You Don’t Need a Dog for the Fourth Annual “5K Paw Walk in the Garden”

It happens the same weekend every year and it’s the only day when dogs are allowed in the San Diego Botanic Garden (SDBG). Register now for the “Fourth Annual 5K Paw Walk in the Garden” on Saturday, February 20, 2016. Rancho Coastal Humane Society (RCHS) and the San Diego Botanic Garden are joining paws to support programs for people, plants, and animals.

“When Rancho Coastal Humane Society opened in 1960, Encinitas was a sleeping little surf town and Interstate 5 was a dirt road,” says Nick Winfrey, RCHS Vice President of Planning and Development. “Other than cows and coyotes, San Diego Botanic Garden was our closest neighbor. For the fourth year in a row these two landmark organizations are working together to help the community that has grown around us.”

“You don’t need a dog to participate in the 5K Paw Walk,” says Sam Beukema, Education and Events Manager for the Garden. “But remember that this is the only day of the year when families get the opportunity to stroll through the gardens with their dogs. During the past 4 years this has become the walk every dog is begging to go on.”

Registered walkers (with or without dogs) can start at 9:30 am. The Walk is not competitive and walkers are not required to cover the full 5 kilometer / 3.1 mile course. They can enjoy as much or as little of the lush, green garden as they want.

There will be pet products, food, treats, information and displays for animal lovers, a pet first aid station, and the “Peanut Butter / Cream Cheese Challenge” (for dogs.)

The basic rules for the 5K Paw Walk in the Garden:
*           Dogs must be kept on leash at all times. No leashes longer than 6 feet.
*           No dogs in heat.
*           Owners must clean up after their dogs.
*           Limit two dogs per person.
*           Dogs must be up to date on vaccinations.

Register for the Fourth Annual 5K Paw Walk in the Garden online at www.sdpets.org or www.sdbgarden.org. Day of event registration starts at 9:00.

More information about the 5K Paw Walk in the Garden is available at RCHS at 389 Requeza Street or SDBG at 230 Quail Gardens Drive in Encinitas.