Pawprints Petfest and 5k

What is Pawprints Petfest and 5k?

In its 8th year, the Paw Prints PetFest & 5K is a non-profit community event that attracts 5,000+ attendees to raise awareness and funds to help homeless animals in Burlington County. As an all-volunteer organization, 100% of the event’s proceeds go directly to funding medical care, training, foster support, TNR and other important life saving programs.

All who register for the 5K run/walk will enjoy the beautiful scenic trails of historic Smithville Park. Participants are welcome to complete their personal fitness challenge alongside their furry friend. PetFest activities will include games for the kids, dogs, pet costume contest, deejay, live music featuring Goodman Fiske Duo, Tito’s Vodka Beverage and Beer Garden, food trucks, vendors, gift basket tent and our much-anticipated Big Dog 50/50 drawing!

Register for the 5k

Event Details

5K Check-in begins at 10:00 am. Race begins at 11:00 am.

Petfest Activities

Dog Contests – peanut butter licking/ pet costume
Dog Agility Course
Dog Swift Paws Capture the Flag game
Itty Bitty 500 Race – small dogs
Kids Zone including Inflatables/pumpkin painting/games
Food Trucks
Drink Vendor/Beverage Garden sponsored by Tito’s Handmade Vodka
Deejay and live music performed by Goodman Fiske Duo
Basket Raffle Tent
50+ Vendors
Dog Adoptions/Cat Adoptions
You Look Petastic Photo Zone
Friends of BCAS Information Tent
Burlington County Animal Shelter Information Tent
Big Dog 50/50 drawing

Ways to Become Involved

Register for the Paw Prints 5K Run/Walk as individual or form a team
Volunteer to help day of event/earn community service hours. Contact events@friendsofbcas.org
Become a sponsor. Naming opportunities available
Become a vendor. Does not have to be exclusively pet related products
Donate a gift basket or item for the gift basket tent. Contact events@friendsofbcas.org
Provide complimentary videography or photography services

Interested in Donating?

Want to Become a
Vendor or Sponsor?

Vendor Application

Sponsor Application

Feeling Lucky?

Our annual Big Dog 50/50 raffle tickets are now available. Last year’s Big Dog winner won over $64,000!

The winning ticket will be drawn at 4:30 p.m. at Paw Prints Pet Fest & 5K, on October 6, 2024 at Smithville Park.

Tickets are $5 each. You can get tickets

Reserve your tickets online through 3 p.m. on October 5th
In person at the Paw Prints Pet Fest & 5K from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
If you reserve tickets online, you will be sent an email with your ticket number(s) within 48 hours.

You do not have to be present to win.

All money raised goes to help homeless animals in Burlington County, including paying for medical care, spay/neuter surgery, special food, and training.

Frequently Asked Questions

General

Can I Bring My Dog?

All dogs are welcome provided a non-retractable leash is used and vaccinations are up to date. We ask all dog owners to keep their distance from other dogs if their dog is feeling uneasy or reactive to other dogs.

Is there an admission fee?

No, the PetFest is free to attend. 5K participants will incur a registration fee and are encouraged to pre-register to avoid the check-in line.

Parking is free.

Will I need cash for the gift basket raffle, Big Dog tix?

In addition to cash, credit card, Venmo and Paypal is accepted. Big Dog tickets are $5 each.

Can businesses participate?

Absolutely! Whether as a sponsor or vendor, this event will allow businesses to market their product or service to 5,000+ attendees. Vendors are businesses of less than 5 employees.

Vendor Application
Sponsorship Application

This event is a wonderful opportunity to promote community engagement and volunteerism. For more information, email events@friendsofbcas.org

5k

What is included in registration?

All runners/walkers receive a standard cotton logo t-shirt and bib. For those who raise $100, a performance style dri-fit shirt will be earned. $250 in fundraising earns the fundraiser a performance style dri-fit shirt, two tickets to beer garden AND a special gift (TBD).

Is the trail paved?

The timed off road 5K course winds through a wooded trail and registrants have the option of either running or walking. For those who prefer a shorter route, we have a fun trail one mile option separate from the main 5K course. All race participants have the option to run/walk with their dog or cat in stroller.

Are runners with dogs and without dogs running at the same time?

Runners without dogs will kick off the race. Shortly following will be runners with dogs, followed by walkers with and without dogs.

Can kids participate?

Most certainly. Any child under 9 years of age, can walk with their family without registering. Children between 10 and 18 years of age must register as a ‘youth” participant.

Will medals be awarded?

The top three finishers in each age group category will be awarded. Medal will also be given out for overall male and female finisher, including with dog or cat.