Event information

CANINE INFLUENZA UPDATE: No dogs at the Walk this year With cases of canine influenza on the rise, the Minnesota Board of Animal Health is advising dog lovers to avoid dog-to-dog contact with dogs outside of their household. In accordance with this state guidance, no dogs (except service animals) will be allowed to attend the Walk this year. Visit our updates page for the latest information.

 

Rain or shine, gates will open at 9 AM on Saturday, May 6, at the International Bazaar on the Minnesota State Fairgrounds. We'll begin walking at 10 AM and wrap up our fun-filled day by 1 PM.

All animal lovers are welcome at the Walk! Didn't fundraise? No problem. There are plenty of opportunities to make a difference at the Walk with cash, credit card, and virtual payment donations.

Walk route and location

This year, we’re celebrating second chances at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds! The route will take walkers through the Fairgrounds to the Great Big Wheel where you'll then turn around and head back to the International Bazaar for food, entertainment, and more. The Walk is approximately one mile. You can turn around at any time.

How to bring your pet to the Walk

The Minnesota Board of Animal Health issued new public guidance to prevent the spread of canine influenza in our community. With this new guidance, AHS is asking participants to attend Walk for Animals without their canine companions, with the exception of service animals.

Although dogs will have to stay home, cats, critters, and other pets are still welcome. We recommend that pets like rabbits, guinea pigs, and ferrets enjoy the Walk for Animals from the comfort and safety of a carrier or covered stroller.

What to bring

• Good news: There’s no need to check-in for prizes! To make it convenient for our Walk attendees, all prizes will be shipped to you following the event.

  You may mail your donations in advance (must be postmarked by May 12 to be counted towards prizes), so there will be nothing for you to bring or pick up on Walk day! If you prefer to drop off your cash and check donations along with a completed donation tracking form, you can do so at the donation drop-off tent.

• Cash for food and merchandise purchases as not all vendors take credit cards. ATMs are also available at the event.

• Weather-appropriate clothing and supplies such as hats, sunglasses, sunscreen, or an umbrella.

• To reduce waste, please pack your own water in a reusable container.

Food, entertainment, and more

After you walk, it's time to celebrate! The Walk features an array of food and beverage vendors to delight your taste buds, as well as an incredible lineup of local retailers, rescues, and pet service providers. See who'll be joining us.

We'll also have a number of fun activities for pets and people alike! Stop by the International Bazaar to dive into the fun.

Event schedule

• 9 AM: Walk for Animals grounds open

  Activities, vendors, and food trucks are ready for your arrival.

  Donation drop-off

  Drop off your donations any time between 9 AM and 12:30 PM to be counted toward your fundraising goal and the prizes you receive.

  Note: Fundraising prizes will be mailed to you post-event.

• 10 AM: Walk begins!

  We’ll kick off the Walk at 10 AM. The route will be available for thousands of animal lovers and their pets to prove that every step is a second chance.