for and adopt homeless animals that it pulls from overcrowded public shelters, as well as a host of animal enrichment, humane education and community outreach programs to help the community care for pets and keep them in their homes and out of shelters. Programs also include medical care, spay/neuter, and other initiatives.