Presented by Avion Law on November 7
Dog-friendly 5K and festival will benefit Shelter to Soldier’s lifesaving programs for veterans and rescue dogs
Shelter to Soldier will host its 3rd annual Salute to Paws 5K & Gratitude Festival for Dogs presented by Avion Law on Saturday, November 7, at Fox Point Farms (1200 Fox Point Farms Lane, Encinitas, CA 92024). This one-of-a-kind, family- and dog-friendly event will bring together runners, dog lovers, military supporters, and community members for a morning of fitness, gratitude, and fun, while raising funds to support Shelter to Soldier’s mission of “Saving Lives, Two at a Time.”
The event will begin with a scenic 5K run/walk through Fox Point Farms and surrounding Encinitas trails. Registration opens at 8 a.m., followed by an all-levels yoga flow at 8:45 a.m. and 5K kickoff at 9:30 am. Leashed, social dogs are welcome to participate alongside their owners, with water and shade available on site.
After crossing the finish line, participants and their pups are invited to stay for the Gratitude Festival for Dogs from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., a celebration of the special bond between humans and their four-legged companions. As Southern California’s only Gratitude Festival for Dogs, the event offers a day of fun, connection, and appreciation for the dogs who bring so much joy and purpose to our lives. Guests will enjoy live music, farm-fresh pizza, street-style tacos, beer and Tito’s Handmade Vodka cocktails, along with a silent auction, local vendors and sponsor activations. Visitors can also meet adoptable dogs from Thrive Animal Rescue and learn more about giving a rescue dog a loving forever home.
The event is made possible through the generous support of Presenting Sponsor Avion Law; Tail Waggers Sponsors Griffin Funding and UNITE Hair, proud sponsor of the Doggy Spa; Happy Pups Sponsors Sycuan Casino Resort and Tito’s Handmade Vodka, proud sponsor of Pupchella; Zoomies Sponsor Furvor Field; and Sponsor a Mile partner Embrace Pet Insurance.
This family-friendly, fun-filled event aims to raise funds for Shelter to Soldier’s life-changing programs, which rescue dogs from local shelters and train them to become service animals for post-9/11 veterans suffering from PTSD, Traumatic Brain Injury, Military Sexual Trauma, and other injuries associated with traumatic service experiences.
Pricing begins at $50 for adult 5K runner/walker registration, $25 for children 12 and under, and $10 to add a dog to a 5K registration. A $25 Gratitude Festival-only ticket is also available for those who want to attend the celebration without participating in the 5K.
For an elevated experience, guests can add the $50 VIP Experience, which includes access to the Paw Party featuring beautifully styled, low-profile picnic lounges designed for guests to relax alongside their pups, small bites, libations for humans and broth for pups, exclusive photo opportunities, and a VIP gift.
Tickets and sponsorship opportunities are available now. Visit bit.ly/SaluteToPaws3 for more information.
About Shelter to Soldier: Shelter to Soldier is dedicated to Saving Lives, Two at a Time by rescuing dogs from local shelters and preparing them for lives of purpose, service, and companionship. Through our flagship Psychiatric Service Dog Program, we pair highly trained rescue dogs with post-9/11 veterans facing the challenges of invisible wounds. Our Emotional Support Animal Program, Canine Ambassadors Therapy Dog Team, Morale Dog Program, community outreach initiatives, and educational services further extend the healing power of the human-animal bond throughout military and first responder communities. Together, these programs create meaningful connections that foster resilience, improve quality of life, strengthen families, and provide renewed purpose for both the people and dogs we serve. For more information, please visit https://www.sheltertosoldier.org/.
