Join us in celebrating over 30 years of transforming our community, one tail wag at a time! BARK is Anti-Cruelty’s largest fundraising event to help shelter, feed, and care for more than 20,000 animals this year
Register here!
The Event
Anti-Cruelty’s annual BARK is Chicago’s oldest dog-friendly, outdoor fundraiser for the whole family! This year, more than 1,200 dog lovers, canine companions, and people who want to help animals in need will raise $250,000 to support Anti-Cruelty’s mission to build a healthy and happy community where pets and people thrive together. We welcome all animal owners and enthusiasts including Anti-Cruelty adopters, foster families, supporters, and friends of all ages in celebrating our 126-year history and community of caring.
In the months leading up to the Pooch Party, participants form their team and raise money, gathering friends and funds to reach their goals – all culminating in a festival to celebrate everyone’s fundraising achievements! The big event begins with a 2-mile walk followed by the best pup party in town with food, beverages, music, family activities, and dog-friendly demonstrations.
The Date/Time
May 31, 2025
9 AM - 1 PM
The Place
Lincoln Park Grove 2
The Party
After the walk, pups and their people can participate in a variety of fun activities including dog-friendly demonstrations, canine agility courses, pet-focused giveaways, carnival games, and family-friendly crafts. A variety of free food and beverages will be offered to attendees, humans and pups alike!
The Participation
All attendees join as fundraisers, with your $50 ticket included in your campaign total! Whether with a team or solo, you'll use the weeks leading up to BARK to connect with your community and ask for support - all funds raised will go directly towards helping our shelter animals. Plus, the more you raise, the more you win - folks who achieve certain levels and become our Top Dogs will not only take home some amazing BARK prizes, but have the chance to be an exclusive VIP (Very Important Pet-Lover) on event day!
Want to be a big part of BARK? We're currently looking for event sponsors and Barketplace vendors! If you're interested in participating at BARK, please view either the Sponsorship or Vendor page.
Register here!
Questions? Ideas?
Email us at BARK@anticruelty.org