Q: "What's the difference between Mutt Strut and Top Dog?"
A: "Top Dog is our annual spring fundraising season, to see which pet will be our highest fundraiser. It's an online fundraiser that typically lasts four to six weeks and concludes with Mutt Strut. Mutt Strut is a fun day in the park for dogs and their owners."
Q: "Do I have to compete for Top Dog in order to attend Mutt Strut?"
A: "Nope! We would love you to attend whether or not you want to fundraise on behalf of CCHS! If you'd like to credit your ticket purchase to someone who is competing for Top Dog, you will be able to do so during checkout."
Q: "Do I have to attend Mutt Strut to compete for Top Dog?"
A: "Mutt Strut is the finale to the Top Dog season, but you certainly are not obligated to attend! Some pets competing for Top Dog might not actually be dogs or might not be comfortable with crowds. We understand, and we are grateful that you want to fundraise for our top prize anyway!"
Q: "Can I bring my cat / bird / snake / rabbit to the Mutt Strut event?"
A: "While you may be fundraising for your non-canine pet to be 'Top Dog,' Mutt Strut is a dog-only event. You will still be welcome to join us at Mutt Strut, we just kindly ask that you leave the non-dogs at home for this particular event for their own safety and the safety of others."
Q: "Are all dogs welcome to attend Mutt Strut?"
A: "We love ALL dogs at CCHS but realize that some dogs may get stressed and uncomfortable around other dogs and/or large groups of people. If crowds cause your dog to behave inappropriately or unexpectedly, then this might not be the event to bring them to. We will have a waiver that all guests will sign at check-in, which will indicate that misbehaving dogs or people will be asked to leave."
Q: "So there's a code of conduct for attending the event?"
A: "Yes. All participants must walk only one dog. All participants must check in and show proof of current rabies vaccinations. Dogs must be a on a 6-foot non-retractable leash. Any dogs displaying aggressive or inappropriate behavior will be asked to leave. Participants must clean up after their dogs. All rules and regulations of the Urbana Park District must also be obeyed."
Q: "Is my dog right for this event?"
A: "Well..."
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 on hand).
• Does well on a leash.
• Is not overly aggressive toward other dogs.
• Is friendly toward humans and not excessively fearful.
and Probably Not, if your dog:
• Is still too young to mix with a big crowd (under 6 months).
• Would have trouble being outside for an extended period of time.
• Has aggressive tendencies towards other dogs or humans while on a leash (or off).
• Is exhibiting any signs of illness close to the day of the event.
Q: "I'm not sure I can attend yet. How long will we be able to register?"
A: "Registration will be open online until 11:59 PM CST on May 5, 2023. If you don't wish to register in advance, you will still be able to register at the event. Pre-registration is $30, and onsite registration is $35."
Q: "What will be provided at the event, and what will we have to bring?"
A: "We will have several dog friendly activities available, as well as dog contests with prizes. Please bring cash so you can picnic with local food trucks, as well as enjoy Triptych Beer while donating to CCHS! Bottled water and doggie water stations are generously sponsored by Hickory Point Bank. Water will be served community bowl style. If you require a separate drinking container for your dog, please bring one along and we would be more than happy to fill it up with water. There will be waste bags provided as well. Please clean up after your pet."
Q: "Where exactly is Mutt Strut 2023?"
A: "Mutt Strut is returning to Crystal Lake Park in 2023. We recommend entering the park off the Broadway Avenue entrance, near the aquatic center and the nature center."
Q: "Registration is for one dog and handler, but I have two dogs. What do I do?"
A: "All dogs must be accompanied by their own 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 permits entry for two dogs, each with their own handler."
Q: "Does my event ticket count towards my Top Dog total?"
A: "It can! If you are registered to compete for Top Dog, you can credit any ticket purchases to your "team member." If you are on your fundraising page and select "Attend or Donate", you will automatically be noted as the credited team member. You will also have the option to confirm this during check out, or add a different Top Dog competitor."
Q: "Can I credit more than one competitor?"
A: "No. If you would like to donate to more than one Top Dog, please make more than one donation! Ticket purchases can be credited to any single Top Dog. If you are purchasing more than one ticket and would like to credit more than one Top Dog, please complete multiple transactions. Thank you for your generosity!"
Q: "I registered to attend, but I don't see my ticket credited to my fundraising page?"
A: "Oh no! Check to see if you might have accidentally credited another Top Dog and we will help you fix it! Reach out to Elizabeth at elizabeth@cuhumane.org with any questions!"
Sound good? Get your tickets below!
STILL HAVE QUESTIONS?
Email Elizabeth Young, our Event Coordinator at elizabeth@cuhumane.org