We came, we strut (strutted?), we saw LOTS of dogs in costumes. All in all, a perfect day. The Philadelphia Animal Welfare Society held their annual Mutt Strut on Sunday, October 8th, and the fundraising efforts, and doggie costumes did not disappoint.

This year was the 17th Annual PAWS Mutt Strut, down at the Philadelphia Navy Yard. The event was pushed to Sunday’s rain date, and it was a good call too, as yesterday was a perfect day for it. Clouds overhead, but sunshine peeking through, and the breeze kept things just cool enough to finally feel like fall.

If you’ve never attended the PAWS Mutt Strut, it’s a little bit of everything. A paw-ty for humans and canines alike.

Some of the fun offered:

• There’s a spot to have your paw-prints made (kiddos too).
• Some pretty amazing raffle prizes.
• A pet pantry.
• An “Ask the Vet” section.
• Photo Booth and Pet Portraits.
• Doggie Tarot Card Reading and Fortune Telling ( yes, you read that right).
• Food and Coffee and Doggie Ice Cream.
• Adorable adoptable dogs to meet!
• A Doggie Costume Contest and a Talent Contest.

It’s a family affair too, with kids and babies and group costumes and lots of smiles. The dogs too. Smiles all around, tongues hanging out, and the biggest fundraiser of the year for PAWS.

You can still support PAWS!

If you missed this year’s Mutt Strut, be sure to keep a look out for the 18th Annual Mutt Strut, likely sometime in October, 2024. Next year’s Mutt Strut is sure to be even better, as the organization continues to outdo itself every single year. It’s also not too late to help this year. You can make a donation at any time to help this incredible non-profit continue in its mission to make Philadelphia a no-kill city. They’ve come so far in their efforts already, and they truly make every dollar count toward helping animals.

HERE‘s the link to make a donation. You can donate anonymously, and in honor or memory of a pet or favorite animal. Right now, the donations continue to be matched by an anonymous donor. Your donation will go twice as far!

To many of the Mutt Strut attendees, helping with the Mutt Strut is just a small way of repaying this organization for their part in bringing them true love. A way of thanking PAWS for connecting them with their dog or cat companions. Helping them find their furry family members, and more importantly, keep them. PAWS also helps folks all over the region by providing affordable to care for their animals year-round.

The doggie costumes at the Mutt Strut are a pretty big draw too. The PAWS community and their fur families bring it every year. Check out the photos below to see their costumes this year, and start planning next year’s costumes now!