Rancho Santa Fe, Calif. (Aug. 28, 2025) – It’s almost here! Throughout the summer, top surf-dog contenders and aspirational groMUTTS have been gearing up to compete at the longest-running surf dog competition in the country. Now surFURs can hardly wait to fetch a wave at the ultimate summer-closer. Helen Woodward Animal Center’s 20th annual Surf Dog Surf-a-Thon, presented by Blue Buffalo, dives into action at Dog Beach Del Mar on Sunday, September 7th, 2025, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. PST.
PHOTOS OF 2024 SURF DOG SURF-A-THON AVAILABLE HERE: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/18N4LGe1jw3IaXMnVppRf2H1T1l4n_Lsv?usp=sharing
The temperatures will stay hot to close out the dog-days of summer and so will the competition out on the waves. Helen Woodward Animal Center’s Surf Dog Surf-a-Thon was the first-of-its-kind, turning ‘dogs on surfboards’ into a platform to raise life-saving funds and remind the world that “man’s best friend” can do phenomenal things. In addition to the joy and amazing athleticism of the event, Helen Woodward Animal Center’s Surf Dog Surf-a-Thon is the only one of its kind where 100% of the proceeds go directly to supporting orphan pets and programs.
Del Mar Dog Beach is the place to be to witness the cutest surf competition of the year. Hoping to join a coveted list of “Top Surf Dogs,” approximately 50 surfing dogs will compete in 10-minute heats. SurFURs will show off their skills before a panel of judges consisting of surf pros and aficionados. Canines will be judged on the length of their ride, wave technique, and enthusiasm and confidence on the board. First, second, and third place winners will be awarded for each weight class – with first-place winners moving on to the finals to compete for the barking title – Best-In-Surf. For those who want to share the board with their friend, or show off a special trick or costume, a unique freestyle surf contest will award points for creativity! (Prizes provided by Helen Woodward Animal Center and Blue Buffalo.
“There’s a reason this is one of our most popular events of the year,” said Center Special Events Manager Eva Lagudi-Devereux. “There’s so much love on the beach. The love these pet parents have for their dogs, and the joy these dogs experience doing something they adore with their owners, reminds us all that pets do really enhance our lives.
Attendees will not want to miss other family-friendly activities happening during the event, including live beach tunes; the crowd-pleasing Canine Costume Contest; a FREE special Kid’s Activity area – with crafts and games; the BARKet Place featuring a variety of pet-focused exhibitor booths; a free agility course for dogs, sponsored by San Diego Pet Training; a special ceremony to recognize a Surf Dog legend and fundraiser; and the exciting awards ceremony!
For singles who love the beach and their pups, dating app Hily will be on-site, throwing a special Meet-Up during the event. Single men and women are invited to the Hily booth to grab a “My Mom/Dad is Single” bandana for their dogs to wear. Then Hily will encourage unattached dog-owners to meet-and-greet with fun activities throughout the day!
Registration is still available for surf-loving canines to enter the surf and freestyle contests. 100% of the proceeds from the event support the life-saving work at Helen Woodward Animal Center. Top fundraising pooches not only get to help orphan pets, they will also win outstanding prizes.
The 20th Annual Surf Dog Surf-A-Thon is free to attend. Parking will be available at the corner of Border Avenue / Via De La Valle and Hwy. 101 / Camino Del Mar for a $25 donation.
If you can’t make it to the beach, tune-in to watch the “Best in Surf” Heat of Surf Dog Surf-A-Thon at 12:40 PM PST on Facebook by heading to https://www.facebook.com/surfdogsurfathon/
For more information or to register head to https://animalcenter.org/surf-dog-surf-a-thon/ or call 858-756-4117 ext. 362.
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About Helen Woodward Animal Center
Helen Woodward Animal Center is a private, non-profit organization where “people help animals and animals help people.” Founded in 1972 in Rancho Santa Fe, Calif., the Center provides services for more than 90,000 people and more than 10,000 animals annually through adoptions, educational and therapeutic programs both onsite and throughout the community. Helen Woodward Animal Center is also the creator of the International Home 4 the Holidays pet adoption drive, the International Remember Me Thursday® campaign and The Business of Saving Lives Workshops, teaching the business of saving lives to animal welfare leaders from around the world. For more information, go to: https://animalcenter.org.
