Event Description

Approximately 6.3 million dogs & cats enter US Shelters annually. 15% (920,000) are euthanized each year. The West Suburban Humane Society is a volunteer-based, no-kill animal rescue founded in 1972 in the western suburbs of Chicago.

Since our founding, more than 31,000 animals have found forever homes through our facility. In 2022 alone, 512 of the animals placed in our care found new homes.

At West Suburban Humane Society, our mission is to work toward the day when all dogs and cats are loved and cared for, and pet owners have access to essential resources so they may enjoy a fulfilling relationship with their pets.

Our Rescue Run is a 5K chip-timed walk/run (eligible for time awards – overall and by age group). All Rescue Run participants will receive a performance fit shirt and finisher medal, as well as entry to Rescue Fest.

Our Waggin' Tails Walk is a 1 mile walk for families and crowd-friendly pets. All Wagging Tails walk participants will be eligible for costume awards, as well as entry to Rescue Fest.

Rescue Fest includes a full day of family and pet-friendly activities and giveaways, including Food Trucks, Pet Contests, Rescue Groups, Agility Training, Nail Trimming, Pooch Smooch AND MORE!!!

All Volunteer Fundraisers who raise $100 or more will receive free entry into Rescue Fest, an event t-shirt, and additional fundraising incentives!

Register your dogs into our Barkminster Pet Contest! Entry is free - just sign up for one or more of the following categories when you register for one of our events!

• Dog & Owner look-alike
• Waggiest Tail
• Silliest Tricks
• Best in talking / speaking
• Funniest Ears

Dog show registration can be selected as an 'add-on' to your registration at no cost.

All proceeds from this event benefit the West Suburban Humane Society, and all participants in the 5K, Walk, and Rescue Fest are encouraged to customize their fundraising page and collect donations to help our dogs and cats. All fundraising participants in the 5K, Walk, and Rescue Fest will be eligible to earn a custom t-shirt and other goodies, based on fundraising levels.