A:  The Mutt Strut is a season of giving where community members compete to raise money for CCHS. The Mutt Strut is also a single-day outdoor event planned with activities for dogs in mind.

The giving contest concludes at 12:00 AM on the day of the Mutt Strut event. During the giving contest there are two champions:

• The 'Top Dog' prize goes to the human/pet team that raises the most money for CCHS.
• 'Mr. or Ms. Popular' is the team that inspires the highest number of unique donors to the campaign.

At the Mutt Strut event, your dog will have lots of games to play and treats to get. We'll also walk together to honor the Top Dog and Mr./Ms. Popular teams and picnic with food trucks.

A:  No, 'Top Dog' is a lifestyle, and all pets are welcome to apply!  All fundraisers are welcome to showcase any of their pets as their mascot, regardless of species, when campaigning for Mutt Strut.

However, the Mutt Strut is an event for people and their dogs, and no other types of pets will be admitted to the event.  

A: No. The 'Popularity' title is the human/pet team that received donations from the most donors, leading up to the Mutt Strut event. They are not necessarily one of the top two fundraisers! Some pets receive larger donations from fewer people, and some inspire many people to give at all levels. We honor both!

A:  While it's possible that the top fundraiser will also inspire the most supporters, our 'Top Dog' will not be eligible to win the 'Popularity' title. If you are the top fundraiser and you also inspire the highest number of donors, you may choose between the prizes. The relinquished prize will be given to the next eligible campaign. That means, if they choose to relinquish the Popularity title, the next most popular campaign will win, regardless of the total raised, and if they choose to relinquish the 'Top Dog' title, the next highest fundraiser will win, regardless of the number of individual donors.

A:  We love all dogs at CCHS, but not every dog does well with big crowds, or an outdoor event like the Mutt Strut. You should consider your pet's health, temperament, and behavior when deciding whether to bring them to the event. So, should you come?

Yes! If your dog:
• Is old enough to be around other dogs and people (at least 6 months of age).
• Is up to date on all required vaccinations (appropriate paperwork or collar tags must be present at check in).
• Does well on a leash.
• Can manage the weather conditions that day.
• Is not aggressive or anxious toward other dogs.
• Is friendly toward humans, and not fearful of crowds or noise.
and Probably not, if your dog:
• Does not have proof of their current rabies vaccination.
• Is still too young to mix with a big crowd (under 6 months).
• Would have trouble being outside for an extended period of time.
• Cannot tolerate that day's weather.
• Has aggressive tendencies or is reactive (barks and pulls) towards other dogs or humans while on or off leash.
• Is shy or timid and likely to be stressed.
• Is exhibiting any signs of illness close to the day of the event.

CCHS will also have dog handlers at the event to watch for signs of stress or aggression between dogs. A handler will inform you if they see signs of discomfort and recommend how to help. CCHS will ask you to leave the event if your dog is being disruptive.

A:  Walk ups will always be welcome! In-person registration is available on site by cash, check, or credit card. Online registration will remain available through the end of the event. There is a small price increase, by $5, on the day of the event.

A:  We will have several dog friendly activities available, as well as dog contests with prizes, and many dog treats! If you require a separate drinking container for your dog, please bring one, and we will be more than happy to fill it up with water. There will be waste bags provided as well. Please clean up after your pet.

A:  Come with a friend! All dogs must be accompanied by an individual handler who is at least 16 years of age. If you have more than one dog who would like to attend, please register your second pet with a second handler.

You can also consider registering as a Friend of Mutt Strut, which helps sponsor the event, and permits entry for two dogs, each with their own handler.