20TH ANNUAL SURF DOG SURF-A-THON IS READY TO MAKE A SPLASH

Helen Woodward Animal Center's Most PAWsome Fundraiser Makes Waves for Orphan Pets 

RANCHO SANTA FE, Calif., Sept. 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Surf's PUP! The highly-anticipated, longest-running, doggie surf competition is back on the beach, raising life-saving funds for orphan pets at Helen Woodward Animal Center. This morning, SurFURS and gromMUTTs are set to dive into action and fetch top dog honors at the ultimate summer-closer. Over 50 surfing dogs are expected TODAY, Sunday, Sept. 7, 2025 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. PST at Del Mar Dog Beach for Helen Woodward Animal Center's 20th annual Surf Dog Surf-a-Thon presented by Blue Buffalo. 

The sun is shining for a FURocious surf competition on the west-coast 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 reminding the world that "man's best friend" can do phenomenal things. In addition to the joy and amazing athleticism of the event, the 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. 

Hoping to join a coveted list of "Top Surf Dogs," the surfing canines will compete in 10-minute heats. SurFURs will show off their skills before a panel of judges consisting of surf pros and aficionados. Furry comPETitors will be judged on the length of their ride, wave technique, enthusiasm and confidence on the board.  First, second, and third place winners will be awarded for each weight class and the first-place winners will move on to the finals – Best-In-Surf. 

The day will also include a separate Freestyle Surf Contest where points are awarded for creativity. Two crowd-favorite categories return, including Duos & Trios – with two, or even three dogs on a single surf board, and the Peeps & Pups Tandem Competition – where dogs and their favorite humans will catch PAWty waves together.

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 recognizing Surf Dog legends Cherie the Surfing Frenchie and Derby California; and the exciting awards ceremony! 

Helen Woodward Animal Center's Surf Dog Surf-a-Thon is especially unique because it highlights adoption, with all proceeds from the event supporting the life-saving work at Helen Woodward Animal Center. Top surfing and fundraising pooches will not only win outstanding prizes, they will be a part of helping orphan pets, as well.

Portions of today's Surf Dog Surf-A-Thon competition (including the "Best in Surf" Heat at 12:40 PM PST) will be streamed live on https://www.facebook.com/surfdogsurfathon/.

For more information on Helen Woodward Animal Center's Surf Dog Surf-A-Thon, visit https://animalcenter.org/surf-dog-surf-a-thon/ or call 858-756-4117.

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:  www.animalcenter.org.

SOURCE Helen Woodward Animal Center