“One of the things I love most about this event is that you absolutely don’t need to be a runner—or even have a dog—to have a great time,” said Julie Nakahara, Pasadena Humane’s Director of Partnerships & Events.
The nonprofit said it has added mobile QR-code registration for day-of participants, expanded overflow parking in Lot K, and increased on-site support — including additional Animal Control Officers — for an event that drew close to 2,000 participants in 2025.
Proceeds support the organization’s animal ICU, foster care, kitten nursery, wildlife rehabilitation, pet food pantry, and Helping Paws pet owner assistance program, according to a fact sheet provided by Pasadena Humane.
Check-in opens at 8 a.m. at Brookside Park, 360 N. Arroyo Blvd. Participants pick up T-shirts and bibs, and the vendor marketplace opens with local businesses and pet brands, according to Nakahara. Pasadena’s School of Rock performs live before the 9 a.m. start.
At 9 a.m., walkers and runners start down the course and choose between a 1-mile and a 5K route. “Whether you’re walking, running, or just strolling with your dog, it’s such a special feeling to be surrounded by a sea of people and pups all coming together for the same cause,” Nakahara said.
Pasadena Police K-9 demonstrations are scheduled for 9:40 a.m., according to Nakahara. At 10:30 a.m., President and CEO Chris Ramon is scheduled to address attendees, the event will recognize its top fundraisers, and the Doggy Costume Contest will be hosted by “The Price Is Right” personality George Gray and KFI morning show host Amy King, Nakahara said.
Post-walk activities include food trucks, adoptable dogs, photo ops, a “Sit, Stay, Play!” Training Park with an agility course, and a chance to spin The Price Is Right wheel.
Nakahara said attendees without dogs have a full morning of options.
“You can spend the morning exploring our Vendor Marketplace, discovering local businesses, enjoying samples and giveaways, and learning more about Pasadena Humane through our program booths,” she said, adding that free portraits, a green carpet photo moment, a photo booth and face painting for children are also planned.
The event has a connection to Altadena’s continuing recovery from the January 2025 Eaton Fire. This year’s event T-shirt features Bootsie, a dog that came to Pasadena Humane as a stray after the fire and was later adopted by an Altadena family, according to a column published by Pasadena Humane. Pasadena Humane, which was founded in 1903, assisted more than 1,500 animals during the Eaton Fire response, according to the organization.
Registration is $50 through noon Friday, April 17, and $65 at Brookside Park on the day of the event, according to NBC Los Angeles. Registration information is available at wigglewagglewalk.org. The City of Glendale added the walk to its municipal calendar on March 31, and Pasadena Media featured the event on its weekly update broadcast on April 9, according to Pasadena Humane’s fact sheet. KFI AM 640’s “Wake Up Call” program has assembled a fundraising team for this year’s walk.
“We’re offering a mobile registration option so day-of participants can sign up quickly by scanning a QR code and head straight to pick-up their t-shirts, dog bandanas, and bib,” Nakahara said.
Nakahara said the organization designs the walk with first-time guests in mind. “We really think about this event through the lens of a first-time guest,” she said. “We want it to feel easy, welcoming, and fun from the moment you arrive.”
Pasadena Humane’s 27th annual walk on April 6, 2025 drew nearly 2,000 people and raised $350,904.96 in pre-event fundraising before the event started, according to KTLA.
“I hope families walk away realizing that Pasadena Humane is so much more than a shelter—we’re here for the entire community,” Nakahara said.
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