The 11th annual pet-friendly 5k Fun Run and Walk, hosted by the Humane Society of the Palouse, is being held Saturday.

The race starts at 9 a.m.  Saturday at the Moscow Intermodal Transit Center and will follow Paradise Path.

Online registration is open until Friday, but in-person registration will begin at 8 a.m. Saturday. T-shirts are guaranteed for people who register online. 

Lauren Green, Humane Society of the Palouse Public Relations Manager, said the 5k is a good opportunity for local pet owners to get to know each other and get outside, and hopefully enjoy the sun if the weather permits while supporting a cause they care about. 

“We see a lot of pet owners every year,” Green said. “Everybody who shows up [is] all about the animals, so you know that you’re with a good group of people and it’s just a lot of fun for everybody who shows up.”

Emily Spellman, Humane Society of the Palouse board member, said she has been working with the 5k since it first started. She helps with setup, registration and handing out shirts, then once the runners leave, she sets up snacks and cheers them on when they finish. 

The Humane Society puts on multiple events where animals are not permitted, but the 5k is one where animals are allowed to attend, so people have the opportunity to bring their dogs and meet other people and pets, Spellman said. 

“Everybody’s happy. We have a lot of walkers that come with their groups of friends and kids,” she said. “I just like the community that it builds.”

Green said last year, about 80 people showed up to the 5k, and she is hoping to see about 100 people this year. 

“Last year was in the pouring down rain, which we didn’t expect, so I thought that was a pretty good turnout for the weather,” she said. “We have about 55 signed up [this year] so we’re definitely hoping to see a bigger turnout, especially if the weather agrees with us.”

There is a $20 registration fee for the 5k, and every dollar spent will directly benefit the Humane Society, Green said. 

The Humane Society has been working with some sponsors for the race, some who will be on the site handing out merchandise to people, Green said. 

There are also some prizes for the dogs that come in first, second and third place from Hyerspud Sports in Moscow, who are one of the sponsors, she said. 

“One of the ways they’re supporting the event is by ensuring that all of our winning pups can have something fun to take home with them,” she said. 

Spellman said every dog receives a bandana when they complete the race, and alongside the snack table for the people who attend, they put out bowls of treats for dogs to help themselves.